Thursday, October 23, 2008

NYRA Names Community Relations Manager - The Saratogian

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New York Racing Association has named Joanne K. Adams to the newly created position of community relations manager.

Adams, of Garden City, joined NYRA in April 2006 as a group sales associate and was most recently the firm's special events coordinator.

"Our decision to create this position demonstrates NYRA's commitment to working with leaders of the civic and cultural organizations in the communities surrounding Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course," NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said. "NYRA is a significant economic force in each of these areas, as an employer and through its three entertainment destinations that draw thousands of people to our communities each racing day."

After graduating from Wheaton College, Adams gained experience in event planning, executive recruitment, sales and real estate.

Since joining NYRA, through her community contacts, she has attracted many new groups to NYRA's tracks. In the process, she developed strong relationships with community groups and community leaders, Hayward said.

A longtime racing fan and participant in several thoroughbred ownership syndicates, Adams serves on the board of directors of the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.), which provides health and human services to stable workers in the barn areas of NYRA's tracks.

She is also active in a variety of other non-profit, charitable and community organizations.