USA Climbing recently announced that Dr. Constance “Connie” Lightner will join its Board of Directors. Lightner, the mother of decorated American competitor Kai Lightner, will begin her term on September 1 following current and longtime member Patti Rube’s completion of term.
Dr. Lightner is a professor in the department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She has previously been part of various USA Climbing endeavors and initiatives, including the development of the 2024 Strategic Plan. Dr. Lightner is also a member of USA Climbing’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.
A brief biography of Dr. Lightner on USA Climbing’s website noted, “Connie Lightner played an instrumental role in guiding her son’s success domestically and internationally; she possesses a unique understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented to climbing families.”
Patti Rube, who is the current President of the Board of Directors, said, “As a university professor and faculty department chair with expertise in statistics, management science, operations management, and quality control, Dr. Lightner brings business management and leadership skills to our Board, and as a parent of an elite climber she also brings a deep knowledge of our sport. We are thrilled to welcome Connie and look forward to her continuing contributions for years to come.”
Other current members of USA Climbing’s Board of Directors (in addition to Rube) are: Bruce Mitchell (Vice President), Matthew Roberts (Treasurer), Kate Felsen Di Pietro, Avery Cook, Brett Rogers, Joel Litvin, Dustin Skinner, and athletes Kyra Condie and Jesse Grupper. The full press release about Dr. Lightner’s joining of the Board of Directors can be found here.
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