Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC (SSR), a simulcast wagering facility and prospective applicant for a Massachusetts sports wagering license, has appointed Michael Buckley as its new chief operating officer, replacing outgoing COO Chip Tuttle, the company announced Wednesday.
Buckley is a principal at Belmont Capital, LLC, which is one of the three primary owners of SSR. He has been participating in the ownership and management of SSR for the past seven years. Buckley succeeds Tuttle, who resigned his position in October to resume full-time status at CTP, the Boston communications agency where he is a partner. He will continue to be available to consult to SSR for a transitional period.
“On behalf of the SSR ownership, we are pleased to have Mike take on this new role as we work toward implementing sports betting along with our simulcast wagering business,” said Richard Fields, one of Sterling Suffolk's principal owners.
“I'm excited about this opportunity to help lead Sterling Suffolk Racecourse into its next phase as a premier sports wagering company in Massachusetts,” said Buckley.
Tuttle has served as Sterling Suffolk's COO since 2007. Prior to that, he worked as the company's head of marketing and communications from 1992-1997.
“We're sorry to lose Chip after his many years of great service to the company,” said Joe O'Donnell, another of Sterling Suffolk's principal owners. “We're grateful for everything Chip has done to move Sterling Suffolk forward and help set the stage for our successes ahead.”
“I've been affiliated with Sterling Suffolk Racecourse and Suffolk Downs for more than 30 years. It has been a big part of my professional life and I'm very appreciative of the opportunity the ownership gave me and for my time with the company,” said Tuttle. “SSR is well positioned for future success and I look forward to helping Mike in his new role. It is the right time for me to focus more of my attention and resources on my other business interests.”
John Rizzo, SSR's longtime financial consultant and prior Chief Financial Officer who was worked for SSR since 1995, will continue in his role with the company.
In August, Massachusetts legalized sports betting, including both retail and mobile rights for the state's simulcasting facilities.
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