PORTLAND — Maine Outdoor Brands, the statewide coalition dedicated to strengthening Maine’s outdoor economy, announced the launch of its Student Advisory Board, a collaborative group uniting post-secondary students across Maine who are passionate about pursuing careers in the outdoor recreation industry.
The MOB Student Advisory Board will serve as a bridge between Maine’s next generation of leaders and the state’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy. Members will act as ambassadors for their schools and communities, while advising Maine Outdoor Brands on initiatives that support education, workforce development, and broader engagement with young people. The creation of this new, student-led advisory board aligns with Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, a strategic plan that identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable growth and diversification of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.
“Our goal is to not only provide students with a voice in shaping the future of Maine’s outdoor industry, but also to give them valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow within this thriving sector,” said Brian Threlkeld, membership director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “The MOB Student Advisory Board represents the next wave of talent that will keep Maine at the forefront of outdoor innovation and stewardship.”
In its inaugural year, the Student Advisory Board is composed of eight students from across the state, all enrolled in outdoor-specific degree programs such as Outdoor Business Innovation, Outdoor Leadership and Outdoor Recreation Business Administration. The board includes Ashly Emerson, Husson University; Emma Wallace, Washington County Community College; Brendan Curley, University of New England; Skye Cotnoir, University of Maine at Farmington; Patrick McKenney, University of Maine at Farmington; Emily Kidd, University of Maine; Bence Rosenberg, University of Maine; and Ava Richardson, University of New England.
The 2025 Workforce Needs and Assessment Survey revealed 43% of employers in Maine report being understaffed, and 57% expect to increase hiring over the next four years. The creation of the Student Advisory Board will serve as a tool that inspires more young people to pursue careers in outdoor recreation — strengthening both Maine’s economy and its reputation as a national leader in outdoor innovation.
“While the industry needs cross-sector solutions to tackle housing, raise general awareness, and build stronger pathways from school to first jobs to career, the launch of the Student Advisory Board is a first line of offense to integrate student voices into MOB’s advocacy and workforce development initiatives,” continued Threlkeld.
The formation of the board was funded in part by one of 29 grants awarded throughout Maine by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation as part of the Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance Program’s competitive grants. CORA is funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation State Grant to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing these sectors.
For more information about Maine Outdoor Brands or its workforce initiatives, including its job board, visit maineoutdoorbrands.com.
Formed in 2017, Maine Outdoor Brands works to unite and provide a voice for Maine’s outdoor industry in order to strengthen Maine’s outdoor recreation brand and economy. MOB has more than 200 members and is committed to seeing Maine-based outdoor product, service, and retail brands thrive. To learn more and see brands involved visit maineoutdoorbrands.com.