Smartwool announced new leadership at the end of last month with Jen McClaren stepping into the role of president after former company president Travis Campbell was promoted to vice president and general manager of The North Face, Americas.

It was exciting to learn that Smartwool had tapped a woman to lead the company. McClaren, who previously served as the company’s chief financial officer, becomes the first female to serve in that role since the company was purchased by VF Corp. in 2011. We think the fact that a woman will be running one of the country’s leading merino wool apparel companies is noteworthy and is a positive move for a progressive company.

The decision to promote from within is also encouraging and could be interpreted as a symbol of the company’s commitment to its Steamboat Springs roots. Outdoor retailers are a key component of Steamboat Springs’ economy, and it’s been great to see companies like Smartwool, Big Agnes, Moots and Hala Gear, which were all born here, decide to stay here and grow.

Read more at The Steamboat Pilot & Today.