Andy Belfiore, who has served as the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association's Project Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities for the last two years, has been named the new Executive Director of the Florida HBPA.
As Project Manager for the Strategic Plan, Belfiore worked with the plan's architects — Equine Medical Director Dr. Scott Palmer and Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Chairman Alan Foreman — to organize and implement all aspects of the initiative, including coordination among industry stakeholders and regulators in the region, and communication with the Thoroughbred industry, legislators and the public.
“The FHBPA Board members as well as myself are delighted that Andy accepted our offer to serve as Executive Director,” FHBPA President Stephen Screnci said. “With her experience, knowledge and industry contacts, she's undoubtedly the perfect fit.”
A native of Massachusetts, Belfiore started her career in racing on the backstretch at Belmont Park, working as a hotwalker, groom, exercise rider and assistant trainer. After 10 years with the horses, she moved to the frontside at the track, and spent five years in the communications and marketing departments at NYRA. Belfiore left NYRA in 1993 to take the reins as editor-in-chief at the Thoroughbred Daily News, a position she held for 18 years. She was hired as Director of Communications for the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association in December, 2011, and took over as Executive Director of in 2015, a post she held for four years. Belfiore has also served as Executive Director of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., and as co-Chair of the Board of the Backstretch Employee Service Team.
“I'm looking forward to working with Stephen and the Florida HBPA,” Belfiore said. “Racing in South Florida faces its challenges, but the horsemen have elected a terrific Board, and Stephen has proven to be a strong leader. I'm excited to be a part of the team.”
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