The Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) is excited to announce an important new chapter for its Board of Directors, welcoming four new members whose diverse expertise, unique perspectives, and shared passion for the Iditarod will help strengthen the organization and support its future. The ITC also extends its sincere gratitude to outgoing Board members for their dedicated service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the organization and the race it serves.
After seven years serving as Board President, Mike Mills will transition from the role, with fellow seven-year Board member Nina Kemppel assuming the position of Board President. Throughout his tenure, Mills has been instrumental in guiding the Iditarod through challenges and periods of change, providing steady leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission and future. The ITC is deeply grateful for the tremendous time, energy, and thoughtful leadership he has devoted to the Board and the Iditarod over the past seven years. Mills will remain on the Board, helping ensure a smooth leadership transition and continuing to lend his experience and perspective as the organization moves forward.
Kemppel brings a wealth of leadership experience, a deep connection to Alaska and a proven dedication to the Iditarod during her tenure on the Board of Directors. A four-time Olympian in cross-country skiing and nine-time Mount Marathon winner, Kemppel has dedicated her time and expertise to serving Alaska communities and supporting organizations that make a lasting difference. The ITC is grateful to Kemppel for stepping into the role as Chair of the Board.
“I am honored to step into the role as the Chair of the Board of Directors as we begin the Iditarod’s next chapter,” said Kemppel. “I look forward to working with the Board in selecting our next CEO and further strengthening the legacy of the Iditarod. For me, the Iditarod is more than the world’s most iconic sled dog race: it embodies Alaska’s fiercely bold spirit. It brings together an extraordinary network of communities to support this uniquely Alaskan event and gives our remarkable mushers and dogs a world-class venue to demonstrate determination, grit, and athleticism. I am grateful to our sponsors for their ongoing support, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, veterinarians, pilots, and fans as we continue to grow and innovate. I also extend a heartfelt thanks to Mike Mills for his dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to this organization.”
“Serving as board president of the Iditarod has been one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of any board on which I’ve served,” said Mills. “The Iditarod is an iconic global brand that must be preserved to celebrate the mushing lifestyle and to advance cutting edge dog care. The organization is in a solid position as it welcomes new board members and a new CEO. I’m looking forward to remaining on the board to provide support and continuity.”
The ITC welcomes four members whose experience spans the sport of mushing, business, media, aviation, logistics, and tourism.
- Bridget Baker has recently joined the Board of Directors, bringing extensive media and business expertise, including 23 years with NBCUniversal, where she contributed to the company’s growth and development in the cable industry. Her experience will provide a valuable perspective as the ITC continues to strengthen its communications and partnerships.
- Four time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser, recently joined the Board, bringing decades of experience and an extraordinary legacy in the sport. Buser has competed in 39 consecutive Iditarod races, the most of any musher in race history, earning four championships and 19 Top 10 finishes. His longstanding involvement and contributions to the race bring an invaluable perspective to the Board.
- Matthew Failor was elected to the Board by Iditarod mushers shortly after the 2026 race, serving as the mushers’ representative. An Iditarod veteran and owner of a successful sled dog kennel tour business, Failor succeeds longtime representative Andy Angstman, whose years of service representing the musher community are greatly appreciated.
- Sarah Stokey joined the Board in January. A two-time Iditarod finisher and Alaska-based entrepreneur, Stokey brings experience at the intersection of dog sledding, remote logistics, aviation, and tourism.
The Iditarod Trail Committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gail Schubert and Andy Angstman for their dedication, service, and meaningful contributions to the Board of Directors. Schubert, President and CEO of Bering Straits Native Corporation, brought invaluable business acumen, leadership, and perspective to the Board, while Angstman served as a strong voice for the musher community for many years, helping ensure that the experiences and perspectives of Iditarod competitors were represented in Board discussions. Their time, insight, and commitment to the organization have helped support the continued strength and future of the Iditarod.
The ITC remains committed to effective governance, continuity of leadership, and a clear focus on our mission as the organization prepares for its next chapter.
Board service is a significant commitment, requiring time, expertise, and a deep dedication to the Iditarod and its future. The Iditarod Trail Committee thanks all current and former Board members for their service and welcomes its newest members as they join in supporting the future of the Iditarod.
Visit the Board of Directors section of the website to see all members of the board: iditarod.com/about-us/board-of-directors
