Iditarod announces new COO

The Iditarod Trail Committee, Inc. (ITC) has announced the appointment of Corey Hester as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

In a press release on January 6, the ITC says that Hester will bring with him extensive leadership, having experience across nonprofit operations, strategic growth partnerships, and digital media. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Alaska Airman’s Association and, most recently, played a key role in building one of Alaska’s largest digital tourism brands, scaling it from inception to national reach.

Hester is a born-and-raised Alaskan and a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage. He also earned an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School

“Corey understands both the heritage of the Iditarod and the operational excellence required to steward it forward,” said Rob Urbach, CEO of the Iditarod Trail Committee. “He has already proven himself to be a trusted partner while working with us as he completed his law degree, and his broad skill set will strengthen our internal execution while supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the race.”

As COO, Hester will focus on growth strategy, operational integration, organizational planning, and cross-functional coordination, enabling the ITC to continue delivering an exceptional experience for mushers, volunteers, partners, communities, and fans worldwide.

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue working alongside such a dedicated team,” said Hester. “The Iditarod is one of Alaska’s most iconic institutions and I’m excited to help support its people, mission, and future.”