Harness: Olszewski named communications and marketing manager at PHHA

Seasoned professional Rachel Olszewski will join the PHHA as Communications and Marketing Manager in mid-January.

She will oversee the association’s breadth of industry-promoting activities including advertising, marketing strategy, public relations, partnerships and events for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Harrah’s Philadelphia. In addition, she will manage member communications, social media and production of the PA HarnessWeek TV show on NBC Sports Philadelphia. She will also serve as the PHHA’s representative to the PA Horse Racing Association, a statewide marketing consortium.

Before joining the PHHA, Olszewski served as a Strategic Communications Specialist for Penn State University since 2011. Prior to that, she was Regional Marketing Specialist for fast casual restaurant chain Qdoba Mexican Eats. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Change from Penn State and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Dayton. She currently serves on the board of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, and is heavily involved with local non-profit organizations.

She replaces Edward Kobesky, who joined the PHHA in 2008 and will depart at year’s end.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Rachel to the team and look forward to her contribution to growing our sport,” said PHHA President Sam Beegle. “Her extensive professional background in high-profile organizations, as well as demonstrated talent for relationship building and strategic planning, will benefit us greatly as we continually expand our efforts.

“We also thank Ed for his nearly 11 years of leadership. His work for this organization extended well beyond marketing and has helped to substantially grow our reputation and strengthen our overall presence in the industry.”

-release (PHHA)