Rick Ridgeway is recognized as one of the world's foremost mountaineers. With three companions, he was the first American to summit K2, and he has done other significant climbs and explorations on all continents. Rick worked for Patagonia for 15 years and was most recently Patagonia's Vice President of Public Engagement. As one of the company's key spokespersons he represented and promoted the company's mission to "Save our Home Planet." He worked with teams to develop and launch environmental and sustainability initiatives including Freedom to Roam, the Footprint Chronicles, the Responsible Economy Campaign and Worn Wear. He also was founding chairman of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, today the largest apparel, footwear and home textile trade organization in the world. He has written six books, many magazine stories and produced and directed dozens of television shows. National Geographic honored him with its "Lifetime Achievement in Adventure" award. He serves on the boards of Tompkins Conservation and the Turtle Conservancy, and is on the National Council of the World Wildlife Fund.

Photo credit: Jimmy Chin