Roswell, N.M. – The National Championship Air Races (NCAR) has announced that Jon Hitchcock has joined its board of directors ahead of the inaugural event in Roswell, NM next year. A pillar of the Roswell community, Hitchcock’s appointment to the board will be integral as NCAR continues to expand its presence and establish itself in New Mexico. Hitchcock will be the first member from New Mexico to join the board and will help guide the organization’s vision for the 2025 air races in its new home of Roswell.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon to the board as our first member from New Mexico as we continue to prepare for the first National Championship Air Races in Roswell in 2025,” said Fred Telling, chairman and chief executive officer for the National Championship Air Races. “We knew that we would need someone heavily involved and committed to the community for a successful transition to Roswell and that’s Jon. His knowledge of the area, its businesses and communities will be invaluable as we establish the air races in our wonderful new home.”
Hitchcock began his aviation journey in 1982, first earning his private pilot license followed by his instrument rating and went on to become Lieutenant Colonel of New Mexico’s Civil Air Patrol. As a certified public accountant, Hitchcock pursued a career in banking and finance and retired as the chief executive officer of New Mexico’s Pioneer Bank in 2017 where he continues to sit as chairman of the board. Hitchcock’s community involvement ranges from president of the Roswell Symphony Orchestra Foundation to overseeing the investments committee of the Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Foundation. He is also a member of Roswell’s Rotary Club and New Mexico Amigos.
“I’m deeply honored to join the board and help make the inaugural National Championship Air Races in Roswell a success for the organization, its attendees and our community,” said Jon Hitchcock. “This is an exciting, new opportunity for Roswell, and we will make sure all involved are proud to be a part of such a historic event as the next chapter of air racing begins in New Mexico.”
