Meet the Team
These are the current official position-holders within the Duluth Climbing and Fitness Cooperative. These volunteers handle everything that make the coop function smoothly. If you see them around, say thank you!
Some positions are elected, while others are appointed by the board on an application basis. If you're interested in one of these positions, watch out for announcements in your email! Must be a member to be eligible for positions.
Board Members
Tony Ledin
Director of Operations
Tony is one of the founding board members for the cooperative, having built the wall, set many many problems, created the original 24/7 access door system, and more! Tony loves adventure, climbing, surfing, and connecting with nature.
tony@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Mikayla Haynes
Marketing & Outreach Director
Mikayla is one of the OG board members for the cooperative, and has worn many hats getting this gym off the ground and running. She has been climbing since 2015, loves both rock and ice climbing, and is perpetually planning the next Boulderthon through the Event Planning Committee! In her day-to-day, she is a PhD Biology Student studying restoration ecology, an artist, and a dog mom of two very good boys.
mikayla@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Alex Ristow
Facilities Director
Alex is an origninal board member, built the wall, installed electrical stuff, and helps on the facilities-related issues (including going to the gym at a moment's notice to fix the leaks...those who know, know). He loves ice and mixed climbing, long trad climbs, adventurous gravel biking, and trying hard.
alex@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Haley Golz
Interim Member Coordinator
Haley Golz, originally from Montana, has lived in Duluth since 2017. She is a huge plant nerd and works for the Minnesota Land Trust implementing habitat restoration projects. She loves to climb as much as humanly possible.
haley@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Route Coordinators
David Hernandez
David has been a route coordinator for the coop since summer 2022! He put together the Current Routes spreadsheet and designed the general setting system the gym has today. When he's not in the gym, you can find him climbing up the shore, fly fishing, or hanging out with his pup Moose!
routesetting@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Justin Stewart
Justin has been route coordinator since 2024, and has helped develop a work flow that makes setting sessions super smooth! He strives to make setting an approachable skill for those new to it, and thinks about all abilities when putting up new problems. Outside of the coop, Justin is a graduate student studying forest assisted migration and social impacts of climate forward practices in forestry.
routesetting@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Open Hours Hosts
Érne McCabe
Érne has been climbing for about 6 years and loves getting to meet new people who join the gym or come to check out the routes. In her free time she runs long distance and can be found hiking or backpacking in summer and xc skiing in the winter months.
Melanie Richards
Melanie has been bouldering since 2023 and currently serves as one of the hosts during open hours. They love the people they meet and cheering them on as they get more comfortable in the space . You can find Melanie at live music or soaking up the great outdoors in their free time.
Cleaning Coordinators
Claire Miller
Claire cleans the gym! She is a mama of two littles and enjoys spending time with her family. She has been rock and ice climbing for almost a decade. She has been a member of the co-op for about 2 years.
clean@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Anikka Keller
Duluth Climbing and Fitness Co-op is a member owned bouldering gym. Our mission is to create an inclusive indoor climbing space that promotes health, community growth, and skill improvement. Members will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of the gym, as well as supported in creating routes, teaching courses, and starting clubs. The Co-op’s fundamental goal is inclusivity.
clean@duluthclimbingandfitness.com
Additional Volunteers
John Oleksowicz
Tech Wizard
John started climbing back in 2019 and was instantly hooked. As a father of two he hasn't had much time for climbing recently, but he's looking forward to when his kids are older and they can all climb together. He has been building websites and web applications professionally since 2014, and for the coop he makes sure the website stays running and helps out with other tech related things as they come up.
Mitch Glatzel
Event Planning Committee
Mitch is an essential part of the Event Planning Committee, bringing ideas, stoke, and 5-star MC skillz to any event!
Mori Hays
Event Planning Committee
Mori and his wife moved to Duluth in 2024, and they quickly fell in love with the city and the community. He found the co-op spring 2026 and is on the event planning committee. He's helping out with our bouldering events, and is excited to help organize a dyno competition this winter. Looking forward to helping out wherever he can be of best help!