Iron Dog is gaining momentum and building a sturdy foundation as planning proceeds toward the 2023 race
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Iron Dog Race Inc. Board of Directors
7100 Old Seward Highway, Unit C, Anchorage, AK 99518
907-563-4414
Email: director@irondog.org
Website: https://www.irondog.org
Anchorage, Alaska (Thursday, May 19, 2022) — Iron Dog Race Inc. held the annual members meeting on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. The meeting was open to the public and in attendance were veteran racers, volunteers, sponsors and board members.
The board announced the resignation of Executive Director Bob Menne, discussed a reorganization of the board, and welcomed the return of 2021 Interim Executive Director Mike Vasser as new permanent executive director.
The Iron Dog is gaining momentum and building a sturdy foundation as planning proceeds toward the 2023 race.
The Iron Dog Board wishes to thank Bob Menne for his contribution to the 2022 race and wishes him well in his future endeavors. Menne, a lifelong snowmobile enthusiast and racer, relocated to Alaska from Minnesota in 2020 after competing in the 2018 Iron Dog race.
Mike Vasser, in gray, with 2021 race marshals Brian Webb and Geoff Crouse awaiting the 2021 finishers. Vasser is Iron Dog’s new executive director.
Effective immediately Mike Vasser, will resume the role as executive director. In 2021, Vasser successfully collaborated with board members, volunteers, community leaders and COVID-mitigation experts to continue the Iron Dog tradition. An Alaska resident since 1999, Vasser is the owner of 907ice LLC., an ice and water vending business. Prior to kick-starting his business, Vasser was the vice president and general manager of Coca-Cola of Alaska, a division of the Odom Corp. Vasser brings nearly 40 years of operational and financial expertise, marketing and event sponsorship and planning, as well as a passion for building partnerships. In addition to the business-focused resume Vasser brings to Iron Dog, he also is a snowmachine enthusiast who’s raced and built sleds his entire life. He has competed in the Iron Dog race, the Jackson Hole Hill Climb, Arctic Man and countless vintage and ice races.
Vasser has agreed to a contract term of three years. “I’m not getting younger and not in a place in my life where I need to start a new career, but I believe I can contribute to the future of the race and the sport. Largely my focus will be looking ahead not just to the 2023 race but the future of Iron Dog. The Board is committed to this, and sponsors, volunteers and racers are excited about the future, I am grateful to be part of such a team.”
Roger Brown and family enjoying much-deserved family time.
The Iron Dog Board formally elected its officers and executive committee during recently held meetings. The Iron Dog board has appointed four new members and says thank you to Micah Huss for his years of support. Huss, a veteran racer is stepping away from the board to focus on time with family and his business.
Doug Dixon will serve as the new president of the Iron Dog Board, replacing Roger Brown who will assume the role of treasure. Brown, like Huss is taking on this new role with the hope of being able to spend more time with his young family while also dedicating more time to the success of the Ambassador Team’s involvement in the Expedition Class.
Dixon who most recently held the vice president role, said “Roger is going to continue to be a strong voice and hand with our race and to the commitment to the communities we ride through. We are grateful for his dedication these past five years and happy to give him more time with family and more time to build on the success of the Ambassador team.”
Doug Dixon and his grandson at the finish line of Iron Dog 2021. Dixon will be Iron Dog’s new board president.
Dixon is a lifelong Alaskan, and owner of Fine Line Interiors, the premier supplier of race gaunlets and sled bags most preferred by racers. Dixon is a supporter of the race and racers for more years than he recall: He is six time competitor of the race and “first looser” with partner Steve Spence in 2010. Today, Dixon’s focused not on racing but continuing the legacy of Iron Dog and promoting safety. In 2019 Dixon launched the Iron Dog helmet program, distributing free riding helmet to children in communities along the race trail. After a 2021 pandemic-induced hiatus, the a program made a huge comeback in 2022. Dixon and other Iron Dog representatives distributed 212 helmets from checkpoints including McGrath, Galena, Unalakleet to Nome and around the Red Dog Loop.
“This is an expensive sport, and Iron Dog is trying to give back to the communities and ensure they ride safe.” Dixon said.
Filling Dixon’s role as vice president is current treasure Keith Manternach. Manternach a local entrepreneur and owner of Specialty Truck and Auto is a generous contributor to non profit organizations across the state.
“Keith’s knowledge of managing the structure of a non-profit organization is such a value”, said new treasure Brown. “And not to mention he is so well connected with other organizations that complement the efforts of the race.”
Joining the executive board is existing board member and retired State Trooper Jay Sears. Sears, is filling the role most recently held by Vasser.
The Iron Dog is pleased to also welcome Stan James, Jonny Dean, Stan Brown and Reuben Hanke to its board of directors.
James is a veteran racer CEO of Valley Imaging who took over sponsorship of the Poorman checkpoint in 2022 where the logistics of getting fuel are as challenging as any checkpoint.
Dean, a Drop Crew Foreman with Alaska Directional and Brown a General Foreman with Great Northwest are both veteran racers who have been long time commentators and tracking experts on social media. Both bring a young voice to the table and we look forward to them being the future of Iron Dog.
Rueben Hanke, owner of Harry Gaines Kenai River Fishing Guides is a previous member of the Alaska Trappers Association founding board member for Kenai Chapter) and 25 year member of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association. Hanke brings a history with event management and hosting / catering to business and organizations.
Kelli Cherrier Reagan, Iron Dog Operations Manager, with Gov. Dunleavy at the finish of the 2022 Iron Dog.
On April 8th, Iron Dog hosted its annual sponsor reception - a typical reception lasts a few hours but this year sponsors, volunteers and racers mingled for over five hours.
Everyone was having such a good time talking about the race and what’s coming next, it was an atmosphere that left me feeling extremely excited about the Iron Dog.” Manternach said. “Momentum is building, and big things are coming. It’s going to be an exciting future for the race and fans!”
The 2023 Iron Dog Expedition Class & Pro class begins in February, 2023. To apply for the board, to offer volunteer services or to sponsor this Iconic Alaskan event please contact director@irondog.org, or call 907-563-4414.