Kastner Resigns As Executive Director
News Release July 12, 2017
KEVIN KASTNER RESIGNS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IRON DOG
Anchorage, Alaska (AK). Iron Dog, Inc., the world’s longest toughest snowmobile race, announced today that Executive Director Kevin Kastner has resigned to pursue a new opportunity. The Board has begun a search for Mr. Kastner’s successor.“The Board is thankful for Kevin’s years of service and leadership,” said Jim Wilke, President of the Board, “We are grateful for his many accomplishments. We wish him and his family the very best. I am confident that working with Laurel Hickel, our Operations Manager and team of volunteers and Board Members, the organization will enjoy continued success in the future.”Kastner said, “It has been an enormous privilege to have led Iron Dog during an important period of transformation and growth. I am proud to have worked with the absolute best volunteers in the world, a dedicated family of racers, sponsors and staff who have made this seven year journey an absolutely unforgettable experience.”“Kevin brought a wealth of energy and expertise to the Iron Dog and under his leadership Iron Dog achieved record levels of sponsorships, racer participation, volunteers, statewide media coverage, and national acclaim. In 2010 he shared his ‘vision’ for the future of Iron Dog and together we achieved every milestone. Tireless dedication and unequaled in enthusiasm, Kevin will be acutely missed by everyone affiliated with the Iron Dog and we wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”, said Marianne Beckham, Board Member.Kevin Kastner is a professional motorsports marketing, event and sponsorship development executive who came to Iron Dog in 2010 at a time of significant challenge. Together with a small staff, he has elevated the events, sponsor success and recognition of the Iron Dog by more than 2,000%. Iron Dog has benefited from Kastner’s efforts with national TV coverage, student exchange programs, an Iron Dog Edition branded Ski-Doo snowmobile, X Games style events in downtown Anchorage, solid financial foundation and a growing audience around the world.Seven-time Iron Dog Champion, Scott Davis said, “I’ve been involved in the Iron Dog race since well before the first race in 1984 and have been privileged to see the enormous growth over the last few years and deserved recognition that Kevin helped bring to this event. He will be sorely missed, but I wish him all the best.”“I recently accepted a role leading the event marketing and racing management for a reputable company in the lower 48 that will require a move out of state. It was a tough decision to uproot to pursue this great opportunity. Iron Dog will always hold a special place in my heart and career. I’ve worked hard to build a blueprint for Iron Dog’s continued growth in the years to come, I sincerely wish them ongoing success.”, said Kastner.
###Iron Dog is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2018 starting with a series of pre-race events on February 13, 2018 with an expo at Cabela’s Anchorage, the 4th Annual Flying Iron Freestyle snowmobile shows, a ceremonial start scheduled for February 17, 2018 in downtown Anchorage and closing out the 10 days of events on February 24, 2017 with the Finish in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska.About Iron Dog, Inc. | 7100 Old Seward Hwy, Ste C, Anchorage, Alaska 99518 USAIron Dog, Inc. is a proud leader in the snowmobile community promoting snowmobile safety and outdoor education through trade shows, seminars and community events. Iron Dog also conducts student exchange programs and through its annual raffle has donated nearly $200,000 to Alaska charities since 2011.The Iron Dog race, is a World Class Snowmobile Event that crosses the State of Alaska each February impacting over twenty-five Alaskan communities. Today’s Iron Dog course is over 2,000 miles, from Anchorage to Nome and finishing in Fairbanks, making it the World’s longest snowmobile race. Participants must traverse areas of Alaska’s most remote and rugged terrain while confronting some of the harshest winter conditions. Survival skills are essential, making it the World’s toughest snowmobile race.For additional information:Kevin Kastner, Executive Director, Iron Dog, Inc.Tel. 907-563-4414E-mail: kkastner@irondog.org