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One of the highlights of last week’s 16th annual Wilderness Risk Management Conference was the inauguration of an annual award recognizing excellence in the practice of wilderness risk management, and extraordinary contributions to the community of outdoor education, adventure and service organizations, and programs and businesses that utilize wild places for their activities.
As the conference co-sponsors - the National Outdoor Leadership School, Outward Bound and the Student Conservation Association - discussed the criteria for the award - integrity, strong ethical underpinnings, curiosity, commitment to continual learning, honesty, innovation and generosity of spirit - one member or another would finish the sentence with a comment of “… you know, like Reb Gregg”.
A recipient of this award has contributed significantly to the practice of wilderness risk management by: raising standards of practice and strategic risk mitigation; providing valued service to the goals, mission and outcomes of an industry that connects people to the wilderness; facilitates individuals to challenge themselves in the outdoors; and supports the stewardship of wilderness. “… you know, like Reb Gregg”.
People, all different types, are drawn to Reb - his charisma and genuine interest in people, in life itself, makes him someone others want to be around. He doesn't look at life in black and white but rather loves engaging in complexity.
It became clear that Reb’s qualities and service models the exceptional leadership, service and innovation this award will honor. Thus, on the opening night of the conference, October 14th, 2009, the co-sponsors announced this award, named: The Charles (Reb) Gregg AwardFor Exceptional Leadership, Service and Innovation in Wilderness Risk Management
On the closing evening of the conference, October 16th, 2009, I had the privilege of presenting this award to its first recipient, Jed Williamson.
In my remarks I remembered the day, 20 years ago this past July, when David Black was killed by rockfall while on a NOLS course in the Wind River Range. It was NOLS’ first fatality in 10 years, and the first one any of us had managed. Jim Ratz, then NOLS Executive Director, and I talked about who would be best to lead an independent investigation of this incident.
We bantered about some names, then I picked up the phone and did something so many of us have done when we needed help, I called Jed Williamson. I had not met or spoken with Jed before. I knew him only through his work with Accidents in North American Mountaineering and with the American Alpine Club, but when I asked for help, Jed said yes. Jed gave us advice, occasionally pointed feedback, and wise guidance, then, as he does now. This was the beginning of a mentorship in wilderness risk management that has led us to where we are today - that was one very valuable phone call.
Jed has been a college president, bi-athlete, professional ski patroller, mountain guide, camp counselor, safety director, expert witness as well as long stints as staffer, manager, trustee, advisor for the likes of NOLS, Outward Bound, Student Conservation Association, Exum and a host of other schools and colleges.
Jed’s footprint is in every corner of the outdoor education and recreational community and many of his accomplishments are so well known, we forget that Jed was the engine for many of the successful advances in outdoor safety.
Where would we be without Jed? Can we imagine a conference without his accident cause matrix? Some of us occasionally blaspheme the matrix - and this is fun - but we know how important this vocabulary and structure is for our conversations on risk management.
Where would we be without the data and the experience captured in Accidents in North American Mountaineering? This is the template for the incident accounts and case studies so many of us use routinely in training.
Where would we be without the incident review and risk management audit process and the collected wisdom and knowledge many of us may now take for granted? Jed’s hand has molded this process, and guards it’s integrity
Where would we be without the support and hours that Jed has devoted to the Wilderness Risk Management conference?
Is there anyone who has asked for help, information or camaraderie from Jed and not received it?
Dan Garvey, President of Prescott College said, about Jed , “I’ve been blessed to work with Jed throughout my professional career. The world is a better, saner and funnier place because of Jed. When I hear his name I smile and silently nod in gratitude for his impact upon my life.” I couldn’t agree more.
If you see Reb and Jed, extend your congratulations for this richly deserved honor.