[ad_1]
“], “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, ao-button”} }”>
Do you want to walk out the door? Read this article to learn about the new Outside+ app available on iOS devices for members. >”,”name”:”in-content-cta”,”type”:”link”}}”>Download the app.
After a rigorous national search, the Access Fund’s Board of Directors has selected Heather Thorne as the organization’s newest Executive Director. She will replace Chris Winter, who will step down in 2023 after completing her five-year term.
Access Fund’s Board of Directors and executive search firm Cohen-Taylor evaluated more than 100 highly qualified candidates over the past seven months in their search for a new leader.
“We are excited to have Heather join the Access Fund leadership team,” said Access Fund Board Chair Hilary Harris. “Heather has consistently impressed our recruiting committee and we can’t wait for climbers across the country to meet her.”
Thorne has decades of experience as a strategic and collaborative leader, including building and managing large teams at Google and serving as vice president of the nonprofit Grameen Foundation. She is well-positioned to expand the reach of her fund as it navigates the sport’s unprecedented growth while remaining focused on the organization’s core mission.
“I have been an avid Access Fund supporter since our team partnered with the Washington Climbers Coalition to save the Rocks in my hometown of Index, Washington, 14 years ago,” Thorne says. “Our work is more important than ever as climbers across the country face increasing threats to sustainable climbing access, and the landscape itself is under pressure.”

“We are grateful that Access Fund’s strong leadership team and dedicated staff are ready to help Heather succeed in her new role,” Harris said. “We are at an inflection point in our efforts to ensure sustainable access for current and future climbers, and I am confident that Heather brings a unique skillset to our organization to help us navigate the challenges ahead. .”
An avid climber and lover of wild places, Thorne started climbing in the mid-’90s and fell in love with the long, multi-pitch routes of splitter crack. From the alpine crags of the North Her Cascades to the walls of Yosemite, the canyons of Red Her Rock and the rugged walls of Eld, Thorne loves finding great climbing in beautiful natural settings and exploring new destinations across the country. We are eager to meet climbers at .

“I am honored and incredibly excited to bring my professional experience and passion for mountaineering, conservation, and community together to support the Access Fund’s mission,” says Thorne. “Whether you’ve been an Access Fund member for years, haven’t been in a while, or are just starting out, we’re here for you. Our Staff, Donors , our incredible team of partners, are committed to ensuring that climbers across America can enjoy the beautiful mountaineering landscapes that inspire us all for generations to come.”
Ms Thorne has already become acquainted with the Access Fund team and her first official day is February 12th. The Access Fund would like to thank Eric Murdoch, Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs, for his outstanding leadership as Interim Executive Director during the past eight policy-focused months. A stage for the climbing community. Eric’s dedication to his climbing community cannot be overstated.
access fund is a national advocacy organization that guides and inspires the climbing community towards sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund works on behalf of more than 8 million climbers across the country to fight for land protection and conservation, sustainable access, and to build a community of inspired advocates. For more information, visit accessfund.org.
[ad_2]
Source link