REI Co-op Board of Directors Introduces New Members

The following is a message from REI Board of Directors Chair Chris Carr:

To my fellow co-op members,  

REI is deeply committed to listening to and learning from its members. The results of our member survey made one thing clear: staying true to our mission and values—inspiring and enabling life outside for all—is among your top priorities. 

The board of directors’ highest responsibility is to protect the long-term viability of the co-op and ensure we continue to meet your needs. In pursuit of that goal, we believe in assembling a qualified board that brings diverse expertise and lived experience to support the co-op’s growth.  

That’s why I’m proud to share that we’re seeking a director for the board who brings expertise in areas relating to our impact agenda.   

We’re looking for a visionary and values-driven leader with experience working with or within organizations in the $1+ billion revenue range. This person should have experience in protecting public lands, advancing equitable access to the outdoors, and/or guiding sustainability and climate initiatives in a business environment. This individual will also bring strong financial acumen and a proven ability to shape strategic programs that integrate mission with business realities. As a member of REI’s board, this leader will help oversee the co-op’s long-term vision while stewarding the business to sustainably fund and support its purpose. 

We’re inviting REI members with relevant expertise to nominate themselves for consideration. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the co-op and deepen our commitment to meaningful change. 

In addition, the board is welcoming three new members to serve the co-op by filling vacancies following the election held earlier this year. Each brings a deep connection to both the co-op and the outdoors on top of hands-on executive leadership experience running complex businesses that will be critical to our long-term success. 

• Lisa Bougie brings over three decades of executive merchandising and general management experience at industry-defining brands and retailers. She’s currently a venture partner, serves on multiple boards as an independent director, and works to advance climate and environmental concerns through her service on the NACD Climate Advisory Council and the Climate Governance Initiative. Lisa enjoys hiking in California’s Santa Ynez mountains and grows fruits, vegetables and flowers at home with the help of her own bee colony.  

• Eric Sprunk is a global consumer-retail industry leader with more than 30 years of experience. During his time as the chief operating officer at Nike, Eric oversaw the organization’s digital transformation, and its corporate responsibility and sustainability programs. He has also chaired a variety of fundraising efforts for charitable organizations, including Medical Teams International and Boys and Girls Club. His favorite place for outdoor adventure is Flathead Lake, Montana, where he enjoys wake surfing and e-foiling.  

• John Vandemore has more than 30 years of experience in finance across the retail, consumer goods, finance and entertainment industries. He also brings more than a decade of experience as a board member for both private and public companies. John is currently the chief financial officer of footwear and apparel manufacturer Skechers and is involved in an array of local community organizations supporting underserved children. He enjoys a wide array of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, and skiing the mountains of Utah.   

Each of these board members will be up for election in 2028. I’m so pleased to have each of them join the board and believe they’ll make valuable contributions as we continue to grow together. 

With gratitude,  

Chris Carr
Chair, REI Co-op Board of Directors 

About the REI Co-op