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.
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.
Miranda Soule
Stewardship Committee
Member
Miranda started climbing on plastic in Chicago in 2009. Within a year she took a trip to Jackson Falls and couldn't believe how much climbing potential there was in Southern IL. She moved to the area in 2013 and became obsessed with the quality sandstone. Miranda has been working with the ICA board since 2018 and is happy to give back to the community for an area that means so much to her.
Phillip Carrier
Stewardship & Pilgrimage
Committees
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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.
Morgan Kruse
Pilgrimage & Marketing
Committees
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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 six 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.
Brian Stephens
Stewardship Chair
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I have been in love with climbing since 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 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.
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.
