The Board
The Illinois Climber's Association's foundation is its members. The ICA board takes its responsibility seriously to best represent those members of the climbing community to the fullest extent of their ability. The board is comprised of up to 11 volunteer members.
Get to Know Us
Doug Rothe
President
I was introduced to climbing in 1999, on vacation in the Tetons, Moab, City of Rocks, etc. In 2003 I was introduced to Jackson Falls and the climbing in Southern Illinois. I have made many friends, and enjoyed many great adventures. I joined the ICA board in 2017 to give time back to an activity and area that I value greatly.
Claire Watson
Vice President
&
Marketing Chair
I started my climbing journey at an indoor gym in St. Louis, where I appreciated the community, problem solving, and focus that come along with the sport. After my introduction to outdoor climbing, at Jackson Falls in 2016, I became engrossed with getting outside as much as possible. Splitting my time between Missouri and Illinois, my outdoor interests have expanded to include gardening and foraging as well. I'm passionate about preserving the uniquely beautiful climbing areas in Illinois to ensure others can find community and passion here too.
Open Board Position
Treasurer
​
Brian Stephens
Stewardship Chair​​
I have been in love with climbing since I was 14, when I was introduced while visiting family in Colorado. Later, I was introduced to Jackson Falls, where I made some great memories with great friends while attending SIU-Carbondale for undergrad. While there, I was happy to be part of the founding of the SIU Climbing Club. Many trips and many climbing destinations later, I am pretty happy to be part of helping to protect access to climbing and foster community within our region. I joined the ICA in 2025 after returning to the area after living out West.
Phillip Carrier
Pilgrimage Chair
&
Stewardship Committee Member​​
Climbing has played a formative and immensely important role in my life from the very beginning when I started climbing as a kid with my dad at Giant City. I am proud to be able to give back to the climbers and climbing areas of Illinois by serving on the ICA board. My passions revolve around crag infrastructure and include strategic planning, route development, anchor maintenance, and trail stewardship.
Dave Hug
Stewardship Committee Member​​
Climbing and my time spent on the rock has greatly influenced my life and what I have pursued personally and professionally. I owe a debt of gratitude to the local crags and climbing community of Illinois. I am thrilled to have spent over a decade serving the ICA where I have helped to protect and shape the future of the amazing Illinois crags while working with the community to create stewardship ethics for the next generation.
Morgan Kruse
Marketing Committee Member​​​
I was introduced to climbing back in 2018 and was immediately drawn to the sport. Southern Illinois is where I started my climbing, and over the last eight years, I have fallen in love with the community of climbers and this area. I am so excited to be able to give back to a community and organization that has done so much for me.
Matt Maxwell
Stewardship Committee Member​
My first outdoor climbing excursion was to Jackson Falls in late 2003, with several inches of snow on the ground. I top-roped Flingin' Hogs and Fragile Egos...to horrible results, though I did reach the anchors eventually. Since then, I have practically lived at Jackson Falls. As of 2024, I’m one of only two people who have competed in every Holy Boulders Competition. I joined the Board in 2025 to help the community I cherish.
Shawna Rohling
Stewardship Committee Member &
Pilgrimage Committee Member
A love for nature and community was instilled in me at a young age, and when I moved here from Scottsville Kentucky, for graduate school in 2013, I never left. I fell in love with the area- the easily accessible hiking, followed by my introduction to climbing in 2015. I met my husband, enjoyed climbing through two pregnancies, and have found much joy in getting my boys out to share this interest. Over the last year, I have felt a desire to make connections with my community here in Illinois and find a way to give back to this earth. I believe becoming a member of the ICA board encompasses many of my values.
Natalie Myren
Marketing Committee Member
&
Pilgrimage Committee Member
Born and raised in Chicago, I discovered climbing at First Ascent in 2023 and quickly fell in love with the sport through a play-oriented, exploratory approach. After being introduced to outdoor climbing at the Holy Boulders, Devil’s Lake, and Governor Dodge, I moved to Carbondale in 2024 where I spent countless hours exploring crags across Southern Illinois. As an Asian American climber now based back in Chicago, I care deeply about access, diversity, and stewardship, and I'm excited to support the ICA’s work to protect climbing access and grow an inclusive Midwest climbing community.
Open Board Position
Secretary