Looking more into the REI Coop history

Navigating on Google I found 2 interesting pieces produced by for History Link.

Then I found this podcast about the launch of REI's living archives. The History Factory podcast of May 20 2025 is on Soundcloud. Still have to listen to the whole thing. I wonder if they would provide the missing info about how the bylaws were changed to create the coopt system that protects the board of directors from the members dissent.

Why do I doubt it. I'll try.


"In this podcast episode, we talk with Halley Knigge, REI’s divisional vice president of communications, and Will Dunn, Co-op Living Archive and impact communications program manager, on the creation of REI’s Living Archive and the impact of the collection. REI’s archives include company history and artifacts from the 1880s to the present day, serving as a portal for business units across the company to access historic gear, oral histories, and revolutionary product items. Since its launch in 2024, the archives have fostered employee engagement and inspired product design. Tune in to learn more about how the REI team aims to expand the internal reach and impact of the Living Archive.

Will Dunn (he/him) is REI’s co-op historian and manages the Co-op Living Archive, REI’s first archives intentionally structured as a blend of equal parts information and inspiration. His mission is to make REI’s story accessible while encouraging employees to embrace their part in writing its next chapter. In his free time, Will can be found outside scanning for birds. Linkedin 

Halley Knigge (she/her) serves as divisional vice president of communications for REI Co-op, leading the teams responsible for all internal and external communications, employee events and recognition, company archives and the co-op’s customer-facing inclusion work. She’s worked in a variety of industries, including aviation, healthcare, nonprofits, education and daily newspapers. She grew up on Mr. Rogers, so her No. 1 core value is to always be a helper, and she serves on the board of the Tacoma Urban League and Washington Trails Association. She lives and rabble-rouses in Tacoma, Washington, with her stay-at-home artist husband and second grader.

Googling Halley I just found she left REI  in october 2025. She joined BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union)

transcript of the podcast


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