GRANITE OUTDOOR ALLIANCE APPOINTS FOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Outdoor business alliance welcomes new board members to boost the growth of New Hampshire's outdoor recreation economy.

August 2, 2024; Conway NH: Granite Outdoor Alliance (GOA), a coalition of over 120 New Hampshire outdoor businesses, nonprofits and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to building the outdoor economy, recently appointed four new members to its Board of Directors. GOA’s Board guides the membership-based organization with strategic planning efforts to support the outdoor industry, focusing on responsible, sustainable economic growth and increasing access to New Hampshire’s rich natural amenities.

“As Granite Outdoor enters a new stage of progression, our freshman board members bring a wealth of experience that will help us enhance New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation economy and its outdoor-centric communities,” said Tyler Ray, GOA Founder and Outdoor Director. “Outdoor recreation generates $3.3 billion in value and employs over 31,000 people in New Hampshire. The outdoor industry is poised to play a significant role in sustainable growth for a state that needs to attract a younger workforce and protect its invaluable lands and waters.”

Incoming members of GOA’s Board have skills in the private and public sectors spanning a variety of industries, including climate studies, real estate, finance, higher education, and economic development. Their dedication to GOA’s mission will inform all decisions around the organization’s services, programs, and events, including the ROCKTOBERFEST outdoor festival coming up on September 28, 2024, at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, NH.

Learn about the new Board members below: 

Kyla Brustin (she/her/hers) is the North & Central Regional Director of New Hampshire Small Business Development Center. She has dedicated her career to the growth of small businesses. Before joining the NH SBDC in 2022, Kyla launched and successfully expanded a vacation rental management company, which she sold to a national brand. She is proud to play a role in helping the economy of the White Mountains by strengthening the local business community and working with economic development partners.

Jada Lindblom, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) is a Community and Economic Development Field Specialist for University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, based in Belknap County, and is affiliated faculty in UNH’s Recreation Management and Policy Department. Jada’s work focuses on tourism and outdoor recreation development with attention to resident quality of life and sustainability. Previously, she has worked in nonprofit management, outdoor guiding, environmental education, and hospitality.

Dr. Elizabeth A Burakowski (she/her/hers) is a Research Faculty member in the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space and Affiliate faculty in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Hampshire. Burakowski’s research focuses on winter climate change in the northeastern United States, including what changes we've seen in the past, what we can expect for the future, and the impacts on outdoor recreation communities.

Ryan Flynn (he/him/his) is a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual and Adjunct Professor of Professional Sales & Marketing at Southern New Hampshire University. Flynn previously served as Director of Global Sales for Ingik Outdoors and Global Sales Manager for Johnson Outdoors, where he pioneered global sales development, launch, and management for Jetboil, Eureka!, Old Town Canoe and Kayak, and Ocean Kayak.

The four new members join GOA’s current Board of Directors:

·      Board President Scott Crowder, Co-Founder of Oxters, Commissioner & Founder of Pond Hockey Classic

·      Rudy Glocker, Founder of Burgeon Outdoor

·      Sarah Lawhead, VP of Product Management and Innovation at Gathr Outdoors

·      Jessyca Keeler, President of Ski New Hampshire

·      Chris Thayer, Director of Government Contracts & Partner Relations at Appalachian Mountain Club

·      Ericka Canales, Executive Director of the Coös Economic Development Corporation

·      Chet Clem, President of Lyme Properties

·      Samantha Rokos, Brand Engagement Manager at NEMO Equipment

·      Charyl Reardon, President at White Mountains Attractions Association