By SEMA News Editors
The organization's renewed mission will be led by a new leadership team and supported through updated membership levels for industry stakeholders.
The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) has announced its relaunch following its acquisition by SEMA with an expanded advocacy strategy, enhanced research capabilities and a renewed commitment to coalition-based action to protect the future of the off-road industry and enthusiast community.
With a focus on powersports and dirt bikes, as well as trucks and SUVs, ORBA's core mission--to serve as the off-road business community's leading advocate on issues affecting access, recreation, and responsible land use--remains unchanged. What is new is a more rigorous, data-driven approach that includes regional economic impact reports, consumer research and deeper collaboration across the outdoor recreation ecosystem.
"No single organization can achieve our advocacy goals alone," said ORBA leadership. "The future of off-road access depends on strong coalitions, shared expertise, and coordinated action. We are always stronger together. Thank you to all who have taken the time to provide us important guidance and insights as we developed the future of ORBA, including many members of SEMA's TORA community and local and regional OHV advocates."
By combining SEMA's government affairs expertise and storytelling capabilities, and the reach of the enthusiast-driven SEMA Action grassroots network, ORBA will support and strengthen the work of nonprofit partners operating at the local, state and regional levels. These organizations bring critical on-the-ground expertise that is essential to ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the off-road community.
As ORBA enters a new chapter, the organization remains focused on advancing its mission through strong advocacy, collaboration, and responsible stewardship of public lands. Sean P. Holman has been named interim executive director and Laura Butcher as legislative director. Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA SVP of Public and Government Affairs, will continue to lead the organization's strategy implementation. Fred Wiley will retire from his role with ORBA, marking the conclusion of his tenure with the organization. Wiley played a significant role in ORBA's history and development, and we thank him for his years of service and dedication to the off-road business community.
What's Ahead for ORBA
As part of its relaunch, ORBA outlined several priority initiatives already underway:
Protecting Access to Public Lands
ORBA will continue to monitor and provide formal comments on administrative, state, and federal actions that impact access to public lands. Current efforts include ongoing engagement related to the Western Mojave (WEMO) plan, Johnson Valley, and Moab's Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan, with additional projects expected in the months ahead. Additionally, ORBA will increase its work educating legislative staffers, political appointees, and other policy-related organizations about the threat to public lands access and the economic impact trail closures would have on the U.S. economy and, importantly, U.S. automotive manufacturing.
Supporting Federal Legislation That Preserves Motorized Access to Outdoor Spaces
ORBA has joined other partners in support of the federal Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act (S. 2968), the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (H.R. 7979), and expanded funding for the Recreational Trails Program. Advancing these legislative efforts will be among the key priorities during SEMA's upcoming Washington Rally in Washington, D.C.
Continuing the EcoLogic Partners Collaboration
ORBA will maintain its partnership with EcoLogic Partners – a coalition that includes ORBA, American Motorcyclist Association District 37, and the American Sand Association – to challenge actions that threaten access to public lands. Most recently, SEMA and EcoLogic Partners jointly funded successful litigation against the California Coastal Commission's attempt to close OHV access at Oceano Dunes.
Launching Regional Economic Impact Reports
While national data demonstrates the economic significance of outdoor recreation, ORBA is focused on arming policymakers and the off-road community with localized data. The organization plans to complete four regional economic impact reports across geographically diverse areas of the United States in 2026 and 2027, highlighting the off-road industry's role as a critical economic driver in local communities.
Expanding Coalitions and Partnerships
ORBA does not exist to replace the work of other organizations in the off-road community. Instead, ORBA's role is to support, amplify, and collaborate – whether through joint legislative initiatives, shared advocacy efforts, or by working with business members to educate customers and vendors about emerging threats and opportunities from government and special interest actions. ORBA will also strategically align efforts with SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) council.
Stewardship and Education
Land stewardship and driver education are foundational to the long-term health and credibility of the off-road recreation community. Responsible use of public lands protects the environments that make off-roading possible, helps preserve access for future generations, and demonstrates to land managers and policymakers that enthusiasts are committed partners – not adversaries – in conservation. Driver education plays a critical role by teaching best practices such as staying on designated trails, minimizing resource damage, respecting wildlife and other users, and understanding local rules and conditions.
Together, stewardship and education reduce conflicts, prevent closures driven by misuse, and strengthen the community's voice when advocating for continued access. Simply put, protecting the land and educating those who enjoy it are essential to keeping off-road recreation sustainable, respected, and accessible.
Looking Forward
With new tools, deeper partnerships, and a renewed focus on collaboration, ORBA is positioning itself to be a more effective advocate for businesses, enthusiasts, and the lands that make off-road recreation possible.
Upgraded Membership Benefits
Government affairs and advocacy remain the core competency of ORBA and a significant reason for business members to invest. We have upgraded the membership benefits to include regular communications, sponsored brand content across ORBA and SEMA Action Network digital channels and access to consumer research tools, and more.
You can learn more about the updated membership levels at www.offroadbusiness.org/membership.
About the ORBA Leadership Team
Karen Bailey-Chapman - SEMA Senior Vice President, Public and Government Affairs
SEMA Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman oversees all government affairs efforts for SEMA and PRI and leads programs related to legislation, regulations and government policies on issues affecting emission regulations, consumer choice, business opportunities, and more. Bailey-Chapman is passionate about exploring off-road spaces, often in her easily identifiable yellow Jeep, "Bananana."
Sean P. Holman - Interim Executive Director
Sean P. Holman is a longtime automotive enthusiast and veteran off-road journalist who worked for Motor Trend Group for nearly 20 years, eventually overseeing content for the company's Truck & Off-Road Group as its group content director. Holman is president of the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, as well as co-creator and host of The Truck Show Podcast with Holman.
Laura Butcher - Legislative Director
Laura Butcher has worn many hats in the off-road community, including as owner/CEO of VORRA (Valley Off-Road Racing Association), program manager for Tread Lightly!, executive director of Farmy's Off-Road Park and board member for the Nevada Off-road Association. Butcher is a 2024 inductee in the Off-road Motorsports Hall of Fame, a testament to her lengthy career as an industry advocate and enthusiast.
Image Courtesy of Shutterstock | Reinhardt and Co
