Former Patagonia CEO Casey Sheahan, has been appointed senior adviser for Backbone Media, a Colorado-based public-relations agency.

Sheahan resides in Carbondale and stepped down as chief executive of the outdoor-clothing company in February after eight years in the position. At the time, he expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, enjoy the area’s opportunities for outdoor recreation and lend his assistance to the Thompson Divide Coalition.

Prior to Patagonia, Sheahan served as president of Kelty Inc. He also was involved with marketing for Nike ACG and Merrell Footwear.

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Backbone Media operates offices in Carbondale, Denver, and Jackson, Wyo., and primarily deals in media and public relations related to outdoor recreation. The position of “senior adviser” is new for the company.

“Casey has been a pioneer and a respected leader in the active-lifestyle market for over 30 years,” said Backbone Media managing partner Nate Simmons. “We’re looking forward to incorporating his intimate knowledge and experience into our strategy discussions with both new and existing clients.”

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Sheehan is likewise enthusiastic.

“I am excited to join Backbone in a role that allows me to work with the clients they represent, both the large established brands and the small startups,” he said. “Backbone is a talented and vibrant agency that’s doing a lot of progressive work, and I’m happy to be on the team.”