The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is pleased to announce that Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), has been elected as Chair of ORR’s Board of Directors. Hughes brings more than 35 years of experience in the fishing and boating industry and has been a tireless advocate for clean water, abundant fisheries, outdoor access, and growing participation in outdoor recreation.
ORR also announces the election of Christy LaCurelle, Motorcycle Industry Council President and CEO, as Vice Chair, and welcomes Fred Ferguson, American Bus Association President and CEO, to the Board.
Jessica Turner, President of ORR, elevated the announcement, stating: “Glenn Hughes is a dedicated leader whose deep experience in outdoor recreation, strong advocacy for America’s anglers and boaters, and commitment to collaboration make him the ideal chair for ORR’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Christy’s and Fred’s expertise will strengthen our impact in advancing outdoor access and growing the outdoor recreation economy for the benefit of all Americans–especially in rural communities. And on behalf of the entire ORR community, I want to thank immediate past Board Chair Frank Hugelmeyer for his outstanding leadership and service. His steady hand and vision helped solidify ORR’s role as the leading national coalition of outdoor recreation associations and businesses driving this $1.2 trillion-dollar industry during a pivotal time.”
Glenn Hughes, new ORR Board Chair and President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) stated, “I’m humbled and honored to be elected Board Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and look forward to working with so many smart and talented individuals from across the outdoor recreation industry to advance our shared goals. I’d also like to thank Frank Hugelmeyer for his leadership as Chair over the past four years. Frank, Jess Turner and the entire team at ORR have done an outstanding job carrying out the mission of the organization and I’m excited to continue supporting their efforts.”
Frank Hugelmeyer, past ORR Board Chair and President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) stated, “The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable has firmly established itself as the leading coalition for the outdoor recreation industry across the U.S., representing the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. Over the past four years, we set an aggressive agenda and achieved milestones that benefit millions of Americans who love the outdoors. From passing transformative legislation like the Great American Outdoors Act and the EXPLORE Act, to doubling the number of state recreation offices, ORR has shown what’s possible when our diverse industry speaks with one voice. Glenn Hughes has been a dedicated partner since ORR’s inception, and there’s no one better suited to guide the coalition forward. I look forward to seeing ORR’s impact grow under Glenn’s leadership. I also want to thank Jessica Turner, ORR’s President, whose determination and vision have been instrumental in strengthening the coalition and advancing its mission.”
Christy LaCurelle, new ORR Board Vice Chair and President and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council stated, “It’s a privilege to serve as Vice Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Board of Directors, and I am grateful to be elected to the role. The outdoor recreation industry has shown that it can achieve great things when we work together, and I’m excited to work with Glenn, the board, Jess, and the ORR staff to strengthen our coalition, help grow the outdoor recreation industry, and make public lands and waters more accessible and more enjoyable for all Americans.”
Fred Ferguson, new ORR Board Member and President and CEO of the American Bus Association stated: “It’s an honor to join the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Board of Directors. This appointment creates an opportunity to bring together two vital industries — outdoor recreation and group travel — to get more people into the outdoors efficiently and sustainably. I’m excited to bring nearly two decades of public lands policy experience to this effort, connecting people with places in new ways and forging partnerships that drive growth for our member companies and the communities they serve.”
BACKGROUND:
Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) bio:
Glenn has been in the role since 2018 after serving as VP of Industry Relations at ASA for the previous five years. He is a 35-plus year fishing and boating industry veteran with a background in media, having previously worked as the Group Publisher of the Bonnier Marine Group, overseeing publications like Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Marlin, Yachting, Boating and more. He is dedicated to protecting the future of recreational fishing and advocating for policies that support clean water, abundant fisheries, access to fish, a strong trade policy, and increasing participation in fishing. In addition to ORR, Glenn serves on several boards, including the Center for Sportfishing Policy, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. A graduate of Penn State University and a Philadelphia native, Glenn works in ASA’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA and resides with his wife in Annapolis, MD.
Christy LaCurelle, President and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council bio:
Christy LaCurelle is President and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. The associations represent the $51 billion powersports industry and its enthusiasts through advocacy work, research, education and safety programs, and public outreach. While LaCurelle has decades of experience working with the powersports industry, she is also an avid cyclist and has worked with several companies in the bicycling industry. LaCurelle has also served on multiple nonprofit boards, including PeopleForBikes, the Kurt Caselli Foundation, and the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association.
Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA) bio:
Fred Ferguson is President & CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), where he serves as the chief spokesperson and advocate for the $90 billion group travel industry. Motorcoaches — the most sustainable form of mass transportation — play a vital role in connecting millions of travelers to national parks, public lands, and cultural destinations. Previously, Ferguson was on Vista Outdoor’s executive management team, where he directed public affairs for more than a dozen M&A transactions totaling $3 billion and testified before Congress on outdoor recreation, conservation funding, and policies affecting Vista’s 42 outdoor brands. Earlier, he served as Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, managing two Full Committee Chairmanship campaigns and authoring 19 laws, many rooted in the House Natural Resources Committee. Ferguson holds two master’s degrees, including an MBA from Oklahoma State University.
ABOUT ORR
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP), 5 million jobs and comprises 3.1% of U.S. employees.
