AMGA's Board of Directors
The AMGA Board of Directors guides the organization in fulfilling its mission to be the leader in education, standards, and advocacy for professional guides and climbing instructors.
Meet the Board
Steve joined the AMGA Board in 2021 and has been a member since 1999. Based in Crested Butte, CO, he’s an IFMGA Mountain Guide, AMGA Instructor Team Member, SPI Instructor, and AIARE Course Leader. He also serves as VP of the Crested Butte Avalanche Center. Outside guiding, Steve enjoys climbing, skiing, biking, and staying current on certifications. Steve serves on the Executive, Scope of Practice, and Risk Management Committees.
Silas is an IFMGA Mountain Guide based in New Paltz, NY, with 22 years of experience. A longtime AMGA member and Instructor Team member, he holds certifications in Rock, Alpine, Ski, and TRSM. He has a BS in Parks, Recreation & Tourism and is an Elementum Certified Life Coach. Outside guiding, he enjoys ice climbing and dirt biking. Silas serves on the Executive and Technical Committees.
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Emilie is an AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She guides in all disciplines and has been a member of the Instructor Team since 2016. Outside of climbing and skiing, Emilie also likes NBA basketball, cats, and podcasts. She is a member of the Executive committee, Technical Committee, and chair of the Professional Compliance Committee.
Steve joined the AMGA Board in 2021 and has been a member since 1999. Based in Crested Butte, CO, he’s an IFMGA Mountain Guide, AMGA Instructor Team Member, SPI Instructor, and AIARE Course Leader. He also serves as VP of the Crested Butte Avalanche Center. Outside guiding, Steve enjoys climbing, skiing, biking, and staying current on certifications. Steve serves on the Executive, Scope of Practice, and Risk Management Committees.
Charles joined the AMGA Board in 2023 and is based in New Hampshire. He’s the Group CEO of AlpineX, a private equity-backed company leading several service-focused ventures. Outside of work, he enjoys the mountains and giving back to the climbing community.
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Max joined the board in 2024 and is an AMGA Certified Rock and Alpine Guide, and Assistant Ski Guide. Max brings a deep scientific understanding of the mountains to his guiding, having studied paleoclimatology at university. He is the owner and operator of the AMGA-Accredited guide service, Alpine to the Max, and he is an instructor of professional-level avalanche courses for Silverton Avalanche School. Max serves on the Nominations Committee.
Kelly joined the AMGA Board in 2024. Kelly has been a member since 2022, and is an Alpine Skills Course Graduate and Assistant Ski Guide. She Chair's the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University with a major in Public Policy and a minor in English. She's worked in the guiding and outdoor industry since 2017, working all across the United States as well as in France, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Kelly worked in Merchandising at Abercrombie & Fitch as well as managed Backroads' trips in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps before joining the AMGA. She now spends her Winters in Jackson, WY where she works as a Ski Guide, Avalanche Educator, and Ski Instructor and her Springs in Oregon ski and alpine guiding on Mount Hood.
Matt joined the AMGA Board in 2023 as Executive Director. A certified Rock & Ski Guide based in Ridgway, CO, he’s been an AMGA member since 2001. Matt founded and directed Peak Mountain Guides for 9 years, drawing on 19 years of guiding experience. He also held leadership roles at Cornell University and Pacific Lutheran University.
Tracy joined the AMGA Board in 2023 and is based in Las Vegas. She holds degrees in Social Science and Labor & Industrial Relations, and retired as CHRO & EVP at McKesson. In retirement, she enjoys rock, ice, and alpine climbing. Tracy serves on the Finance Committee.
Jon joined the AMGA board in 2019 and is based out of Salt Lake City, UT. He has 32 years of experience in the Outdoor Industry with brands like Petzl, Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, and specialty retailers. When not working, Jon puts his energy into passions about industrial design & photography. Jon serves as the AMGA's Board Appointed Professional Director
Eddie joined the AMGA Board and became Treasurer in 2024. An IFMGA Mountain Guide based in North Bend, WA, he’s been a member since 2014. He also works as Finance & Projects Manager at Wyssen Avalanche Control and is a licensed CPA with a background in corporate finance and public accounting. Eddie serves on the Finance Committee.
What Does the AMGA's Board Do?
The board establishes policies and goals that advance the mission of the AMGA for the benefit of the public, AMGA members, and the industry.
The board forms committees that advise the management team and provide oversight of specific initiatives.
The board consists of members from different geographical regions of the United States and different AMGA training levels.
The Board and AMGA's Mission
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The AMGA Board of Directors is responsible for establishing clear goals that advance the AMGA mission for the benefit of the public, AMGA members, and the guiding industry. The board provides focus and accountability for both the national office staff and the board itself, ensuring strong leadership of the AMGA. As fiduciaries, board members guide the organization toward a sustainable future through sound governance and responsible financial management.
Donate to the AMGA
Your donations help in supporting education, advocacy, and access, ensuring a strong future for professional guides and the climbing community.
