Kentucky horse racing regulator appoints COO and starts search for other C-suite roles
Experienced horse racing figure Susan Speckert unveiled as new COO while KHRGC remains on the prowl for a CFO and chief legal officer
The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation(KHRGC) has named Susan Speckertas the organization’s new COO as it continues to build its top team.
The KHRGC took over responsibilities from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) as of July 1, having been created through March 2024’s Senate Bill 299 as a separate entity that includes wagering as part of its remit.
Speckert will officially start on August 19, with the group’s new COO outlining what she hopes to achieve during her tenure.
“I am honored to work alongside the outstanding team at the KHRGC to ensure Kentucky continues to lead in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of horses, riders, and all participants as well as the wagering public,” Speckert explained.
“I am grateful to the board of directors and president and CEO Jamie Eads for the opportunity to come full circle in my career to serve the sport I dearly love.”
Speckert brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as general counsel of the KHRC.
Her most recent position before joining the KHRGC was commissioner of law for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
Eads talked up Speckert ahead of her arrival, declaring: “Susan’s commitment to and knowledge of the horse racing industry is well known. Her professional experience makes her uniquely qualified to serve as the KHRGC’s first COO.”
Much like Speckert, Eads also previously held a title with the KHRC.
That is because under the regulations of SB299, the existing KHRC members would transition to become the initial board of the newly formed KHRGC corporation, serving two-year terms.
Eads arrived at the company in 2008, working her way up to the title of executive director having joined as director of the Division of Incentives and Development.
Her first foray into the horse racing industry came at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Breeders’ Cup.
Further C-suite appointments are expected on the horizon, with the KHRGC posting job adverts for two vacancies in the form of the CFO and chief legal officer positions.
The advert also revealed that the commission is governed by 15 directors, all appointed by the Governor of Kentucky, though the Senate now has also requires approval on those appointments following SB299 and boasts an annual budget of $145m.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.