A former Western Colorado resident with experience in conservation and government relations has been selected to lead efforts promoting the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado.

Conor Hall was named director of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, part of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

“Outdoor recreation is not only a key pillar of Colorado’s economy, but also a major contributor to our quality of life, mental health and physical health,” Hall said. “I am thrilled to join OEDIT and partner with Colorado communities and our world-class business and (non-governmental organization) leadership. Together, we will support, attract and expand our outdoor recreation industry to promote sustainable economic growth and expand equitable access while prioritizing our shared goals of clean air, clean water and the protection of public lands.”

Hall succeeds Nathan Fey, who resigned to become director of land and water programs with the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation based in Colorado.

Patrick Meyers, executive director of OEDIT, praised the selection. “Conor brings a wealth of knowledge in the outdoor space, government relations and consensus-building and community development, all of which will be vitally important over the next several years as OEDIT works to deploy the $9.7 million (Economic Development Administration) grant that the OREC and tourism office received. This is an important component as we help rebuild the outdoor industry that was so adversely affected by the pandemic.” 

Hall previously worked for the Trust for Public Land as director of conservation strategies, policy, advocacy and government relations for the Intermountain West. His efforts led to the allocation of more than
$2 billion in public funding for land and water conservation and access to nature. He also served as vice president of the Trust for Public Land Action Fund, a nonprofit affiliate supporting the work.

Before that, he served as a senior advisor on climate and conservation with Michael Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign and as a senior advisor to then Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Hall holds a degree in political science and government from Earlham College in Indiana.

Hall grew up in Crestone and spent his summers on a cattle ranch.

Carlos Fernandez, state director of the Nature Conservancy and a  member of the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council, also hailed the selection. “Conor Hall is well-respected for his commitment to the outdoor recreation industry and conservation. At TNC, we have had the pleasure of working with Conor for many years during his time with the Hickenlooper administration as well at the Trust for Public Land on several projects, including the creation of Fishers Peak State Park. Conor’s background and passion for people and the outdoors make him an ideal candidate to take on this leadership role.”

Meyers said other priorities for Hall and the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office include working with industry partners on the future of the outdoor retailer show and its success in Colorado, the implementation of the revised Grow Your Outdoor Recreation Industry program through the Rural Technical Assistance Program and ensuring the sustainable and thoughtful growth in the use of outdoor recreation assets. 

By one estimate, the Colorado outdoor recreation industry accounted in 2020 for $9.6 billion in consumer spending and 120,000 direct jobs. 

Hall is an outdoorsman who likes hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and snowboarding.

He is a cancer survivor who serves on the non-profit First Descents alumni advisory board and mentors other young people coping with cancer. He also serves as a national board member for the
anti-bullying nonprofit Stand for Courage and is a 2019 McKinsey Academy leadership fellow.