At REI Co-op’s annual member meeting, the company announced the election of Rose Marcario, the former CEO of Patagonia, and Charles Sams, the former director of the National Park Service, to its board of directors. Additionally, Ted Philip was re-elected for another three-year term.

REI emphasized that the new board members bring a wealth of experience, shared values, and a strong commitment to the long-term success of the co-op.

Marcario, who is currently a partner at ReGen Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund focused on restoring climate, planetary, and human health, served as Patagonia’s CEO from 2014 to 2020. Sams, who served as the 19th director of the National Park Service, completed his term in 2025.

Philip, who was most recently the Chief Operating Officer of Partners in Health—a nonprofit dedicated to serving marginalized communities in countries like Haiti, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, and Lesotho—also has a diverse background in the retail, consumer products, and tech industries. He has been a member of REI’s board since 2018.

The rest of REI’s board includes Mary Beth Laughton, REI’s President and CEO; Chris Carr; Eric Sprunk; John Vandemore; Doug Mack; Patricia Lopez; and Lisa Bougie.

Media analysis

REI’s board restructuring with the inclusion of Marcario and Sams signals a clear strategic direction for the company, one focused on sustainability, conservation, and community service. Marcario’s expertise in corporate leadership, especially at Patagonia, a company known for its environmental advocacy, aligns with REI’s mission to promote sustainability. Sams, with his extensive background in national park stewardship, will likely bring a wealth of knowledge on environmental protection and public lands management to the board.

Philip’s re-election reflects his ongoing contributions to both nonprofit sectors and the global community, particularly his focus on underserved regions. His reappointment underlines the cooperative’s ongoing commitment to ethical and global-minded business practices.

This board reshuffle can be seen as a step towards strengthening REI’s leadership in both the outdoor industry and the global sustainability movement, bringing in leaders with a track record of environmental, social, and organizational leadership.