| Friday, July 4, 2014 Contact: Jenny Kellner vkellner@nyrainc.com Durso named Director of NYRA Communications and Media Relations ELMONT, N.Y. - Following completion of a nationwide search, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced the appointment of John Durso, Jr. as NYRA's new Director of Communications and Media Relations. Durso, 39, will lead all corporate communications and serve as principal spokesperson for the nation's premier thoroughbred racing association, which exclusively conducts all racing operations at Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga race tracks. He most recently served as Senior Director and Chief Spokesperson for NJ TRANSIT, the nation's third-largest public transportation agency serving two of the nation's top five media markets, employing more than 11,000 employees and administering a combined annual budget exceeding $3 billion. "I am pleased to welcome John into the NYRA family," said NYRA President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher K. Kay. "John is a seasoned, tested communications professional who clearly understands thoroughbred racing's important impact on New York's growing economy. His knowledge, experience and leadership will serve our organization well." The highly visible public face of NJ TRANSIT before, during and in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Durso was a member of the statewide agency's unified leadership command and a consistent presence on television and radio outlets outlining storm preparation, business continuity and disaster recovery. Prior to joining NJ TRANSIT in 2011, Durso served in senior-level leadership roles within New York's government and policy community for more than a decade. "As a native Long Islander who grew up with live racing at Belmont and the former Roosevelt Raceway, and as a longtime Capital District resident who spent numerous summers at Saratoga, the chance to join this world-renowned thoroughbred franchise is the thrill of a lifetime," said Durso. "I would like to express my deepest appreciation to President Kay and the members of the organization for their confidence, and look forward to working with them in the months and years to come." Durso has been awarded "40 Under 40" honors from City Hall newspaper (2009) and The Capitol newspaper (2011) and also received a Civilian Commendation Award from the NJ TRANSIT Police Department (NJTPD). A graduate of Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, N.Y., Durso received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Siena College in Loudonville. About NYRA Founded in 1955 and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course through 2033, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is a not-for-profit, non-dividend paying corporation governed by a Board of Directors, whose members receive no compensation or dividends. The host of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of thoroughbred racing's "Triple Crown", NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York's thoroughbred business; a sport industry segment which provides approximately 17,000 jobs and contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State's urban, suburban and rural economy -30- |
