REI Cooperative Action Fund names new chair, three new members to board of directors

SEATTLE – The REI Cooperative Action Fund is welcoming a new chair and three new members to its board of directors today: Ben Steele, Squire Simpson, Katie Kniffen and Chris Carr. The REI Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity that supports a growing nationwide network of nonprofit partners collectively creating a more equitable outdoors. While the REI Fund was founded by outdoor retailer REI Co-op, it is led by its own board of directors with the support of a dedicated staff and compensated community advisors.  

Ben Steele is executive vice president and chief customer officer at REI Co-op and will serve as the REI Fund’s board chair. In his role at REI, Steele helps shape the co-op's strategic direction and leads all aspects of its customer-facing business. Steele joined the REI Fund’s board of directors earlier this year. Steele is succeeding the REI Fund’s founding board chair, Wilma Wallace, who will continue to serve as a board member. 

Chris Carr will join the Fund’s board of directors in addition to his current role on REI Co-op’s board of directors. Carr is a retired executive vice president at Starbucks and former chief operating officer at Sweetgreen.  

Katie Kniffen is a store manager at REI Co-op’s Tustin, California location and will serve as a member on the REI Fund’s board of directors. Prior to her current role, Kniffen served as a sales specialist in the Atlanta market.  

Squire Simpson is a regional director of store operations for the Northwest and Alaska regions at REI Co-op and will serve as a member on the REI Fund’s board of directors. Simpson has nearly 30 years of retail experience and held various leadership roles at Lowe’s and Home Depot before joining REI. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Ben, Chris, Katie and Squire to their new roles on our board,” said Kristen Ragain, managing director of the REI Cooperative Action Fund. “They each bring unique perspectives and expertise that will help us further our mission improving the well-being of all people through time outside.” 

Later this month, the REI Fund will announce a new investment in more than 250 nonprofits as part of its biannual grantmaking. In May, the REI Fund invested $4 million in organizations collectively creating a more equitable outdoors.   

About the REI Cooperative Action Fund