2026 AGM: Board Election Candidates
On February 12th we will hold our AGM and vote for our new board. To help inform your votes, all candidates have provided some information about themselves and why they want to be involved.
Leonardo Iezzi
(Currently a Board Associate)
Why are you interested to be on the SAS board?
I am already contributing to Squamish Access through ongoing work on visual communication. Joining the board aligns responsibility with that work and allows me to contribute at a strategic level, take accountability, and help shape long term direction.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
I value that climbing in Squamish is built on stewardship rather than assumption. Access here exists because of ongoing effort, coordination, and respect for the land and local community, and that foundation is what allows the area to evolve and grow responsibly
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I volunteer with Squamish Access as an associate for the past 2+ years, producing graphic design and helping refine the organization’s visual identity. My professional background is in visual design and problem solving, with a focus on clarity, consistency, and long term thinking
Greg Lindstrom
(Currently a Board Associate)
Why are you interested to be on the SAS board?
I have been a part of the Squamish climbing community for quite a few years and would like to contribute my skills to build upon the hard work of past and present members.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
Squamish has world class rock climbing and it has remained safe and accessible due to the hard work of SAS volunteers. We need to continue this invaluable work.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I've been a SAS associate for two years working with the membership and events committees. This previous year Eric Hughes and I undertook evaluating and then transitioning to a new membership CRM which had a substantial improvement on membership conversion and retention and solved administrative headaches. I am the point of contact for membership issues and also volunteer at SAS events. This year I plan to be pushing on our memberships goals and doing more SAS events.
Emma Davy
Why are you interested to be on the SAS board?
I am a long-time (or relatively long-time, 10 years!) Squamish resident, but newer to climbing (2.5 years). I care deeply for Squamish and the wellness of the community from an environmental and spiritual standpoint. Getting to be involved with climbing has provided me a tremendous amount - new adventures and view points, and new community of people, a sense of belonging, and an environment to improve and learn. I believe I have a valuable skill-set to give back to Squamish via the SAS and think there is value to having newer climbers along with those who are lifelong athletes, on the board.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
When I first started climbing, I had a friend tell me that his favourite part of the sport wasn't necessarily climbing but being at the crag with people. While I didn't totally understand that at the time, I understand that now. Climbing has provided and fostered friendships, introduced me to beautiful views and locales I would have never otherwise seen, and taught me the joy and responsibility of tying into a rope and trusting someone to keep you safe (and yourself to keep someone else safe). When I was recently injured at the gym, three people I had never met before held my hand, carried me downstairs, and waited with me for my friends. When I returned to climbing with a swollen ankle stuffed in a sneaker two months later, I saw them and they hugged me and welcomed me back and celebrated me being back on the wall. I believe this entire experience is representative of climbing in Squamish - good people doing something they care about surrounded by others doing the same.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I completed two degrees (a BSc and PhD), worked in higher education for 10 years, and now work as a Research Scientist at Carbon Engineering here in Squamish. I believe I have multiple skills I would bring to this board membership. I have volunteered for 15 + years with Scientists in the Schools and with Women in STEM initiatives. I am a strong technical writer and have applied for and received over 10 grants to support equity- and academic-related work totaling over $250,000. I have organized conferences and conference symposia for the last 7 years. I have training in designing and administering surveys and analyzing their outputs carefully. While at the University of British Columbia, I had a leadership role in engaging with Indigenous communities for education purposes for the Department of Chemistry. Beyond this, I have held various committee memberships and chairmanships and have managed budgets and served as a community liason for my institution. I am a skilled and organized multi-tasker and a long distance runner meaning I know the area and trails of Squamish and its surrounding geography well. I have extensive knowledge of the local climbing areas and continue to expand this knowledge as I approach different climbing areas and styles.
Jesse Godlington
Why are you interested to be on the SAS board?
I moved to Squamish to be close to climbing, and access to high-quality climbing areas is central to both my personal life and my professional work. Advocating for the long-term protection, stewardship, and responsible use of the places I climb and guide is very important to me. I see SAS as essential to maintaining that access, and I would like to contribute my time and experience to support that work.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
I value the proximity, quality, variety, and sheer volume of climbing available in Squamish. The accessibility of world-class climbing so close to town is unique. These opportunities exist because of the ongoing efforts of SAS and the broader climbing community, and I deeply appreciate the work that goes into preserving and improving these areas.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I am an ACMG Rock Guide and the founder of Squamish Climbing Academy, a youth-focused guiding and outdoor education organization based in Squamish. I have over 15 years of experience in outdoor education, guiding, and working with land managers, youth, families, and community partners. I am currently involved in route development and maintenance and hope to contribute more to local development projects in the future. I bring strong communication skills, practical on-the-ground climbing experience, and a community-oriented perspective that bridges recreation, education, and access stewardship.
Kushwant Bussawah
Why are you interested to be on the SAS board?
I've been a member of the climbing community for around 10 years now, and a Squamish one for about 6. Over the years I have seen SAS grow into a more action focused society and I want to be part of it, and give back to my community by advocating for our sport and passion. I have also seen major growth in our sport and I believe that having some more diversity at the board level would also promote the organization and it's goals.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
Squamish climbing is a good mix of the wild west and regulations-based. We have one of the best views in the country almost anywhere and we are part of the fabric of the community.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I have volunteered with BC AdventureSmart and SAS for the past year, I have some hours to Squamish Helping Hands this year. I also work full time as a Project Manager and my role involves communication with towns/councils, budget and stakeholder management.
Toby Foord-Kelcey
Why are you interested to be on the SAS board?
I am applying to (re)join the board for three reasons. One is that several continuing board members have encouraged me to do so. Second, there are some neglected access files that I would like to work on. In particular, finding a long-term stable home for the climber-purchased land parcels in the Smoke Bluffs, currently held reluctantly by the FMCBC. ( I played a lead role in 2020/2021, independent of SAS, in preventing a stealth sale of that land to District of Squamish. ) Finally I have spent the last 18 months working on the Economic Impact project for SAS and would prefer to handle any issues arising from the public release from within the board rather than outside.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
It has formed the backdrop to my life for twenty years, especially Chek where I spent up to a hundred days per year between 2015 and 2021: developing cliffs, flagging trails and cataloguing old growth firs.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I was on the board in various roles between 2014 and 2019, working at different times on most of the society's key files. I learned a great deal - sometimes from success, sometimes from over-reach - as to what is and isn't feasible in advocacy.
