Meet the Movers and Shakers

Mark Melvin Chief Executive, Founder Mark's escape from the corporate world led to the opening of Mission Cliffs in 1995. With support from several dozen passionate climbers, this venture led to the current business, Touchstone Climbing Inc. Mark enjoys many types of climbing, but likes multi-pitch trad routes the most. He's been known to do ultra-runs from time to time.

Debra Melvin Controller, Co-founder Debra is co-founder of Touchstone, managing the financial side of the business. Her passions are climbing, running and cycling. She loves the outdoors, especially the backcountry of the Sierra, and hot dry places like deserts.

Markham Connolly Operations Management Markham started with Touchstone when he worked at the front desk at Mission Cliffs in 1995. After a three year stint in Telluride he returned to manage City Rock and then Berkeley Ironworks. Markham has been the Director of Operations since spring of 2002. His current passion is road cycling and is gearing up for the next racing season.

Jeffery Bowling Information Technology, Marketing Jeffery has been working for Touchstone since 1996. Since starting he has done everything from working kids birthday parties to course setting to managing Mission Cliffs. Before they called it quits, Jeffery was known to spend his vacations following Phish. Now he spends his free time teaching philosophy at SFSU and running the San Francisco Disc Golf club.

Craig McClenahan Head Course-setter. Construction Management Craig has been the director of Course-setting for Touchstone since 1996. He has been climbing for over 25 years, redpoint 5.14, bouldering V7 and climbing A5 VI El Cap routes. When not course-setting, Craig can be found climbing and skiing in the Sierra with his family.

Patti Phillips Retail Manager Patti started her Touchstone career at the front desk at CityRock in 1997. She continued working at Berkeley Ironworks when it opened in spring of 2000. Patti is now the Retail Manager for all the Touchstone gyms. She enjoys climbing and walking her dogs, Ali and Blitz.

And There's Lots More...
In truth, the real strength of our company lies in the many people who work together to keep this ship sailing smoothly. All told, we have nearly 200 people on staff who handle the duties at the front desks, change the routes for your climbing pleasure, teach fitness classes and climbing clinics, belay kids at camps and parties, repair and improve the physical facilities, and oversee the myriad other elements that keep us afloat.

Many are full-time and lots more work only part-time while they complete their studies or pursue other interests. On this page and those listed in the links below, we hope to acquaint you with a few of the faces that you'll see as you visit our various locations. Feel free to "hi" - we generally don't bite...

Gym Staff
Mission Cliffs
Berkeley Ironworks
Sacramento Pipeworks
Class 5
Diablo Rock Gym
Touchstone San Jose

Course Setting

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