Who We Are

Matt Lyon is the President of HydraPak LLC, an Oakland-based manufacturer of outdoor hydration products since 2001.  He was one of the founding members of CORP in 2017.  

"I believe there is a need for our industry to organize and be represented within California, and this is a chance for me to personally contribute to the industry that has given so much support to us over the years."

Scott Ammons is the Director of Recreation at the Catalina Conservancy, where he leads and manages the Conservancy's visitor centers and recreation hubs and curate retail spaces, Visitor Experience team, a team of Rangers, as well as risk management, emergency response, and visitor safety. Previously, Scott was the REI Outdoor Programs and Experience Manager for Southern California for over 18 years. In that role he produces outdoor experiences and events, builds community, grows strategic partnerships, supports open space and advocates for outdoor participation for all. He is a former guide and outdoor educator.

"For large portions of California—both rural and urban—there is a real lack of access to parks and open spaces. We know parks produce important social and community benefits—they make neighborhoods more livable and create opportunities for recreation like walking, biking, connecting with nature. It can really boost the quality of life to have access to open spaces, green spaces or parks in your local community. I joined CORP to help increase access and grow outdoor participation throughout the state".

Danica Carey is the Director of Marketing Operations at Seirus Innovative Accessories, a family run company based in San Diego manufacturing cold weather protection for your head, hands and feet. In this role she has helped the brand develop and launch products that bring technical gear to any type of outdoor enthusiast. Her lifetime in the outdoors has been mirrored by a longstanding passion for traditional sports which took her to the University of Nebraska for her collegiate soccer career. Having always been a sports & outdoor enthusiast, she continues to pursue that passion through soccer, ranching, skiing and just about everything in between.

“California has so much to offer us in the outdoors, from the western coastline to the eastern deserts and the mountains and forests in between, there is so much room to play and explore a diverse range of activities and landscapes. Mountains, open land and sea are all within hours of each other. It is such a unique resource that we need to actively maintain and advocate for.”

Kenji Haroutunian is an independent agent for change focused on events and the great outdoors experience.  Kenji’s acumen for business comes from 33-years in outdoor org management and teaching outdoor skills (including advanced climbing and wilderness navigation courses) during/after completing his Geography/Environmental Policy degree at UCLA. In 1999 he began working for Outdoor Retailer, building an authentic brand story and growing the business into one of the premier b2b shows in the world. In 2011 he was elevated to Vice President for Nielsen Expo, directing the Outdoor Sports group. Kenji has spearheaded industry-focused programs, like FundSource OR, the Project OR design competition, Green Steps, The OR Virtual Design Center, Backcountry Base Camp, and the Business of Backcountry Forums, all of which help attract core athletes, media and designers to the show and adds to the bottom line. A 2010 Access Fund ‘Sharp End’ awardee, Kenji serves on the Board of Directors of the Access Fund, is President Emeritus of the Friends Of Joshua Tree and is a founding director of TeccSociety, an events-industry technology organization.

Steve McCann is the Director of Marketing at Toad&Co, a Santa Barbara, California-based down to earth apparel company focused on making quality cross functional clothing. Toad&Co believes that their clothing company won't singlehandedly change the world, but bringing together enough people who want to make a difference can and that is exactly what Steve is doing on our Board of Directors. Steve also serves on the Outdoor Industry Association Recreation Advisory Council. Outside of office hours, Steve spend his time with his family, teaching his kids to ski, bike, and camp.

Cassandra Prenn-Vasilakis began her career in wilderness restoration and political organizing, and has worked as an outdoor guide and educator in California, Minnesota, and Vermont. She is currently the Senior Manager for Government and Community Relations at Hipcamp, a California-based company that partners with rural communities and private landowners to fund conservation with outdoor recreation, drive economic development, and expand access to the outdoors.

"California’s natural beauty draws people in — to live, work, and play — and its natural resources are the foundation upon which our outdoor recreation industry is built. I look forward to working with CORP to invest in and grow California’s thriving outdoor industry, to ensure stewardship of its incredible outdoor spaces, and to expand access to recreation opportunities throughout the state."

 

Yvonne Leow is the CEO of Bewilder, an outdoor education company based in Los Angeles. She also serves as an advisory board member for Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's Together Outdoors Initiative. In 2022, she participated in REI's inaugural Embark program for outdoor founders of color. In a previous chapter, she was an editor at The Associated Press, Vox.com, and the former president of the Asian American Journalists Association.

"California is not only my home state, but it's also where I fell in love with nature. It's an honor to be working in the outdoor industry to promote environmental education and equitable access for all."

 

Amy Betts is the Store Manager at REI Co-op’s Roseville, California location. The specialty outdoor retailer is a mission-driven organization, dedicated to connecting every person to the power of the outdoors and engaging them in the fight to protect it. Amy eagerly pursues opportunities for advocacy and community involvement in and around the state capital and is currently enrolled in the Master of Law program at McGeorge School of Law. Having lived and traveled for over twenty years in Europe and the Middle East, she now enjoys recreating in her home state, practicing her hobbies of hiking, paddleboarding and yoga.

