New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association executive director resigns
Will Alempijevic, the executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association since early 2020, has resigned his position, according to officials at the organization.
Alempijevic, a former racing executive in New York, resigned several weeks ago, and his last day in the position was Sunday, according to Joe Appelbaum, the president of the NYTHA. Appelbaum declined to comment on the reason for the resignation.
“All is well, there are no issues,” Appelbaum said.
Alempijevic did not return a phone call by early Tuesday afternoon.
In a letter distributed to the NYTHA membership late Tuesday, Appelbaum thanked Alempijevic for his work in coordinating relief and communication efforts during the COVID pandemic, which emerged just months after Alempijevic took the position.
“Thrust right into the front lines of the pandemic, Will coordinated our outreach and safety response during those bleak months when workers were ill, racing was suspended, and none of us knew what the future held,” Appelbaum wrote.
Alempijevic was formerly the director of guest services at the New York Racing Association, after being promoted from its director of business development. Prior to that, he was the general manager at Portland Meadows racetrack in Oregon. He started his career at harness racing tracks.
The NYTHA is scheduled to discuss nominations for seats on its board of directors on Oct. 6. The election is scheduled for late December. Appelbaum said that the group does not plan to start a search for a new executive director until those elections have been held.
“We have a large staff, so everything will be okay,” Appelbaum said.
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