Jon Ross
Associate Director of Visitor Experience
Introduced to climbing at the Gunks in his teens, Jon moved to the area from New York City in the early 1970s. In addition to holding a Master of Arts degree in English Literature, he was involved in a variety of outdoor education programs, including one of the early examples of an experiential learning traveling school. Jon began teaching friends to climb and developed that interest into a full-fledged guiding business which he started in the early 1970s and ran until 2007. He became involved with the fledgling American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) and conducted some of the first evaluations of professional competency of climbing schools for that organization. He holds certification as a Guide by the AMGA. He continues to explore the ridge with undiminished passion.
With his characteristic enthusiasm Jon took advantage of an opportunity to join the staff at the Preserve as Visitor Services Coordinator. In 2014 he was promoted to Associate Director of Visitor Services.