Libby Hutchinson is the director of corporate communications for REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), the nation’s largest member-owned cooperative.  She oversees the teams that manage employee communications, executive communications, public relations, media relations, corporate events and issues management.    

Based outside of Seattle, Washington, REI has been named to FORTUNE’S Best Companies to Work For every year since the inception of the list.  REI is committed to sustainability and has been honored by a distinguished group of organizations for its efforts to lower the co-op’s carbon footprint and lead the outdoor industry in bringing eco-friendly products and apparel to consumers. 

Libby joined the co-op in September 2008 after a 12-year career with Washington Mutual.  At the time she left WaMu, Libby was senior vice president, public relations.  While there, she created the company’s first issues management team and designed its issues process.  

Hutchinson currently serves as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Issues Management Council.  In 2005, WaMu was the recipient of the prestigious W. Howard Chase award from the IMC for excellence in issue management. 

Hutchinson joined Washington Mutual in 1996, at the beginning of the company’s exponential growth through many acquisitions and rapid new market expansion.  Prior to leading the issues management team, she wrote the company’s earnings releases and managed investor communications and was responsible for pitching and placing a slew of top tier media stories including a positive front-page story in The Wall Street Journal.  She also wrote the chairman’s speeches and presentations. 

Several years ago, Libby led the team that won a coveted Silver Anvil award – the highest national honor of the Public Relations Society of America.  In 2002, she was selected for the company’s STAR Award, presented annually to top performers.  She earned her “APR” designation from the Public Relations Society of America in 1988. 

Libby is a proud graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Communications.  She loves Husky Football, her family, Sounders FC and the REI employee discount – not necessarily in that order.  In her free time, Libby competes in triathlons and plays soccer.  She enjoys a variety of snow sports and water activities.