America Outdoors announced the appointment of Aaron Bannon as the organization’s new executive director effective November 1, 2019. Bannon will lead the association in advocacy, education and collaboration for the outfitting industry.
Bannon comes to the association from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where he has dedicated 13 years, most recently as the environmental stewardship and sustainability director. Before that, he spent 10 years in conservation advocacy, working as a media officer in Washington, DC, as a wilderness advocate in Sheridan, Wyo., and as a conservation consultant in San Francisco. Bannon has been a member of the America Outdoors Board of Directors for the past eight years. He also serves on the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission.
Bannon will be taking over the leadership role for Julie Kahlfeldt after her three and a half years leading the association. “I want to thank Julie for her invaluable help getting us through a period of transition with enthusiasm, professionalism and new ideas,” said AO Board of Directors president Brian Campbell. “She helped streamline our back-office operations, moving to a virtual office arrangement and has put together an amazing team.”
“My tenure with AO has been a wonderful experience for me personally and professionally. Never has a whitewater raft trip been part of my interview experience! It was so much fun working with an industry that truly cares about protecting the outdoors and helping the public experience our wild spaces. I am thrilled to have been part of some tremendous growth in AO and I know it is poised to prosper.” Kahlfeldt shared. “I wish Aaron all the best as he takes on this new adventure.” ffff
