Access Fund welcomed Nikki Smith and Ed Shapiro to its board of directors, which is responsible for establishing organizational policy and ensuring that the mission and vision are fulfilled. The board is composed of volunteers who are committed to protecting America’s climbing areas.
“We’re thrilled to welcome two talented new directors to Access Fund’s board,” says Jonah Harrison, Access Fund board president. “Nikki and Ed provide diverse new perspectives and skillsets, and we’re excited to integrate them into our work to protect America’s climbing areas.”
Smith has been climbing for more than 27 years and has been documenting the climbing world for more than 16 years through her photography, guidebooks and writing. She has authored five guidebooks on climbing in Utah and completed more than 150 first ascents throughout the western United States. She has a long history with Access Fund, serving as the Utah Regional Coordinator in the late 90s and early 2000s, and she has been involved with the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance since its inception.
“Access to outdoor spaces has been vital to my life and should be available to everyone,” said Smith. “I’m excited to join Access Fund’s board to help make these amazing spaces available to everyone.”
Shapiro has been a climber for more than 25 years and is a long-time Access Fund supporter. He was instrumental in helping to convene the climbing advocacy community in New York City for Access Fund’s 2018 Annual Summit. Shapiro is a partner in the entertainment and media industry group Reed Smith, LLP. A transactional entertainment lawyer, he serves as chair of the firm’s music and sports practices and represents some of today’s top superstar performers and major league athletes, including Lynn Hill, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, José Bautista, Robinson Canó, and many others.
“Climbing has contributed so much to my life, and I feel I need to do my part to maintain, preserve, and grow access to climbing areas,” says Shapiro. “I’m really excited to join such a diverse group of board members with the goal to positively impact climbing for this and future generations of climbers.”
