The purpose of this study was to understand the contemporary issues, opportunities, and resource needs of U.S. outdoor recreation professionals. In Spring 2021, we conducted focus groups with members of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals and Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education. Iterative qualitative analysis of professionals' perspectives using both inductive and matrix coding yielded key themes including: 1) justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), 2) social-ecological health, 3) societal demand, 4) industry direction, and 5) professional identity. While certain themes (i.e., JEDI) existed in previous trends studies, others illustrate the relative novelty of professionals’ experiences of the outdoor recreation boom both pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In sum, we provide an inventory of current issues, opportunities, and resource needs for outdoor recreation professionals, which can inform future advocacy and planning by professional organizations. The overall development in the field of outdoor recreation will be influenced by the aspects: • Key issues will be 1) justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), 2) social-ecological health, 3) societal demand, 4) industry direction, and 5) professional identity. • JEDI was the most salient theme across organizational membership affiliation, indicating the importance of ongoing social justice efforts led by the outdoor recreation industry. • Participants' focus on the negative ecological health impacts and positive human health benefits stemming from outdoor recreation solidly situates the industry within One Health and other ongoing public health efforts. • In some cases, different needs exist across the supply and demand segments of the outdoor recreation profession, particularly related to professional identity and livable wages. • Workforce development opportunities include, but are not limited to, investment and training in community and stakeholder engagement through SCORP processes, planning for social media's influence of recreation resources, and additional human resources to adapt to surging demand.