Russell Clune
Board Chair
Russ was one of the initial employees and investors in Black Diamond Equipment before becoming a partner in All Mountain Group, a sales agency representing various outdoor specialty brands, where he worked until his retirement. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont and a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Russ has been actively climbing at the Gunks since 1977, and still works (very) part time guiding. He lives just a few miles from the cliffs and spends lots of time on the Preserve and when not there, he’s traveling someplace around the planet climbing rocks.
Longtime Preserve Head Ranger, the late Thom Scheuer, initially got Russ involved with the Preserve’s Land Stewardship Committee to help represent the climbing community. He joined the Preserve’s Board of Directors in 1997, was elected Board Chair in 2018 and serves on the Executive and Visitor Experience Committees.