Meet The Candidates

In total, we received 10 eligible board nominations! Thank you all so much for being a part of this important process. Please take a moment to learn a little bit about each candidate HERE.

ELECTION INFORMATION – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Each year, SWPACC membership has the opportunity to elect new and returning board members as part of our annual election cycle. See below for some important information.

• In total, we received 10 eligible board nominations! Thank you all so much for being a part of this important process. Please take a moment to learn a little bit about each candidate HERE.
• During the annual meeting, brief candidate bios will be shared, along with a short video clip. These will be posted online.
• You have until Wednesday, November 13 at 11:59 pm to become a SWPACC + Access Fund member to be eligible to vote in the upcoming election. If you are not sure of your membership status, please email us at info@swpacc.org sooner than later!
• Voting will be done electronically from November 18-24. Eligible members will receive an email ballot.

Important Dates

October 16: Deadline to Submit a Nomination – NOW CLOSED

November 13: Annual Meeting & Elections (in-person, 7pm – 9pm at Velum Fermentation, South Side, Pittsburgh, PA). View the SWPACC year-in-review recording from the meeting.

November 18-24: Voting is open to all joint members of SWPACC + Access Fund

December 4: SWPACC Board Meeting – Full board meeting with newly elected members

Eligibility

Candidates for the Board must be current joint members of Access Fund and SWPACC. All current joint members of Access Fund + SWPACC are eligible to vote in the election process. If you are unsure of your membership status, email info@swpacc.org.

Commitment

Historically, board terms lasted for two years, but we are shifting to three year terms. This is in an effort to give an appropriate amount of time for new board members to acclimate, learn, settle in, and get to work. In order to complete the transition from two to three year terms, four of the six newly elected board members in 2024 will be for three year terms, whereas two of the six will be for two year terms. All candidates who seek nomination must agree to accept either a two or three year term. The current board members will work with the incoming board members to settle these terms.

Board member responsibilities include:

• Attending (in-person or virtually) 75% of board meetings each year. Currently, the board has been meeting every other month/six times a year (approximately 2-hour meetings).
• Participating in decision-making and discussion.
• Engaging in mission-driven projects and events hosted by SWPACC, this includes serving on relevant committees.
• Occasionally attending workday events and assisting with tabling efforts throughout the year.
• Staying informed regarding the organization’s work and finances.
• Supporting the mission of SWPACC, which is “to promote the responsible development of climbing and bouldering in southwestern Pennsylvania, to disseminate information about development and conservation of the resource, and to gain and preserve access.”

View the full board member agreement here.

Be Part of Something Bigger

SWPACC is your Local Climbing Organization. We are:

• Working behind the scenes, talking with land managers to regain and protect access to the places we love
• Hosting stewardship days that involve activities like installing stone steps on steep hillsides, repairing trails, and removing litter & graffiti   
• Helping to break barriers for individuals who have historically been left out or who do not have the means to experience rock climbing

We are a passionate group of individuals who are committed to SWPACC’s mission to promote the responsible development of climbing and bouldering in southwestern Pennsylvania, to disseminate information about development and conservation of the resource, and to gain and preserve access. Please join us!

Submit Your Nomination!

• To formally nominate yourself as a candidate for the SWPACC Board, please complete this brief form (button below) by Oct. 16.
• Candidates are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting on Nov. 13 (7pm – 9p at Velum Fermentation) to meet fellow members and briefly share their reasons for wishing to serve on the Board and promote the mission of SWPACC.
• All candidates are asked to submit a very brief video for us to show during the meeting.

 NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED 

Questions?

Email us at info@swpacc.org.

Get Involved!

If you’re not ready to join the board yet, but still would like to contribute, join one of SWPACC’s four committees! Email us your interest and we will get you connected.

• Governance – Responsible for researching and recommending policies and procedural functions of the organization.
• Communications – Disseminates publicly the mission and identity of SWPACC and provides information to, dialogues with, and generates engagement from community members at large.
• Access+Stewardship – Facilitates stewardship of, access to, and communication of information regarding outdoor climbing spaces.
• Community – Responsible for organizing and sponsoring community initiatives and events, and fostering a positive social environment in which all climbers can take part, contribute, and benefit as active members.