More information about the REI Board
Board election process
Every year, REI members have the opportunity to elect members to the board, each of whom is elected to a three-year term. Those members work with our president and CEO, along with our senior leadership team, to set the direction of the co-op—always centering our shared values.
Board directors know and cherish these values because they are, above all, members of the co-op just like you. Many of our directors have been REI members for over a decade. They are drawn to serving the co-op because they care deeply about its mission and purpose, and they are nominated for the unique abilities, skills, and diverse backgrounds that will steward it for years to come.
Board directors must have exceptional judgment and decision-making skills honed by proven business acumen. We look for candidates with relevant experience operating businesses of similar size and scale to REI; a demonstrated history of innovation and disruption in the consumer experience industry; and proven effectiveness as a board member.
Co-op members that would like to nominate themselves for board service may do so through our self-nomination process. All self-nominated candidates are considered during the selection process.
In years in which new members will be elected to the board, members may bring themselves to the attention of the Nominating and Governance Committee to be considered for board service during the self-nomination window.
- Nominee Criteria: Specific requirements for consideration will be posted by early Fall 2027.
- Nomination Forms: Forms for the 2027-2028 cycle will be posted by early Fall 2027. Candidates will need to complete and return the forms to board@rei.com by the close of the nomination period.
Contacting the board
If you’d like to nominate yourself for board service, please email board@rei.com.
You can also send letters to:
REI Board of Directors
1700 45th Street East, Suite 101
Sumner, WA 98390 |
REI Board Responsibilities
REI's board is legally responsible for the overall direction of the affairs and the performance of REI. The board carries out this legal responsibility by establishing broad policy and ensuring REI management is operating within the framework of these policy guidelines.
Specifically, the board selects the co-op's Chief Executive Officer and evaluates their performance; approves both annual and long-term business plans; approves budgets; monitors the organization’s performance; and determines the distribution of profits.
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