BOD Spotlight

On November 7th, 2022, openings were posted for the Board Member at Large and the Social Media Director positions. We received an overwhelming response of applications from individuals willing to join the Board of Directors and volunteer their time to help the organization further the mission of securing and protecting open, public access to rock climbing in the Red River Gorge. After many interviews and difficult decisions, we are pleased to welcome the newest RRGCC Board Members!

Amber Garvey

Amber is originally from Nashville, Indiana (beautiful Brown County), and is a proud Indiana University graduate. Professionally, Amber has successfully managed comprehensive projects in a variety of industries from education, to music, to fine art. Since 2010, she's led work with KERTIS, a Louisville based creative agency committed to telling the stories of people, organizations, and brands that make our communities more livable, equitable, and interesting. Amber was informally introduced to climbing as a kid, scrambling around boulders, and admiring the clifflines of Jackson Falls in Southern Illinois, and then formally in 1996 at the original Hoosier Heights warehouse in Bloomington. For three years, she enjoyed climbing at Smith Rock while living in Bend, OR - then moving to Louisville and becoming an avid Rocksport & RRG climber. She successfully converted her musician husband into the sport and together they get their kids to the Red as often as possible. Son Cohen can now say he's been climbing since was 3, and it's no exaggeration! She and Zack (husband) hope to own property in the Red someday soon, to be active stewards in the way the RRGCC models, and to enjoy the overall beauty of the area.

 

Brian Ogawa

Brian started climbing as a way to stay active and meet new friends during summer internships in New York throughout college. After quickly falling in love with both the activity and climbing community, Brian began climbing at one of Cincinnati's local climbing gyms while finishing his degree at Xavier University, often taking weekend trips to the Red. If you met Brian on the street, he would likely tell you he works at a climbing gym before telling you about his day job as a community builder and real estate development professional. Brian understands the intricacies and importance of access, land ownership, and community stewardship and hopes to use his skill set to expand climbing opportunities. When he isn't climbing at the Red, you can find Brian behind the front desk at Climb Time. Don't be afraid to say hello.

 

 

Cat Runner

Standing at a staggering 5ft, Cat took up rock climbing to see the world from a higher vantage point. When he's not dangling from a rope, Cat spends his time taking pretty pictures, cuddling with his pup, and working to make the climbing community a safer and more inclusive environment. In 2022, he founded the Queer Climber's Network which focuses on helping queer climbers connect with each other, instructors, educational programs, and professionals within the climbing industry. He currently resides on Cherokee and Shawnee land.

 

 

 

Curtis Rogers

Curtis lives in Lexington, Kentucky and has been hiking and camping in the Red since he was old enough to walk. He started climbing in 2022 with his daughter and he was quickly hooked to not only the sport, but the community climbing offers. Curtis is passionate about helping youth access the outdoors and has been involved with the RRGCC’s Climb L8 program, as well as with Red Oaks Forest School which offers outdoor educational programs in the Red and around Kentucky. Curtis has an MA in International Diplomacy and Commerce, as well as an MBA, both from the University of Kentucky. Curtis enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible with his partner, Danielle, and their two children, Ben and Eva. The Red is a place that Curtis and his family love, and he looks forward to working with the RRGCC to preserve it for future generations.