Board Candidates
Please see below the list of 12 candidates for the SAS board. There are 11 spots on the board, and they will be determined by a vote at the AGM on Tuesday February 4th. Incumbents are listed first, then new candidates, in alphabetical order.
Incumbents
Cody Abercrombie
Why do you want to be on the board?
I worry that climbing/climbers are often treated as a nuisance and the best way to combat that is to build a larger community and infrastructure that accommodates more people, local or visitor.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
I've been climbing/living in Squamish (house and van) for almost 15 years. I've been all over the world to climb and Squamish is the best place to have a healthy climb/life balance while still being engaged in a large climbing community.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I've been on the board/an associate for 2 years.
Emilisa Frirdich
Why do you want to be on the board?
Having served on the SAS board previously, I would like to continue on in my current roles: working with BC Parks, overseeing the rebolting and anchor replacement program, and managing the WAG bag program. This year I would like to work on expanding the WAG bag program. Also, I really enjoy working with other SAS board members on the common goal of protecting and enhancing the amazing climbing resources we have in Squamish.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
Squamish is a vast and diverse climbing area where you can have all sorts of adventures. I have climbed at various climbing destinations through out the US and Canada. These places are all beautiful ...but I always return to the fact that Squamish is my favourite. We also have an engaged climbing community dedicated to preserving our climbing resources, building trails, putting up new routes and maintaining the current routes which is pretty special.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I have been serving on the SAS board for over 10 years and have been involved with numerous projects and aspects of the organization such as: initiating and running the WAG bag program, overseeing the rebolting and anchor replacement program, grant writing, giving presentations on SAS, organizing trail days, running booths at membership drives, liaising with BC Parks, and serving as the SAS liaison for Rampage.
John Howe
Why do you want to be on the board?
I would like to serve another term as Director to continue to improve SAS governance and represent the organization on the District of Squamish Smoke Bluffs Staff Advisory Committee. There is a dire need to have the Management Plan updated to ensure that rock climbing is kept as a primary focus in the Park.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
An engaged climbing community that maintains Squamish as a world class destination.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I was one of the founding Directors of the Squamish Rock Climbers Association and SAS. I have served as a Director on several other Boards in the last 20 years and served as a SAS Director for the last two years.
Eric Hughes
Why do you want to be on the board?
I would like to remain on the SAS board to see through the completion of the projects I have started. The most pressing is a new membership system that would integrate into the website and link with our email system to allow seamless communication and increased accountability to our members. I would also like to keep working on promoting membership which was only partially focussed on while the team fixed the website, the original database system and email communication system and the SAS brand DNA. Having worked through these organizational fundamentals and seeing them through will allow SAS to keep building and growing.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
The community, the accessibility to the crags and routes we love, the outdoor experience and the friendships built through the sports.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
Smoke Bluff Committee member, ACMG Guide, CASBC board member, route developer, Climb On Marketing manager.
Ivan Melisek
Why do you want to be on the board?
As a long time local climber, I want to give back to our community by helping to care for the crags we love.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
The variety of climbing, the local community, and the relatively easy access.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
2 years as the treasurer of SAS.
Brian Moorhead
Why do you want to be on the board?
As a founding director, I would like to help build on the many success stories of the Society
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
Involvement with climbers of all ages and abilities in a very inclusive atmosphere
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
Served SAS during the entire life of the Smoke Bluffs Park Advisory Comm.of Council (including three terms as Chair)
Was awarded Volunteer of the Year (individual) by BC Parks for my work improving the climbing and hiking experience at Murrin Park
My volunteer work developing (non -climbing) park and trail amenities at Furry Creek has resulted in indirect benefits to SAS in terms of funding from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District for significant SAS projects
Yogi Urbano
Why do you want to be on the board?
I'd like to carry on my board membership from last year. I feel that I can continue to add value to the board and I am grateful for the opportunity to help improve the Squamish climbing scene.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
There's so much world class climbing on our door steps. And the constant discovery and development by very dedicated people of new areas is humbling.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I'm a carpenter by profession, so I focused a lot of my time on infrastructure development for SAS.
In previous career I have also guided in the crags and mountains in the UK, with a strong focus on introducing students to ethics of playing in sensitive environments.
New Candidates
Dave Brayden
Why do you want to be on the board?
I'm keen to build on the momentum we had last year with the trail committee.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
I love that Squamish has so many different types of climbing and so many different areas.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
Last year I was an associate who headed the trails committee, ran trail days, got projects approved by BC Parks, and attended Parks meetings.
Auston Chhor
Why do you want to be on the board?
I've been climbing in Squamish since I first moved out to the west coast from Ontario in 2021. Since then I've been continuously amazed by how welcoming, friendly, and supportive the climbing community here is. I'm keen to join the board to give back to the sport I love and to help people on the margins of the community feel more welcome and more confident being a part of the climbing scene.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
I value the tight-knit community, the fact that I can roll up to a crag and know I will see some familiar faces, and how accessible the climbing is in relation to town. I also love the diversity of climbing styles, from the gym-like atmosphere in the Grand Wall boulders to the quiet, wild and adventurous feeling I get climbing on the North Walls. Almost every time I get to climb in Squamish I have to remind myself not to take this place for granted, and that we truly are so lucky to get to climb in such a unique and wonderful place.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I've been the president of the Vancouver Climbers Association for the past 3 years. We're a volunteer-run climbing access, education, and community-building group that both advocates for climbing access on the North Shore and helps gym climbers develop the skills necessary to transition to the crag. For the past 3 winters we've held free monthly "gym to crag" clinics at the MEC Vancouver store where we have taught skills including building anchors, rappelling, cleaning anchors, and belaying. Our clinics are supported by our board member Keenan Gibson, an ACMG apprentice rock guide, and are led by myself and other board members. In the summer, we focus on community-building events such as our bi-weekly meetups at the Riley Park boulder in Vancouver, as well as excursions to the Cypress Falls boulders and Sully's Hangout in North Vancouver. On the side, we've also been in discussions with various North Shore land managers over improving or re-establishing climbing access to increase the number of local climbing opportunities for people who can't always travel to Squamish.
