Introducing Ragged Mountain Foundation 2023 Leadership
In 2023, the Ragged Mountain Foundation voted in new leadership. We are excited to introduce those leaders to our community. We also wish to thank former President and Board Chairman Matt Conroy, who remains on the Board, for his leadership since 2019. Former Vice President Paige Cox, remains on the Board as well. Former Treasurer and long-time Board Member who has worn numerous hats for us, Nate McKenzie, moves on to other pursuits and we thank him for his commitment and contributions to the RMF over the many years he has served.
Kevin Johnson, President
Kevin joined the RMF Board as a Director in 2019 and steps into the role of President in 2023. Kevin has lived and climbed in Connecticut for over 20 years and claims that Connecticut has some of the best after-work climbing options in New England. Since joining the RMF, Kevin has maintained the goal of negotiating access to open more climbing areas throughout the state. Kevin says “I’m interested in sustainable management of our climbing resources and will continue to work on projects that benefit the climbing experience in a state with an abundance of climbing opportunities.” In his work life, Kevin is the Director of Recreation & Quest at Trinity College in Hartford.
Scott Sampietro, Vice President
Scott has been a Director on the RMF Board since 2013 and served as President in 2018. He returns to Leadership in 2023 as Vice President. Scott grew up playing on the cliffs behind his grandmother’s house in Eastern Connecticut and says “I was fortunate enough to stumble into a group of friends that climbed at Ross Rocks. After college at Central Connecticut, I began climbing at Ragged and the surrounding crags. While I enjoy climbing any and everywhere, Connecticut remains my favorite. I enjoy the uniqueness of the rock and protection and feel that Central Connecticut traprock climbing prepares you for any objective, big and small. This remains a huge part of why I think it is important to be involved in protecting access to Connecticut’s climbing.”
Jen Chmiel, Secretary
Jen can usually be found climbing outside when not working at the Climbing Gym or running her online Climbing Coaching business, Face the Climb. When not climbing, Jen takes every opportunity to get outside, whether she’s hiking, camping, kayaking or just going for walks sipping her favorite coffee drinks. Jen says “I’m excited to continue my work with the RMF, as I find it important, as a climber, to give back to the spaces we use and work toward creating more access and better relationships with the State and Towns that offer outdoor climbing. Especially when related to my favorite type of climbing, and a popular one among many climbers, bouldering.” Jen has been on the Board of Directors since 2019 and has served as Secretary since 2020.
Tina Champagne, Treasurer
Tina joins the RMF Board as a new Director this year (2023) and has stepped up to serve as our Treasurer. Tina has 9 years of work experience in Operations in the corporate world and now spends most of her time with son Julian (2.5 years), daughter Zoe (1 year), and husband Dan, while also working part-time for her father’s Tool and Die Business as the Office Manager. Tina says “In my free time, I enjoy all things outdoors; especially hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, softball and tennis. Being a lover of Nature and having an interest in Conservation, I am so happy to have the opportunity to help this great, local organization continue moving in a positive direction with our mission.”
Dan Champagne, Membership Coordinator
Dan joined the RMF Board in 2022 as a Director. He steps into the new role of Membership Coordinator for 2023. Dan grew up in Lisbon, CT and graduated from UConn in May 2009, where he met his wife, Tina (also on the Board). Tina and Dan married in September 2014 and have two kids, Julian (2.5) and Zoe (1). They live in West Haven, CT. Dan has been a Financial Planner since 2010, but enjoys a very active lifestyle and was a contestant on Seasons 13 and 14 of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. Dan says “I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, camping, visiting our National Parks, snowboarding and playing bass guitar. I wanted to join the RMF to contribute to the overall climbing community in Connecticut. As Membership Coordinator, my goal is to create a more interactive membership experience, foster a community among members and increase the visibility of the RMF to prospective members. By increasing both the human and the financial capital with the RMF, we can do more to preserve our favorite climbing areas in Connecticut.”
In addition to these newest Officers, the Board also welcomed new Directors John Adams, Kyle Cifarelli, and Brian Glenn in 2023. All three individuals have been long time members of the RMF and have supported our efforts by volunteering, donating and sharing our accomplishments with the broader Connecticut climbing community.
You, too, can support that work! Renew your membership or donate to continue to drive the RMF’s mission of preserving and protecting Connecticut’s high and wild places.