PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Gary Pontius, a motorcycle rider and racer for 45 years, has been elected to represent the North Central Region on the American Motorcyclist Association Board of Directors.

Pontius, a resident of Westfield, Ind., assumes the seat held for two terms by Jim Viverito of Chicago. The North Central Region includes Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and all but the southern tip of Illinois.

“We welcome Gary to the Board of Directors and look forward to his input on the important issues facing the AMA today,” said Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, board chair. “At the same time, we wish to thank Jim Viverito for his years of service on the board, and we hope that he continues to bring his energy and enthusiasm to future AMA activities.”

Pontius has worked with AMA Congress for 26 years as a promoter.

“My goal is to represent the membership from my region and work to make the AMA stronger for all motorcyclists,” Pontius said. “I have truly enjoyed my years of racing and riding motorcycles. It’s been the passion of my life, and I hope that the next generation has the same ability to enjoy the outdoors from the seat of a motorcycle.”

The AMA Board includes 12 members — six elected by individual AMA members, four elected by corporate members and two at-large members appointed and ratified at the annual individual AMA member meeting. To view all board members, visit http://americanmotorcyclist.com/About-The-AMA/AMA-Board-of-Directors.