by Ed Kobesky, Director of Media & Marketing, Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association

Chester, PA — The Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director.

The PHHA is a 501(c)(5) non-profit trade association. The successful candidate should have business, legal or accounting experience and master a combination of knowledge concerning the Standardbred racing industry, including but not limited to the following:

Executive Director must obtain and be familiar with the following:
• PA Code 183 Rules of Racing
• Familiar with the Interstate Horse Racing Act
• PA Race Horse Industry Reform Act
• The Race Horse Development Fund (ACT 71) created by slot revenue
• United States Trotting Association Rules and Regulations
• Develop an understanding of the Horsemen’s Purse Account received weekly from
Standardbred racetracks, including live race and simulcast handle and export handle.
• Become familiar with and work with PHRC staff, racetrack officials, United States Trotting Association officials and directors and directors of the PHHA.

Duties:
• Establish, understand and promote programs that will benefit owners, trainers, and drivers of Standardbred horses in PA by carrying out the objectives of the Board of Directors.
• Interact with the association members to understand their needs and desires and communicate those issues to the Board of Directors for review. Be available to association members in person, by phone or via electronic communication to address member needs in an efficient, professional and prompt manner.
• Work with our lobbyists and legal counsel to formulate legislation or rules that will encourage, promote or enhance the position of all horsemen involved in PA harness racing.
• Develop in conjunction with our lobbyists a relation with the PA legislature and other political allies.
• Maintain the association’s sound fiscal policy to insure the integrity of the association’s financial reporting.
• Work with CFO to create a balanced budget.
• Ability to interact with upper level management in casino/racing industry regarding contract negotiations.
• Attend all board meetings and publish minutes for approval of the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for organizing regular and special meetings or events that PHHA might conduct.
• Attend PA Racing Commission meetings in conjunction with PHHA president.
• Work with PHRC on all matters concerning rule changes, medication testing, race office problems, and judge’s decisions.
• Work with the CFO and committee for health insurance and pension plan.
• Work with committee members in funding PAC fund for political contributions.

College degree required but will consider candidate with extensive background in the Standardbred racing industry possessing the above requirements.

Applications are due by Aug. 15 and should be directed to: Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, Attn: Mike Izzo, 1001 Harrah’s Boulevard, Chester, PA 19013.