Galen Staats

MA, Field Director

Galen grew up in Norfolk, VA where he spent most of his childhood romping around in the Shenandoah Mountains and hiking segments of the Appalachian Trail. Galen spent some years in the military serving in the Marines before returning to college to get his BA in Wilderness Leadership and a Masters in Outdoor Program Leadership from Prescott College, AZ. 

Following this, Galen began work in the outfield, working in several different roles as a Climbing Supervisor, Outdoor Educator, Program Manager, and Assistant Ropes Director before guiding at various climbing/whitewater companies in the Southern California area. Eventually, Galen took over the Summit Climbing Gym at the University of Utah, creating a mentorship program for the U of U climbing team, and implementing a route-setting development program for students. Wanting to explore more teaching avenues, Galen eventually found his way to the University of Utah as the Outdoor Adventures/U-Explore Operations Manager. Here, Galen discovered his love of teaching and started to dedicate his time and energy toward the betterment of staffing conditions for guides/educators in the outdoor field. Finding a lack of empathy in the modern approaches to program administration, Galen worked towards creating more sustainable paths for employment in the outdoor field, overseeing a complete rehaul of the University employment systems to create a more conducive schedule and pay scale for employees. 

Galen then moved to the role of Field Director at Summit Achievement, where he provides oversight and guidance to both Achievement and Traverse programs, outfits students for expeditions, conducts staff training in the field, and assists in direct crisis response. One of his primary goals in his job as Field Director is to bridge connections throughout the community and implement more mindful practices with students and staff alike. 

You can find Galen exploring Maine in his off time with his wife Amy, and their dogs Elmer & Raffi, and their cat, Spooky. Galen is an avid climber/mountaineer who enjoys very long moderate routes so he can enjoy a good view and crisp seltzer. You can find him bikepacking to obscure climbing areas most days in the summer and skiing/ice climbing in the winter.