PENNSYLVANIA HORSE RACING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing
- PHRA Staff Member
Ashley's interest in the horse racing industry started in 2009 at the Maryland Jockey Club's Preakness ticket sales office. Her infectious love for the sport and passion for educating Pennsylvania's next generation of horse racing fans has led her to the role of director of marketing for the PHRA.
Job Titles:
- Member of the PHRA Board
- Principal
- Executive Secretary of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association
Brian is currently the executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association. His 20+ years of experience in the Commonwealth's horse racing and breeding industries make him a natural fit for championing the sport's statewide economic, agricultural, and preservation benefits.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the PHRA Advisory Committee
- Parx Racing® Hall of Fame Member
Emmy Award-winning journalist and Parx Racing® Hall of Fame member Bruce has been working with the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for over 25 years as producer of the show "Let's Go Racing." He's also anchored and reported for NBC Sports Philadelphia, WCAU TV, and CN8 News.
Job Titles:
- PHRA Staff Member
- Director of Digital Content
A Marketing graduate from Youngstown State University, Dawnelle grew up in the Harness Racing Industry. Her love for horse racing has led her to the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association, where she can help educate people on all of the benefits of horse racing in the Keystone State.
Job Titles:
- Member of the PHRA Board
- Principal
- Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association
Jeffrey is the current executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. A lifelong resident of Bensalem, Matty fell in love with the sport at Philadelphia Park (now Parx Racing). His first job in racing was as a racing official at Parx. He then served as Racing Manager for Besecker Racing Stable before moving into his current PTHA role in December of 2021.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the PHRA Advisory Committee
- Marketing Consultant for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
Former TV reporter turned marketing executive, Jennifer currently serves as a marketing consultant for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, crafting strategic communications plans and providing guidance on media relations.
Job Titles:
- Member of the PHRA Board
- Principal
- Executive Director of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
Kim is currently the executive director of The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association. He has a long history in harness racing, having previously operated a public stable in Chicago for over 20 years, having founded the Standardbred marketing firm, Hankins Standardbred Agency, and having owned Illini Standardbred Sales, Ltd.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the PHRA Board
- Principal
- Treasurer and Assistant Secretary for the Standardbred Breeders Association of Pennsylvania
Mike Simpson is the treasurer and assistant secretary for the Standardbred Breeders Association of Pennsylvania. He serves as the human resources director at Hanover Shoe Farms and Standardbred Horse Sales Company. He is also the director and a member of the Marketing Advisory Committee for the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association.
Job Titles:
- PHRA Staff Member
- President
In addition to working with the Pennsylvania Equine Coalition through Bellevue Communications, where he's currently vice president, Pete has an extensive background in governmental, political and nonprofit communications, as well as a lifelong passion for the sport of horse racing.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the PHRA Advisory Committee
Currently the communications and marketing manager for the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association and previously a member of Pennsylvania State University's strategic communications department, Rachel brings a strong marketing perspective to the PHRA advisory committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the PHRA Board
- Principal
Sam was a driving force in developing Harrah's® Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack and in bringing off-track wagering to Pennsylvania. Currently, Sam serves as president of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association and as a U.S. Trotting Association director.
Job Titles:
- Member of the PHRA Board
- Principal
- Executive Director for Pennsylvania Horsemen 's Benevolent & Protective Association
Todd is the executive director for Pennsylvania Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association. A well-regarded advocate for horses and Thoroughbred racing, Todd brings to the PHRA 17 years of experience and knowledge as a horse owner in the Commonwealth.