REI, (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced the appointment of Stephen Lockhart, M.D., Ph.D., to fill an open position to the company’s board of directors.
Lockhart currently serves as an anesthesiologist and chief medical officer for Sutter Health’s East Bay Region in California, an affiliate of one of the largest health care associations in the nation. He recently participated in a 15- member volunteer surgical medical team that traveled to Haiti to care for earthquake victims, a trip conducted in partnership with Partners in Health. Prior to Sutter Health, Lockhart served as vice president and chief administrative officer at the St. Luke’s Hospital Campus of California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. He also previously served in the capacity of medical director of surgical services for California Pacific Medical Center.
“We are very fortunate to have Stephen join the board and look forward to his involvement and leadership on behalf of the co-op’s membership,” said Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO. “His business acumen, nonprofit involvement and commitment to the outdoors and co-op make him a welcome addition.”
An REI member since 1997, Lockhart resides in Oakland, Calif. and enjoys climbing, backpacking, running and cycling. He has a long-standing passion for the environment, education and mentorship of young people. In addition to the REI board of directors, he is chair of the board of directors of NatureBridge, an organization that provides environmental science education to 40,000 young people annually in the national parks. Additionally, in 2008 he was appointed as a commissioner on the National Parks Second Century Commission. This commission, which delivered its report to the Secretary of Interior last fall, was formed to develop a vision and action plan to support the National Parks through their centennial in 2016 and into their second century.
About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.