by Regina Mayhugh, communications director, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association is pleased to announce the hiring of an Executive Director.

After an extensive search over several months and the consideration of many candidates with outstanding qualifications, the OHHA Board of Directors has chosen Ohio native Renée L. Mancino to lead the rapidly growing membership into the future.

She is a Cuyahoga Community College Summa Cum Laude graduate, University of Akron Magna Cum Laude graduate, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas-Boyd School of Law charter class graduate, where she served on the Society of Advocates and received high honors for academic excellence in Gaming Law.

She has more than 35 years of racing involvement with both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing.

As a private practice attorney, licensed in Nevada, Utah, and pending admission in Ohio, she has a primary specialty preference for Gaming Law, including Equine Law, Indian Gaming Law, Racing and Wagering Law with a special interest in Racino Legislation.

She has represented horsemen’s associations, horsemen, and recently was brought on board by the Minnesota Racing Commission as a special advisory attorney.

Racing jurisdictions she has represented in or advised on cases in include Nevada, California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio.

She has also served on the executive board of the California Harness Horsemen’s Association for the last three years, most recently as the Vice President.

After several successful years of practicing law her relocation back to Ohio comes at just the right time to make this union possible and bring her experience and talent back to the Buckeye State for the benefit of all that call Ohio their racing home.

She will begin Jan. 5, 2015, with the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Retiring, after many years of excellent dedicated service, General Manager Jerry Knappenberger will be assisting in the transition over the next couple months.