Interested in joining our board of directors? Our application is open year-round, and we typically recruit and interview individuals to join the board at the end of the year – Apply here!
Brian J Gilley
Position: Chair & Guiding Contact
Current Residence: Bloomington, IN
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: My first trail day. I met so many great people and learned a lot.
Favorite Route in Muir: Ryanosaurus
Professional/Work Experience: Professor of anthropology at IUB.
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: I’m excited to help with DEI initiatives as well as using Muir as a vehicle for increased access to climbing.
Myung-Jin Oh
Position: Vice Chair
Current Residence: Chicago, IL
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: Climbing outdoors for the first time and getting the chance to meet the Webers. Over the years this memory keeps me thinking back on how I can best serve and give back to Muir Valley.
Favorite Route in Muir: Bathtub Mary
Professional/Work Experience: Clinical Research
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: The growth in DEI initiatives and the increase in climbing ethics and awareness. I would also love to see more people giving their time and talents in order to help preserve and give back to this amazing place. Muir Valley is a magical place that has created a lasting impression for many climbers and I would like to see it grow and last for generations to come.
John Bain
Position: Treasurer
Current Residence: Jeffersonville, KY
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: My first trip to the Red many years ago and first seeing and climbing the amazing rock.
Favorite Route in Muir: Plate Tectonics
Professional/Work Experience: Retired
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: Giving back to the Muir community and enhancing the stewardship and sustainability for future climbers.
Ashlyn Pierson
Position: Board Member
Current Residence: Rogers, KY
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: Climbing/hiking with my family
Favorite Route in Muir: Annie the Annihilator
Professional/Work Experience: Assistant Professor, STEM education, Ohio state
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: Supporting the climbing community at Muir
Jayson Deese
Position: Secretary
Current Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: First time outdoor climbing and going up Boltergeist
Favorite Route in Muir: Pre-emptive Strike
Professional/Work Experience: International Higher Education
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: Preserving and protecting MV and making it a sustainable climbing area. I also look forward to welcoming new climbers of many backgrounds.
Chris Decker
Position: Board Member
Current Residence: Morrow, OH
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: Marathon climbing days! Sending as many easy pitches as possible in a day at Land Before Time, Sunnyside, Bruise Brothers, and Great Wall.
Favorite Route in Muir: Boltergeist
Professional/Work Experience: Data and Analytics at Procter & Gamble
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: Supporting as many climbers as I can, welcoming lots of people to the climbing community, and showing my kids how to contribute to a meaningful cause.
Cori Drenning
Current Residence: Cincinnati, OH
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: Very recent, actually! 2023, taking my two best girlfriends (& now little ones), on a mom & daughter trip to climb – the littles’ first experience climbing!
Favorite Route in Muir: Tough call, but anything on Tectonic Wall gets pretty high style points!
Professional/Work Experience: Office & Operations Manager for an HR/Staffing firm
What I’m looking forward most to in the next 2 years on the MV board: Connecting with the local community who keep MV running, and maximizing their positive experience from an HR standpoint.
Alli Esker
Position: IT Director
Current Residence: Denver, CO
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: My first outdoor lead climb: Trundling Kentucky and helping to create the Muir Valley Legacy Film!
Favorite Route in Muir: Air Ride Equipped
Professional/Work Experience: Technology Strategist
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: Giving back to the climbing community and being an advocate for sustainability and accessibility within the sport.
Anna Volk
Current Residence: Beattyville, KY
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: Making coffee in the hueco mid-route on “Go West”
Favorite Route in Muir: Manteleer
Professional/Work Experience: Healthcare data analytics
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: Working with local individuals and organizations to strengthen partnerships and provide access to the invaluable resource that is Muir Valley!
Chris Cantrell
Current Residence: Lexington, KY
Favorite Muir Valley Memory: Climbing with my brother for first time. We had a great time at front porch!
Favorite Route in Muir: Sabertooth
Professional/Work Experience: VP Securities Marketing at Thoroughbred Financial
What you’re most looking forward to during your next 2 years on the board: looking forward to working to continue the legacy of Muir and to protect and preserve the land for the current and future generations of climbers!
