NYTB’s Najja Thompson Appointed To NYRA Board Of Directors

New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) has announced that Executive Director Najja Thompson will be appointed, as the NYTB's representative, to the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Board of Directors and the New York Breeding and Development Fund Board of Directors made effective at a Dec. 18 meeting of the Board.

Thompson's appointment fills the vacancies created with the resignation of former Executive Director Jeffrey Cannizzo, who will join NYRA on Jan. 1 as Senior Director of Government Affairs.

“I feel very fortunate to represent the interests of breeders in New York with this opportunity,” said Thompson. “The state of New York plays an integral part as a leader in our industry, and I'm honored to play a direct role in continuing to better our sport as a member of both the NYRA and the New York Breeding and Development Fund Board of Directors.”

Thompson, a graduate of Florida State University and Vice-President of the Turf Publicists of America, Inc., has over nine years of experience in the New York horse racing industry. A former employee of the New York Racing Association, Inc. prior to joining the NYTB on Dec. 14. He worked in various roles in the marketing department, communications office, and most recently in the human resources department at NYRA.

“The NYTB Board of Directors is pleased to have Najja represent us on both the NYRA and New York State Development and Breeding Fund Boards,” said Thomas Gallo, President of the NYTB who made the motions to appoint him. “With his background, experience, and expertise he will be able to be an innovative force in synergizing the accomplished members of all boards to forward the interests of breeding and racing in New York. I am confident he will usher us into a new era of strength through unity in building a bigger and better Thoroughbred Horse industry in New York.”

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Jeffrey Cannizzo Departs New York Thoroughbred Breeders For NYRA Position

New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) announced Tuesday that Jeffrey Cannizzo, Executive Director, will be leaving the organization on January 1st, 2021 to pursue a newly created opportunity with the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) as Senior Director of Government Affairs.

Jeff has served as Executive Director of NYTB since 2008. Previously, he had a successful 10-year career, working in business development and management consulting for Lockheed Martin, Dell and Microsoft.

“For almost 13 years along with our board of directors, Jeff has been instrumental in navigating the most challenging times for New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing. Jeff's knowledge of the industry and his ability to forge consensus among regulators and elected officials has allowed the NYTB to reach new heights as an organization. These attributes will serve him well at NYRA, and we wish him all the best in the future,” said NYTB President, Thomas Gallo.

A search for a new Executive Director will begin immediately.

Jeffrey Cannizzo, NYTB Executive Director said: “New York's breeding industry has flourished over the last decade, and I feel fortunate to have played a role in that success story. I'd like to thank the NYTB Board of Directors for their commitment to those working every single day on the 250 farms throughout New York.” “Thoroughbred racing is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact to New York,” Cannizzo continued. “The sport creates good jobs in every corner of the state and sustains hundreds of small businesses. NYRA is the engine of that economy and continues to set the standard for safety and integrity at its three historic tracks. I look forward to advocating on their behalf to help shape the future of thoroughbred racing in New York.”

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