Susan Viscon

Susan is REI’s Chief New Ventures and Impact Officer leading teams across Business Development, Partnerships, Path Ahead Ventures, Sustainability, Governmental Affairs, Community Advocacy, REI’s public charity—REI Cooperative Action Fund—and she serves as the executive sponsor leading REI’s Impact Strategy.

Susan founded Path Ahead Ventures, which partners with and invests in founders of color to accelerate diversity and growth within REI and the outdoor industry, while creating connections to critical resources and communities.

In addition to her current role, Susan spent nearly eight years as REI’s Chief Merchandising Officer, overseeing the retailer’s gear and apparel assortment from more than 1,000 vendors. She led the award-winning in-house Co-op Brands label with global sourcing across 125 factories in 12 countries.

Susan has shaped many of REI’s value’s driven initiatives with her leadership behind REI’s nationally recognized and brand-defining #OptOutside and Force of Nature campaigns. She also initiated REIs first

Product Impact Standards, setting comprehensive sustainability requirements for all brands sold at REI.

She was named one of the “40 Under 40” influential leaders by Sporting Goods Business magazine. Susan currently holds board positions with the Outdoor Industry Association and Kaiser Permanente Washington, and previously chaired the board of Camber Outdoors.