WASHINGTON, D.C. – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University today announced two new members of the Institute’s Board of Trustees – Jack McCain and Jill Hazelbaker. McCain is the son of the late Senator John McCain. A Naval helicopter pilot, McCain currently works as American Airlines’ director for state and local government affairs for the Western United States. Hazelbaker is the former communications director for Senator McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. She is currently the senior vice president of marketing and public affairs at Uber.
“Jack McCain is a leader in the model of his father. Just like generations of McCains before him, he answered the call to serve a cause greater than himself. A Naval Academy graduate, and helicopter pilot who has deployed five times in the Pacific, Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan, Jack is the embodiment of the values that were important to Senator McCain, and that guide our work at the McCain Institute. As a member of our board, Jack will help advance the McCain legacy and inspire new generations of character-driven leaders,” said former Senator Joe Lieberman, Member of the McCain Institute Board of Trustees.
“As the world faces significant geopolitical threats, it is more important than ever to fight for the values my dad dedicated his life to – freedom, democracy, human rights and serving a cause greater than oneself. I look forward to carrying his legacy forward and supporting the McCain Institute’s work to defend these values,” said Jack McCain.
“Jill Hazelbaker brings tremendous expertise to the McCain Institute’s board of trustees. Jill’s proven leadership in communications and public policy will be a critical asset as we continue to grow the McCain Institute’s impact around the world. Since the 2008 campaign, Jill remained a valued advisor to Senator McCain and his team, and we are thrilled to continue benefitting from her talent,” said McCain Institute Board of Trustees Member Rick Davis.
“Now more than ever, the world needs leaders like John McCain. I’m honored to join the McCain Institute and support the McCain legacy of advancing freedom and human rights wherever they are under threat,” said Jill Hazelbaker.
“As we approach the McCain Institute’s 10-year anniversary and set our sights on the decade ahead, it’s important that we enlist the perspective of a new generation. Jack and Jill will help drive our work forward and ensure future generations know and are inspired by the legacy of Senator McCain,” said McCain Institute Executive Chairman Ambassador Josette Sheeran
To view a full list of the McCain Institute Board of Trustees, click HERE.
About Jack McCain
Jack McCain is a reserve naval aviator for Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85 and graduate of the United States Naval Academy and Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. He has deployed five times in the Pacific, Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. Throughout his year in Afghanistan as an air advisor, he flew alongside his Afghan counterparts in the UH-60A, teaching advanced combat skills, tactics, and mission flying, throughout Kandahar, Uruzgan, and Helmand provinces, and assisted in developing the first tactical standard operating procedures for the Afghan Blackhawk. As an Afghan Hand, he acted as the link between the Afghan military and U.S. military, advising on cultural, political and military issues. Prior to that, he was a leadership instructor at the Naval Academy and a search and rescue pilot in Guam. He participated in numerous search and rescue operations, including three lifesaving rescues. He now works as American Airlines’ director for state and local government affairs for the Western United States and serves on the board of visitors to the U.S. Naval Academy.
About Jill Hazelbaker
Jill Hazelbaker is the senior vice president of marketing and public affairs at Uber, leading the global teams responsible for the company’s marketing, communications, and public policy efforts.
Before joining Uber, Jill led communications and public policy at Snap Inc. Before Snap, Jill worked for Google, where she led communications across Europe, Middle East, and Africa, as well as government relations in Europe. Earlier in her career at Google, Jill ran the company’s corporate communications team.
Jill began her career in U.S. politics, having held leadership roles on many local, state and federal election campaigns. In 2009, Jill served as press secretary to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg during his successful re-election campaign. In 2008, Jill was the national communications director and chief spokesperson for the late Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign.
In 2020, Jill was named in both Fortune and AdAge’s 40 Under 40 lists, recognizing her as a prominent female leader in the technology industry. An Oregon native, Jill now lives in San Francisco with her husband, three young children and their golden retriever.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
Inspired by Senator John S. McCain and his family’s legacy of public service, the McCain Institute is fighting to secure democracy and alliances, defend human rights, protect the vulnerable and advance character-driven leadership, both at home and around the world.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
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