Changemakers and Trailblazers: Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

Advancing the Outdoor Professional

Join Jeannette Stawski as she chats with Chris Perkins to discuss the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its recent report on recreation funding. Chris emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreation for physical and mental health, community connection, and economic impact. The discussion covers the challenges faced in maintaining outdoor infrastructure, the significance of the funding report, and the various sources of funding for outdoor recreation. Chris also highlights the need for advocacy and action to ensure sustainable funding and access to outdoor spaces for all.

About Chris

Chris Perkins is Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy. This work focuses on rural economic development through outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation infrastructure, state outdoor recreation advocacy, the outdoor recreation workforce, and building a more inclusive outdoor recreation community. Chris received a Masters in Environmental Management and Masters in Business Administration at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) and Yale School of Management (SOM). Chris has also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Chris supports Founder Teresa Baker on the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge (“The Pledge”), a commitment for outdoor businesses and organizations to improve DEI efforts. The Pledge now has over 180 corporate and nonprofit partners. He lives in Jackson, WY with his wife Sheldon, kids Silas and Molly, and dog Tilley.

Resources

• Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
• Future of Recreation Funding in America
• About the EXPLORE Act
• Advancing the Ourdoor Professional podcast with Paul Sanford on the EXPLORE Act