RENO, Nev. (February 12, 2019) —Reno Air Racing Association announces the addition of two new members to the board of directors in 2019 and the departure of longtime board member and former board chairman John Agather.

“I can’t thank John enough for his passion and dedication to this organization,” said Fred Telling, chairman of the board of directors. “His work has left an undeniable impact on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, helping to propel the event forward. We look forward to seeing his continued involvement on the chairman’s advisory committee. We are delighted to add Mark Bailey and Todd Donahue to the board as we get ready for an exciting 2019 event.”

A long-time supporter of the event, Bailey returns to the board after a brief hiatus having previously served as the Reno Air Racing Association’s treasurer and as a board member from 1994 to 2016. He is a certified public accountant and managing shareholder of Excelsis Accounting Group in Reno, Nev. Bailey is a multi-engine, instrument rated pilot and has also proudly served on boards for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Reno Philharmonic.

Donahue is new to the board and brings extensive experience in aviation safety. He was nominated as an accident prevention counselor with Bradley Flight Standards District Office in 1995. Donahue is founder and CEO of Homestead Helicopters based in Missoula, Mont. which was the first company in the US to become an FAA approved part 141 flight training academy offering helicopter firefighting, mountain flying and vertical reference training. Donahue has been a long-time fan of the races and a close associate of Bill Eck, the National Championship Air Races longest serving director of operations.

“This year is one of progression and with Mark and Todd joining our board we are sure to see fresh ideas and continued success,” said Telling.

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races return Sept. 11-15, 2019 with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.

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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races:         
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies have shown that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.