from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — The United States Trotting Association today announced that Joseph “Joe” Pennacchio has been elected by the District 6 membership directors to replace outgoing director Jay Sears, who retired from the USTA Board of Directors last week after 25 years of service.

Pennacchio will assume his new duties immediately and will be seated at the Association’s upcoming 2015 meeting in Columbus, Ohio, from March 15-17.

Pennacchio currently serves as the president of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association and is a longtime participant in the sport of harness racing, both as a successful owner and amateur driver. Now retired from a career in business, he held a variety of chief executive positions in the retailing sector, including serving as the president of Jordan Marsh department stores in the early 1990s.

“While we’re disappointed to see Jay, who has contributed so much to the Association, step down, we are lucky to have someone like Joe, who is passionate about the sport and who possesses such keen business acumen, be willing to climb aboard,” said Mike Tanner, USTA executive vice president. “He brings great energy and a unique skill set to the table, and my staff and I are looking forward to working with him.”

Sears’ term was to have run through 2016. As per USTA bylaws, Pennacchio will serve at least until the next District 6 district meeting (expected to be held early next year), at which time an election will be held to name a director to a new, full three-year term.