The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lee Davis as its new Executive Director, effective January 7, 2026.
Lee brings more than two decades of experience advancing outdoor recreation, education, workforce development, and public access to the outdoors through nonprofit leadership, coalition building, philanthropy, and public policy. His career spans executive leadership roles within membership-based organizations, higher education, and national outdoor advocacy efforts, with a consistent focus on strengthening organizations that sit at the intersection of outdoor recreation, education, and community development. “On behalf of the Board, we’re excited to welcome Lee to the AORE,” said AORE Board Chair, Morgan Costello. “Lee brings deep experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a strong commitment to AORE’s mission and community.” Lee succeeds Jeannette Stawski, AORE’s first Executive Director, whose strong leadership helped advance AORE’s programs and partnerships over the last 14 years. “Serving as AORE’s Executive Director has been one of the great honors of my career,” said Jeannette Stawski. “Lee and I have known each other and worked together for years. I’m excited to see the organization continue to grow under Lee’s leadership.” “I’m thrilled to step into this role, to support and represent AORE’s dedicated members, and to work to advance AORE’s mission.” said Lee Davis. “AORE holds an incredibly unique position nationally, being in direct contact with University professionals and students who work in the Outdoor Industry or aspire to do so.”
Lee has held senior leadership roles with organizations including the Mazamas and Oregon State University, where he founded and led the Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy. He has worked closely with state and federal land management agencies, outdoor industry partners like the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, foundations, and national coalitions to advance workforce development, and equitable access to the outdoors.
Jessica Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, welcomed the announcement, noting Davis’s long-standing leadership within the broader outdoor recreation ecosystem. “Lee is a thoughtful, strategic leader who uniquely bridges public policy, nonprofit leadership, and the needs of outdoor professionals on the ground. His experience and strong ties to the outdoor industry will serve AORE and its members well during this important moment.”
Lee will work closely with the Board and Staff to ensure a strong leadership transition and looks forward to connecting with AORE’s members, partners, donors, and students in the year ahead and at the upcoming 2026 Outdoor Professional Conference, scheduled for November 17-20, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. AORE invites its community to join in welcoming Lee and to stay engaged as the organization enters an exciting new chapter.
ABOUT AORE
The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing outdoor recreation and education through professional development, research, and collaboration. AORE serves educators, students, institutions, and practitioners working to connect people to the outdoors and to prepare the next generation of outdoor professionals. For more information, visit www.aore.org.
