Fred Ferguson Joins ORR Board to Bridge Transportation and Outdoor Access
New board addition aims to expand equitable, sustainable access to public lands through group travel innovation
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) has announced the appointment of Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), to its Board of Directors — a move that strengthens the strategic relationship between group travel and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
Ferguson brings nearly two decades of experience in public lands policy, transportation, and tourism, and is a longtime advocate for connecting people to public lands through sustainable, equitable infrastructure. His leadership at ABA has helped elevate motorcoach travel — the most fuel-efficient mode of transportation in the U.S. — as a vital access point for outdoor experiences, especially for rural communities, youth groups, and underserved populations.
“It’s an honor to join the ORR Board,” said Ferguson. “Outdoor recreation and group travel go hand in hand. By aligning these two industries, we can expand access to the outdoors in smarter, more sustainable ways — and create new opportunities for the communities we serve.”
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for ORR, as the organization accelerates its “Race to 25” initiative — a nationwide push to ensure that every state has a dedicated Office of Outdoor Recreation by the end of 2025. Ferguson’s insight into state and federal policy will support ORR’s growing footprint and help strengthen the intersection of transportation, public lands, and economic development.
“Fred brings a valuable perspective to our board,” said Jessica Turner, President of ORR. “His experience in both public policy and transportation will help us advance our mission to make outdoor recreation more accessible and better connected to the people and places that need it most.”
Ferguson joins newly elected Board Chair Glenn Hughes, President & CEO of the American Sportfishing Association, and Vice Chair Christy LaCurelle, President & CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council, as part of ORR’s expanded leadership team.
The move signals a broader recognition that mobility and access are key to the future of outdoor recreation — and that transportation leaders like Ferguson are essential partners in ensuring that national parks, forests, waterways, and trail systems remain open and welcoming to all.
About the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR)
ORR is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations and represents more than 110,000 businesses in the recreation economy. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, outdoor recreation generates $1.2 trillion in economic output and supports over 5 million American jobs — accounting for 2.3% of the nation’s GDP.
