The Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC) announced the addition of five new board members to its board of directors in January 2025. Nominations for board members were overseen by the Board Development Committee and the Audit Committee. Voting members included PTC associate members, sales representative members, brand members, and retailer/outfitter members.
Since its start in 2023 the PTC has maintained eleven board members—welcoming the five newest members brings the total to fifteen board members.
“The PTC Board is fortunate to have the dedicated contribution of these paddlesports industry retailers and brand leaders. Entering our second year, the PTC needs the support and passionate drive from all our members, including our solid and committed fifteen-member board of directors,” shared Executive Director Jeff Turner.
New PTC Board Members for 2025
Lili Colby — Industry and Non-Profits Relations Lead at Mustang Survival
The PTC welcomed new Board Member Lili Colby, the Industry and Non-Profits Relations Lead at Mustang Survival. Colby brings 30 years of experience in paddlesports to the PTC. Deeply involved in the industry throughout both its highs and lows, Colby’s previous experience also includes work at Mad River Canoe and co-owning MTA Adventurewear before joining the Mustang Survival team in 2020.
Bryan Owen — Astral Designs
New PTC Board Member Bryan Owen comes to the PTC with two decades of experience in the paddlesports industry. He was formerly a retailer at 3 Rivers and CKS and has worked with Astral Designs since 2007. Owen currently works as the Sales Manager at Astral Designs. Additionally, Owen comes with experience with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and brings both business skills and industry connections to the PTC.
Matt Gerhardt — 4Corners Riversports
With 20 years of experience in paddlesports retail, Matt Gehardt comes to the PTC Board as a key leader at 4Corners Riversports in Durango, CO. Gerhardt sees PTC as a tool to strengthen the paddlesports community and is excited to be involved. Gerhard’s previous experience includes sales, purchasing, marketing and web development.
Jon Kahn —Confluence Kayak & Ski
The PTC also welcomed new Board Member Jon Kahn, a current leader at Confluence Kayak & Ski and CKS Online. Kahn comes to the PTC with 30 years of experience in specialty paddlesports retail and is passionate about shaping the paddlesports industry’s future. Kahn states he believes it’s time to return the industry to those who live and breathe paddlesports.
Scott Holley — President of Eddyline Kayaks
New PTC Board Member Scott Holley has played a pivotal role in the paddlesports industry both in his role as the President of Eddyline Kayaks since 2017 and in his commitment to innovation, quality, and community in paddlesports. Holley has already been instrumental in the PTC as a co-founder. Additionally, Holley served as an interim Vice Chair on the initial Board of Directors for the PTC.
The Future of the PTC
In 2025, the goals of the PTC are to create industry initiatives that promote the strength of the paddlesports industry and to continue to engage in initiatives that promote access to paddlesports.
“The industry is looking ahead for the stability and growth that is due, and PTC is dedicated to creating collaborative, industry-building initiatives that will have a positive influence for us all,” Turner added of the organization’s next moves.
Turner also shared that initiatives on the docket for the remainder of Winter 2025 and into the paddling season include paddling participant building and engagement, paddling safety initiatives, data development around North American paddling industry sales and participation, monthly webinars, and the return of the PTC Colab event for 2025.