Jess Gold
Why do you want to be on the board?
I recently moved back to Squamish and I have a significant amount of free time, which I am eager to dedicate to the stewardship of our climbing areas. Climbing and this land have enriched my life immensely, and I am enthusiastic about giving back to the community that has given me so much.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
Climbing in Squamish has provided me with a family and a place I call home. The exceptional access to climbing here is something I deeply appreciate. This ease of access allows me to share the joy of climbing with others, from introducing newcomers to the sport to joining someone on their first multi-pitch climb. These experiences are not just activities, they are the most cherished aspects of my life.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I have diverse range of experiences that align with the goals of the Squamish Access Society. I am currently serving on the board of a charitable foundation, so I understand the responsibilities of governance and the importance of community engagement. Additionally, my volunteer work with the Green Party for two federal elections involved extensive community outreach and canvassing in Squamish, skills that are directly applicable to the outreach efforts of SAS.
Christi Rae
Why do you want to be on the board?
I’ve really enjoyed being an active associate on the SAS board and want to continue contributing to its growth and success. Working on the Governance, Membership, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw committees has been incredibly rewarding, and while we’ve made some great progress, there’s still so much more to accomplish. I’m excited to keep pushing forward and help SAS make an even bigger impact.
I’m passionate about the climbing community and love being part of an organization that promotes responsible access and preserves the natural beauty of Squamish. With my experience in governance and community engagement, I feel I can bring valuable skills to the board. I’m also committed to fostering inclusivity to ensure SAS remains a welcoming and sustainable organization for everyone.
Joining the board would give me the chance to continue supporting SAS’s mission and help shape its future, working alongside others who care deeply about our climbing community and environment.
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
I’ve been climbing in Squamish for the last 20 years and have had the privilege of watching both the sport and the community grow. What started as a smaller group of climbers has evolved into a vibrant, diverse community. It’s been amazing to see how the sport has developed and how inclusive and welcoming the climbing community has become.
What I value most about Squamish is its unique blend of natural beauty and the strong sense of community. The area’s climbing opportunities are world-class, but it’s the people—those who care deeply about preserving this special place and supporting each other—that make it truly remarkable. I want to help ensure we maintain responsible access, promote sustainability, and continue fostering an inclusive environment for climbers of all levels.
Squamish has given me so much over the years, and I’m excited about the opportunity to give back and help shape its future through the work of the Squamish Access Society.
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
I believe my gaming industry experience, founding East Van Seeds seed library, and past involvement on the SAS board make me a good candidate to contribute further.
My background in gaming has given me valuable project management skills, a solid understanding of governance, and an ability to create communities/increasing membership both on and offline, skills that translate well to the work SAS does.
Creating East Van Seeds seed library has deepened my understanding of community engagement and sustainability, which aligns with SAS’s mission to promote responsible access and environmental stewardship.
Being part of the SAS board in the past has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited about the opportunity to continue contributing. I’ve seen firsthand how much impact the board can have, and I want to help drive ongoing projects and new initiatives forward.
Having climbed in Squamish for the last 20 years, I’m passionate about preserving access to these amazing spaces and supporting the climbing community. I’m eager to bring my experiences and skills to help SAS continue to grow and thrive.
Stephen Winnacott
Why do you want to be on the board?
- I would like to engage with and give back to the climbing community, and the broader community in Squamish in general
- I’m looking to build my strategic leadership experience through a board position with a community based organisation such as SAS
- I’m looking for a board position for an organisation that aligns with my values and interests
What do you value about climbing in Squamish?
- I appreciate and admire the respect that SAS and the climbing community in Squamish has garnered with local community stakeholders over many years
- As a climber I value the ease of access to world-class climbing, crags like the Smoke Bluffs in particular are a best-in-class example of climbing advocacy at a local level
- I value the wide range and variety of climbing types and different locations for climbing in and around Squamish, from seaside bouldering to alpine rock and ice climbing, few places in the world offer such a diverse array of climbing resources
- I value the diverse and inclusive climbing community in Squamish
Do you have any specific work, life or volunteer experience that you feel would be valuable to SAS?
- I have been a climber for the last 20 years, the last 7-8 years of which have been spent living and breathing climbing in Squamish.
- I work full-time in the tourism industry, as a Senior Manager with Destination BC, fostering visitation, destination stewardship and stakeholder relations. I have been with this organisation for 4 years.
- In my role with Destination BC, I have completed training and gained experience working directly with indigenous people and communities throughout BC.
- I am passionate about fostering outdoor participation, and believe that climbing is an incredible means of bringing people and nature closer together, and improving the health and happiness of local communities while attracting visitors to the area to support economic growth.
- Prior to Destination BC I spent 10 years working in Senior Management roles the outdoor industry, for brands such as Arc’teryx and The North Face.
- My professional expertise lies in Branding, Marketing and Communications. I also have experience with planning, budgeting and project management.