The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced today that Dan Silver has been named Director of Communications and Media Relations, replacing John Lee, who resigned from the post on April 26. In his position, Silver will develop, implement and oversee all communications strategy, print, broadcast, and online publicity, and public affairs initiatives, and will also serve as NYRA spokesperson. Silver has been Communications Manager in NYRA’s marketing department since joining the company in January 2008, with responsibility for managing NYRA’s print and online advertising and communications. He was instrumental in developing initiatives such as NYRA’s email newsletter On The Lead, in addition to the company’s group sales website and the upcoming Belmont Stakes website.
Silver graduated from the first class of master’s degree students at the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program in December 2007. His previous experience in thoroughbred racing includes positions at The Jockey Club, Reynolds Bell Thoroughbred Services, and Philadelphia Park.
From 2003 to 2006, Silver was director of broadcasting, public relations and media relations for the Missouri River Otters professional hockey team in St. Charles, Missouri. Prior to that, he was a Chicago, IL federal court reporter for Medill News Service.
“Dan Silver played an essential role on the team that energized NYRA’s marketing and online communications strategies over the past two years,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “His knowledge of the industry and enthusiasm for racing make him a clear and compelling choice for communicating NYRA as the premier producer of thoroughbred racing in North America.”
In addition to the master’s degree from the Race Track Industry Program, Silver, 29, holds a master’s in journalism from Medill at Northwestern University, and a BA from Haverford College. He resides in Franklin Square, New York.
