Matt Brooks, president and founder of Brooks-Range Mountaineering Equipment was awarded the AMGA Presidential Gold Medal, the highest award of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA).
The Presidential Gold Medal is the highest award bestowed by the American Mountain Guides Association. It is designed to recognize individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the mission and interests of the mountain guiding profession and the AMGA. Though this great honor may be awarded for singular acts of momentous import, it is generally granted for a lifetime of service or at the conclusion of a distinguished career.
“It's been my honor and pleasure to be a part of the AMGA,” said Brooks. “It's all about the people, and the people of the AMGA are an extraordinarily dedicated group who have made tremendous strides over the last 30 years, playing a central role in establishing and advancing the mountain guiding profession in the United States.”
In addition to the award, Brooks was also been appointed a member and chair of the Presidents Council of the AMGA, which is made up of past presidents of the organization. This council works to ensure the highest quality for future leadership of the AMGA though its advice and guidance. The committee members are granted a lifetime position and are considered to be well-regarded leaders in the mountaineering community.
Brooks founded Brooks-Range Mountaineering Equipment Co. in 1995. Prior to that, Brooks worked as a certified mountain guide. He did many first ascents in the U.S. and the European alps, including Yosemite’s Galactic Hitchhiker, the longest technical rock climb in North America. During his career as a mountain guide, Brooks developed solutions to common backcountry issues and problems, designing products for his own use. When other guides took an interest in his home made ski guide cards and rescue sleds, he established the company that is now known as Brooks-Range Mountaineering Equipment Co.
