Iditarod Trail Committee CEO Stan Hooley submits resignation

ANCHORAGE — Iditarod Trail Committee Board of Directors President Mike Mills announced today that Stan Hooley, longtime CEO of the Iditarod Trail Committee, has submitted his resignation. Hooley has accepted an opportunity that will take him out of Alaska for extended periods of time for several years.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Iditarod for more than 25 years and wish great success for the sponsors, volunteers, mushers, fans, my hardworking staff and the board of directors in the years ahead. Opportunity and perfect timing don’t always conveniently align, and this transition will be taking place at a less than ideal time. That said, I am confident the staff and our loyal and dedicated army of volunteers will successfully stage yet another Iditarod of which we will all be proud,” said Hooley.

Hooley came to the Iditarod Trail Committee in 1993 after serving as the executive director of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) of the United States, Inc.

“Stan’s dedication and contributions have been instrumental in establishing the Last Great Race on Earth as the international standard for long distance sled dog racing,” said Mills. “He has always championed what’s best for Alaska, the Iditarod, and most importantly, the sled dogs who run this great race. We, as the board, want to express our gratitude to Stan for his dedication to this institution, and wish him the very best on his next adventure.”

A search committee has been formed to find the next CEO, and the ITC Board of Directors is already engaged in developing a transition strategy. Hooley will continue to work with sponsors and staff until his expected departure in mid-January.