"The natural treasures offered by our beautiful state of California are known throughout the world, as is our economy and the policies we are governed by. It is important for partners in the outdoor industry to work together to encourage stewardship of the land, responsible recreation opportunities, and access to outdoor spaces for all. The benefits of these efforts reach far beyond the borders of our own state, they allow us to contribute to the health and well-being of the global community at large."

 

Will Decker has spent the last 20 years as a Silicon Valley founder, investor and advisor focused on outdoor rec, circular economy, consumer, food and agriculture. He has had 9 unicorns in his portfolio and programs and is currently leading industry partnerships at StartX, an angel investor and advisor for several startups including GOES Health and a mentor in various programs including Stanford's Doerr School of Sustainability and Techstars San Francisco. Previously, he led Commerce & Media investing and corporate programs at Plug and Play where he was also a founding partner of the Future Commerce Fund. He has a BA in Mathematics from UC Berkeley and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

"As a native Californian with a background in startups and venture capital, I’ve always believed in the power of innovation to drive meaningful change. Our outdoor spaces are among the greatest assets we have—not just for recreation, but for wellbeing, community, and inspiration. I’m passionate about protecting these places while also embracing the role technology can play in making the outdoors more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone."

 

Geneviève Marchand is a multipotentialite, workforce development specialist, and college professor at Cal Poly Humboldt with over 20 years of experience building inclusive career pathways in the outdoor industry. She is passionate about helping people connect intentionally to the outdoors. She began her career leading outdoor education trips in California, Colorado, and Utah. Originally from Québec, Canada, Gen now leads outdoor development initiatives on the North Coast, partnering with local community groups and employers to expand training and careers—especially in underserved communities. In her current role, she also serves as the academic field trip risk management specialist on campus.

"I chose to join the board because I believe in the collective power of diverse ideas and actions. I am grateful to be able to work towards enhancing outdoor recreation access, economic development, and conservation of California."

 

Raechel Botts is the Director of Product Compliance at Columbia Sportswear Company, a leader in the global outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment industry with a mission to connect active people with their passions. Columbia Sportswear Company is made up of a family of brands, two of which are based in California: Mountain Hardwear in Richmond and prAna in Carlsbad.

"There are so many beautiful outdoor places and spaces in California, and beyond – a natural source of awe, inspiration and wonder for everyone. I look forward to working with CORP to promote outdoor recreation and stewardship to ensure future generations can enjoy an active life and the benefits of spending time outdoors."

 

Analise is the Associate Director of Policy at California Trout, California’s largest dedicated freshwater restoration non-profit organization. Based in Sacramento, Analise has worked in the conservation space for over 8 years. Analise is responsible for the development and implementation of CalTrout’s natural resource and water policy agenda in the California State Legislature. This includes supporting CalTrout’s organizational goals through regulatory and public funding advocacy, agency relationship building, partnership development and other policy-related objectives that add to CalTrout’s success. California’s Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot appointed Analise to serve on the 30x30 Partnership Coordinating Committee, where she has served since 2022. This group is tasked with helping the agency foster inclusive public communication and statewide coordination on the 30x30 effort.

"I joined the Board to lend my voice and policy experience to CORP’s vital mission of elevating the importance of outdoor recreation in the halls of our State Capitol. California is a biodiversity hotspot and a major outdoor recreation destination that everyone deserves to enjoy and have protected for generations to come."

Elliot Gault is the Senior Manager for Government Affairs at VF Corporation, an apparel, footwear, and equipment company, powering iconic active lifestyle brands including The North Face, Timberland, and Vans located in Costa Mesa California. VF creates products rooted in performance with elevated design and relentless innovation, while delivering sustainable and long-term value for the community.

“I am excited to be on the Board to lend my experience to CORP's mission of advocating the importance of the outdoor industry and the value it brings to the California economy. California has world class outdoor recreation that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”  

Lexie Gritlefeld has worked for California Outdoor Recreation Parntership since December 2019 and stepped into the Director role in January 2023. Lexie primarily works on advocacy communication strategies, membership recruitment and retention, and our policy and industry networking events. Lexie came to the outdoor industry after working in politics, government, and public affairs. While working in politics, Lexie discovered a passion for outdoor recreation and conservation policy and is very stoked to work on CORP's advocacy campaigns. Lexie is a graduate of University of California, Davis with a degree in Political Science and English and a minor in International & Global Studies. After hours, Lexie is passionate about alpine and backcountry skiing, trail running, and rock climbing.

"I was born and raised in California, so I've seen a big change in the outdoor recreation scene over the years. I look forward to seeing a more inclusive outdoor environment and increasing access responsibly to our public lands. My biggest motivation is that I believe the outdoors should be welcome for all to explore."