About us
Delivering a new kind of workforce development
Oregon State University’s Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy meets the unique needs of the booming outdoor industry by pioneering in workforce development through:
The Center is powered by the resources of an R1 research university and deep ties to outdoor recreation policy makers and industry leaders across the country.
Our work is driven by industry, and we seek to create workforce solutions for state and federal agencies, manufacturers, retailers and businesses large and small, and non-profit partners.
Our values
Everything we do is grounded in the practical needs of our industry partners and the learners we serve. We look for gaps to fill, weak links to strengthen and opportunities to identify, and we deliver the skills and applied knowledge needed to move the industry forward.
The outdoor recreation industry is changing fast. It’s becoming more dynamic, technologically advanced and customer-centric. In light of that, we build change into everything we do: embracing innovation and experimentation and equipping learners to thrive for years to come.
The outdoors are for everyone, so we seek out opportunities to make the industry more welcoming to all people, especially members of underrepresented populations. We do the work to ensure that the pipelines and pathways we support result in a more diverse and equitable workforce.
Spending time outdoors makes people healthier and happier. It deepens their connections to each other, to their communities and to this beautiful world. Outdoor recreation makes life better for everyone, so a thriving outdoor recreation industry has benefits that extend far beyond its contribution to the GDP. That’s our big picture. That’s why we’re here.
The outdoor recreation industry is uniquely entrepreneurial, with thousands of independent businesses serving the market in distinct ways that reflect the character of their communities. We connect the dots. Providing thought leadership and a core curriculum to make the industry as a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Meet the team
Kate Porsche
Director
Kate (she/her) serves as the Director for CORE focusing on creating workforce solutions for the industry. Prior to OSU she served for almost two decades for the cities of Albany, Redmond, and Corvallis in community, economic, and workforce development, working to create transformative and outside-the-box public-private partnerships.
Kate holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from OSU, is a native Oregonian, and rehabilitates historic homes in her free time.
Kate is a champion of projects and businesses with a passion for community development.
Daniel Powers
Associate Director of Learning Design
Daniel (he/him) manages the creative process from concept to completion for all of the Center’s programs and research products. He specializes in designing innovative, multimedia experiences that increase user engagement and end-product effectiveness.
He is highly skilled in developing e-learning and other online assets ranging from content, media and video production to dashboards, toolkits and online professional education courses. He holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University, and a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
In his free time, Daniel is a music composer and producer, sound engineer, playwright, and artist. He lives with his wife and son, and a small farm of animals on Vashon Island, in the middle of Puget Sound, Washington.
Nikki Cook
Assistant Director of Industry Engagement
As the Assistant Director of Industry Engagement, Nikki (she/they) supports CORE in the pursuit of genuine connection with the outdoor industry and its many communities.
Growing up in rural Washington, she is most at home on a horse in the forest with her dog. Living and working in Portland, she enjoys rivers, games and music. Nikki holds a B.A. in sociology and a B.A. in communication studies from Central Washington University.
Nikki is passionate about creating increased access to better jobs and contributing to making the outdoors more inclusive and welcoming.
Christina DeArment
Senior Marketing Manager of External Relations
Christina (she/her) is responsible for CORE’s marketing and communications. That includes working on the website, publishing communications and supporting events behind the scenes.
Christina received her B.S. in Marketing with minors in Community Service Studies and Spanish from DePaul University. She has experience in B2B marketing strategy development, project management and creative problem solving.
Christina enjoys camping, hiking, white water rafting and skiing around Oregon with her husband, son and labradoodle.
