Boulder Climbing Community announces Executive Director Transition
After a seven-year tenure with the BCC, Kate Beezley, the organization's first executive director, announced she is stepping down to spend time with her family and pursue new career opportunities. Beezley will continue as the BCC’s executive director through January 2026 to facilitate a smooth transition and continuity of programs.
The BCC Board of Directors will lead a comprehensive search to fill the executive director position while the organization's core programs continue uninterrupted. The Board looks forward to strong engagement from the climbing community to identify the BCC’s new leader for the organization’s next phase of growth.
During Beezley's tenure, the BCC achieved remarkable growth and impact. “For more than a decade, I’ve volunteered with the Boulder Climbing Community, and I can say without hesitation that Kate’s leadership has been transformational” says Annelise Steel, former board chair. “From stepping up as our first paid Executive Director to professionalizing the organization, building lasting partnerships, and securing recognized climbing access trails on Forest Service land, she turned a ragtag crew of volunteers into a sustainable nonprofit with real impact. Kate’s gift for relationships and vision has left a legacy the entire climbing community will feel for years to come.”
Reflecting on the organization’s programmatic impact, former Board Chair Matt Bentley says, “The BCC now sets the standard for best practices and impact across all of its programs, and that would not have been possible without Kate’s leadership at the helm of the organization over these many years.” Most notably, the anchor replacement program expanded from replacing 90 bolts per year to over 1,000 bolts annually – more than a tenfold increase that has enhanced safety across Front Range climbing areas.
“I served as chair just after Kate got started as the Executive Director,” says Greg German, former board chair. “2020 was a time of uncertainty. She won my confidence then and proved herself to be perfect for the job. I'm immensely proud of what the BCC has become under her care. This organization has set the bar for other LCOs everywhere else.”
“We have talented Staff and a dedicated Board in place, and we have a lot to celebrate as we approach the 15th anniversary of the organization,” says current BBC Board Chair Tom Isaacson. “We are grateful for Kate’s dedication to the organization over the last seven years as our Executive Director and for several years before that as a board member. Though we are sad to see Kate leave, we look forward to the next 15 years of climbing stewardship on the Front Range.”
The climbing community will have an opportunity to recognize Beezley’s contributions to the organization at the 8th Annual Soiree on November 13th. This signature fundraising event brings together climbers, supporters, and community partners to celebrate another year of stewardship and conservation efforts. More information about the Soiree is available at boulderclimbers.org/soiree-2025.
