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Board of Directors

The Carolina Climbers Coalition is comprised of everyday climbers from North and South Carolina, who represent a wide range of backgrounds, climbing styles, and experience. Feel free to contact the CCC. We represent your climbing interests!

President
Scott Gilliam
sgilliam [at] carolinaclimbers [dot] org

I grew up in Broad River, just up NC 9 from Rumbling. I discovered a love of climbing after moving to the flatlands, but it's nice to have a basecamp in the mountains, especially one with Mom's applesauce and biscuits. Steep gear routes are where my heart lies, but I also enjoy bouldering and clip ups. I'd like to say I love slab, too, but I reckon I'm just too skeered, even if I can use my feet once in a while.

Vice President
Phil Hoffman
phoffman [at] carolinaclimbers [dot] org

File 1345

Born and raised in the S.E. Phil Hoffmann has been enjoying the outdoors since a very early age. He started climbing regularly in 1997 after many years at Falling Creek Camp learning from other climbers especially Steve Longenecker. As climbing took hold he completed a B.A. in Recreation from Catawba College and then a M.A. in Outdoor Recreation Collegiate Program Development from Prescott College and has been employed by many different recreation based institutions such as Inner Peaks Climbing Center and NOLS. Phil continues to learn from the ever changing challenges that climbing provides in the S.E. Favorite destinations include The New River Gorge, Tennessee Wall, and his home crag Looking Glass in Brevard, NC. He currently resides in Brevard with his wife Jessica.

 

Secretary
Brian Payst
bpayst [at] carolinaclimbers [dot] org

File 2222I was born in Raleigh and started climbing over 24 years ago. I learned to lead at Moore's and have that NC ethic steeped in me. I have climbed lots of different places throughout the U.S., Canada, Malaysia and elsewhere, but still think we have some of the best cliffs on the planet. I've been back and forth over the past few years between exclusively bouldering and roped climbing. Right now I'm enjoying whatever I can get to do. I am the father of 2 children and work in IT when not in servitude to the CCC. I am really pleased to be able to make a small contribution with my time and efforts to help the CCC preserve and protect our climbing resources for now and for my kids.

Treasurer
Morgan Blaisdell
mblaisdell [at] carolinaclimbers [dot] org

File 2217Born and raised in North Carolina, I've enjoyed the outdoors since a very early age. I started climbing on a regular basis in 2000, during my first semester at ASU. After graduatingwith a degree in accounting, I moved back to the piedmont to start a career in public accounting. Despite no longer having the mountains in my back yard, I continue to spend my weekends exploring the seemingly endless bouldering fields and crags of the Carolinas. When I heard that the CCC was in need of a new treasurer, I knew there was no other organization that I would rather offer my professional expertise to. I am very happy to have the opportunity to contribute me time and knowledge to help the CCC preserve and protect the amazing climbing that the Carolinas have to offer.

Northern Piedmont NC Rep
Matt Moody
mmoody [at] carolinaclimbers [dot] org
File 2228Matt grew up surfing on the coast of NC, but was forced inland for college. As it turns out, groundswells don’t adhere to a weekend schedule, and college professors frown on missing class to catch glassy six-footers. When efforts to make surfing an excused absence proved as fruitless as changing the tide tables, Matt was forced to seek out alternate outdoor activities, especially ones that could reliably be enjoyed when class wasn’t in session. Thanks to some good friends and a few weekends at Pilot Mountain, Matt discovered climbing and hasn’t looked back since. Climbing and day-dreaming about climbing have now carried him through more school than he cares to admit. He’d like to be an “all-arounder,” but admits that steep and juggy is the only thing that doesn’t really scare him. He currently lives in Winston Salem, where he attends graduate school.
South Carolina Rep
Stephen Scoff
sscoff [at] carolinaclimbers [dot] org

File 992Raised and residing in Columbia, South Carolina, I’ve been climbing for over 25 years and have a definite penchant for Appalachian granite. Its variety is unmatched and definitely prepared me for Yosemite’s walls, the Peruvian Andes and the alpine venues throughout US and Canada. Water too likes to run over its surface which gives the Southeast a truly unbelievable amount of ice to climb every year. I’m really excited about the access opportunities for SC’s granite. Hopefully we can “spread some love” with what the Palmetto State has to offer for boulderers and climbers. My sponsors include the USC Law School’s Children Law Center (adolescent and juvenile advocate), Limestone College (Adjunct Professor, Social Work Dept.) and my awesome and understanding wife, Susan.

At-Large Board Member
Ron Funderburke
rfunderburke [at] carolinaclimbers [dot] org
Ron has been climbing and guiding in Western North Carolina for the last five years.  He is the head guide at Fox Mountain Guides and a member of the climbing staff at NCOBS. Though he recently became a father, Ron still finds time to hit the crag or the boulder field, tell a few jokes, and regale all listeners with grandiose tales of climbs he never actually did. Additionally, Ron teaches writing and literature at Appalachian State University.