CU Boulder Masters of the Environment (MENV) Graduate and the Outdoor Recreation Economy Programs are pleased to welcome Luis Benitez for an Alumni Engagement Event on September 22 at eTown Hall in Boulder.

Luis Benitez is the Vice President of Government Affairs and Global Impact for VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands.

Their iconic brands include the Northface, Icebreaker, Smartwool – just to name a few. Open to current students and alumni, come listen to Luis’s insights on the outdoor industry and about his experience climbing Mount Everest.

From Everest to a senior executive – join us as we explore Luis Benitez’s exciting career in the ORE and how he, and many others, are leveraging the Outdoor Recreation Economy to do both well and good.

Appetizers will be provided by MENV alum Donna Merten, founder of FED Boulder. To learn more about Luis and to register for the event, click the link below. Space is limited, so register soon.

More on Luis...

Luis Benitez is the Vice President of Government Affairs and Global Impact for VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. Their iconic brands include the Northface, Icebreaker, Smartwool – just to name a few.

Luis’ early career was spent conducting mountaineering, climbing, and skiing courses for the international Outward Bound Schools which he advanced to becoming the Director of Operations and Chief Guide for Adventure Consultants, a Seven Summits guiding company based in New Zealand made famous via the book Into Thin Air.

Luis has led parties of climbers to the summit of some of Earth’s most imposing peaks. His first of six summits on Mount Everest was in 2001 with blind athlete Erik Weihenmayer, and Luis has guided on the other famed Seven Summits a total of 32 times.

From guiding and as a byproduct of that work, working with governments around the world, Luis pivoted to full time talent development work for the ski company Vail Resorts. He was also at that time elected to City Council in Eagle, Colorado serving as the youngest Councilman for the town.

Luis then came to VF from leading the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office for the state of Colorado via his appointment by then Governor Hickenlooper.

At the heart of his career, Luis has always focused on teaching as well as serving. Some of his most rewarding work has been to help create the nonprofit “Trekking For Kids”, which focuses on service based expeditions allowing participants to climb and trek while teaching them about local issues like housing and healthcare for orphans around the world. He has also worked closely with Warriors to Summits, a nonprofit focusing on serving returning Veterans by connecting them with the outdoors.

Luis believes that a major shift is taking place, one in which the outdoor industry will transform into a powerful force for economic development, conservation and stewardship, education and workforce development and the intersection between public health and wellness, and spending time outside.