Community leader Betty A. Leon is being appointed to the board of directors of the New York Racing Association (NYRA). Leon was nominated by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens), who represents the district where Aqueduct Racetrack is located. Final approval and official appointment comes from Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
This specific appointment plays a critical role in ensuring that the community of South Queens, along with the hundreds of residents who work at the racetrack not only have a voice, but a fierce advocate and a seat at the table, a press release from the office of Pheffer Amato stated.
“This is victory not only for the state, but for our community in South Queens. The board will be greatly improved by the contributions Betty will make through her vast experience and wealth of knowledge,” said Pheffer Amato. “Her decades of leadership in the community make her the perfect person to ensure that our community, and the individuals and families who work in the racing and wagering field, are properly represented and cared for on a state level.”.
“I am proud to appoint Betty Leon to the NYRA board of directors because I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to the board, and that she will add much-needed diversity to the board.” said Heastie. “Her deep roots in the Rockaway community ensure that she will protect the interests of all the stakeholders, including the hardworking New Yorkers whose livelihoods depend on the continued success of New York's horse racing industry. I would also like to thank Assemblymember Pheffer Amato for her recommendation.”
“I am extremely humbled and excited to be appointed to the board of directors of the New York Racing Association,” said Leon. “I have been on many boards and an advocate for my South East Queens Community in the Rockaways for decades. I do this not for the recognition, but to ensure that our community is in the forefront and has a seat and voice at the table.”
Leon is a resident of Far Rockaway and is a registered nurse and attorney. She has been involved in Community Board 14, sitting on the board of directors as first vice chair at the Addabbo Health Center, serving as chair of Peninsula Preparatory Academy Charter School and work throughout Queens County.
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