FOJT Public Information

Andre Ribeiro
Secretary

Andre Ribeiro has been climbing since 2008 – first in Brazil, then in the United States. He has lived between Joshua Tree and Idyllwild for many years and is passionate about protecting climbing in both areas. He currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Friends of Joshua Tree and is committed to establishing a formal route maintenance/rebolting program in cooperation with Joshua Tree National Park

Byron
Board Member

Donette Swain
Board Member

I’ve been climbing and putting up new routes all over the word (so far over 45 countries, six continents, hundreds of first ascents) and have learned that working with and for local communities is the key to thoughtful climbing development. I am not too timid to tackle routes that are seriously-less-than-vertical, highly-featured, or within-spitting-distance-of-the-car.

Erin Goodrich
Vice President

Erin Goodrich has been climbing on and off since 2012. She is dedicated to helping people get outside while promoting fun, stewardship, and safety – creating community through climbing that is open to everyone. While she has been a part of several nonprofit organizations- FOJT is her favorite, a way to combine her love of climbing and passion for helping make the community a better place.

John Connor
Board Member

John Connor has been climbing rocks for over 25 years, from boulders to big walls, across 20 US states, and many international crags. In addition to Friends of Joshua Tree, he serves as an Access Fund Board Director and is the founder and president of The Climbing Stewards.

John Lauretig
President

I’m John Lauretig the current President & former Executive Director of Friends of Joshua Tree. I have been climbing for over 45 years and have lived in the High Desert for 25. I enjoy interacting with the climbing community. Joshua Tree is a world-renowned climbing destination which adds to the fun.

Kenji Haroutunian
Executive Director

Kenji is founding board director of California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, immediate Past President of the Access Fund, President Emeritus of Friends Of Joshua Tree, Founding Director of Southern California Climbers Coalition, and national steering committee member of the Recreate Responsibly coalition.

Traci Cosmer-Lippa
Board Member

Hi, I’m Traci Cosmer-Lippa. I have been climbing for about 15+ years with my very first climb being in Joshua Tree National Park. The park and community hold a special place in my heart and I visit as often as possible! It’s a privilege to be a part of the FOJT organization and help give back to the climbing community and Joshua Tree National Park.