USA Climbing is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Keith Ferguson, who led the organization from 2008 to 2012. Keith’s tenure marked a pivotal chapter in USA Climbing’s history, as the organization evolved to better support athletes on the international stage while elevating its premier events across the United States.

When Keith joined the organization, American athletes were standing on World Cup podiums, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (now World Climbing) was pushing for Olympic inclusion, and the sport was rapidly expanding its reach. Drawing on his experience at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and in professional sports, Keith elevated the production value of major events, led the development of the Unified Bouldering Series, and centralized registration for championship-level events, creating structure and consistency for athletes and their families.

Working closely with the International Federation of Sport Climbing and the Pan American Council, Keith was a staunch advocate for the sport and its athletes. Today, as climbing looks towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (where Sport Climbing will feature three standalone medals and Para Climbing will make its Paralympic debut), we recognize that Keith’s efforts helped lay the foundation for that progress.

Pete Torcicollo, who served as President of USA Climbing during Keith’s tenure, recalls Keith as generous and big-hearted, with an email signature that read, “Sport Changes Lives.”

“Keith was one of the best people you could ever meet,” Torcicollo said. “His unwavering commitment to putting USA Climbing and its athletes on the international stage helped shape the trajectory of our sport in this country. The world really lost one of the good ones.”

On behalf of the entire USA Climbing community, we extend our deepest condolences to Keith’s family and loved ones.