Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta welcomes New Board of Directors Leadership and Members

Organization Thanks Leadership and Service of Outgoing Board Members

Albuquerque, NM – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest hot air ballooning event, is a 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit Corporation that is guided year-round by a dedicated volunteer board of 24 directors whose commitment ensures continued success. In addition to event planning, the board addresses complex policy, administrative, safety and traffic issues.

Board members transitioning to new positions are Neil Jackson serving as President (former vice president); Mark Sullivan serving as Vice President (former secretary); Gary Bennett serving as Secretary; and Jeff Lawrence serving as Treasurer.

This year, the Balloon Fiesta is welcoming two new board members, Jerry Lovato and JJ Mancini.

Jerry Lovato is a recent retiree from the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority, where he served as executive engineer. He brings the board over 43 years of experience in planning, design, construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and is committed to community engagement. Beyond engineering, Lovato is a dedicated community advocate with a passion for civic engagement and large-scale public projects.

JJ Mancini, chief information officer of Heritage Hotels and Resorts and owner of Desert Fuels, Inc., has over 20 years of experience in technology innovation, entrepreneurship, team leadership, community organization and consulting. His commitment to community includes creating the Historic Old Town Association, uniting Albuquerque’s Old Town merchants, property owners and residents for the first time in Albuquerque’s 318-year history. Mancini is a commercial hot air balloon pilot and an active member of Albuquerque’s ballooning community.

The Balloon Fiesta Board also includes: JR Allison, Tania Armenta, Ray Bair, Peg Billson, Jay Czar, John Davis, Barbara Fricke, Jim Garcia, Matt Guthrie, Steve Komadina, Rod May, Tom McConnell, Richard Rice, Harry T. Season, Jr., John Sena, Al Tetreault, Bill Walker and Ty Young. This group continues to be essential in guiding the planning, operations and ongoing success of Balloon Fiesta.

The organization also shares its appreciation for two long-serving members departing the board of directors, Judy Nakamura and Doug Schwebach. Judy Nakamura served as president of the board, serving on the board for 14 years. Doug Schwebach served as a member of the board, working on the successful RV program for 10 years.

“The Balloon Fiesta Board members work tirelessly behind the scenes; it is a tremendous commitment,” said Julie Morgas Baca, Executive Director of AIBF. “Our community is fortunate to have such dedicated and distinguished individuals who are committed to providing the city, the state, the country and the world the greatest ballooning event year after year.”

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc.

The ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual festival of hot air balloons that takes place every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.