WHO WE ARE
The foundation of the ICA is first and foremost its members! The ICA board, comprised of up to 11 volunteer members, takes its responsibility seriously to best represent the members of the Illinois climbing community to the fullest extent of their ability.
Learn more about our board members and open board positions below!
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.
PILGRIMAGE CHAIR &
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER
Phillip Carrier
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.
Matt Maxwell
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.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
Morgan Kruse
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.
MARKETING COMMITTEE MEMBER
Natalie Myren
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.
MARKETING COMMITTEE MEMBER
& PILGRIMAGE COMMITTEE MEMBER
Shawna Rohling
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.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER
& PILGRIMAGE COMMITTEE MEMBER
Open Board Position
Secretary
-
Maintain and organize official board records and meeting minutes
-
Review and distribute meeting minutes and governance documents
-
Maintain current bylaws, amendments, and board/member records
-
Support board meeting scheduling, agendas, and communications
-
Ensure required state and federal nonprofit filings stay up to date
Treasurer
-
Serve as the ICA Board’s Chief Financial Officer
-
Oversee the organization’s financial affairs and funds, under the direction of the Board
-
Provide a financial status report at each regular Board meeting
Open Board Position
Open Board Position
Member at Large
-
Marketing, Outreach, and Fundraising Committee
-
or Pilgrimage Committee
-
or Stewardship Committee