Ellen McClain, executive vice president and chief operating officer of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), has been named one of 2012’s “25 Influential Black Women in Business” by The Network Journal (TNJ).
“It is a wonderful honor to be named to this list by The Network Journal,” said McClain, who holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration (’93) and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University (’86). “The list includes many extraordinary women and it is a great thrill to be recognized alongside them.”
McClain, 47, was hired by NYRA in July 2009 as senior vice president and chief financial officer. In that position, she restructured the finance organization to better meet the financial reporting, cash management and compliance demands of NYRA, a complex organization with three facilities, secure wagering operations and an extensive simulcast television network.
In October 2011, McClain, who boasts a 20-year track record in media finance and operations, was promoted to NYRA executive vice president and chief operating officer, becoming both the first woman and the first African-American to serve in this role for the company.
“Ellen is very deserving of this honor and I join everyone at NYRA in congratulating her,” said Charles Hayward, NYRA president and chief executive officer. “Her management skills – tremendous strategic vision, analytical insight, and strong collaborative abilities – made her a natural fit for appointment to one of the most significant management positions in the thoroughbred racing industry.”
The honorees will be featured in the March issue of the TNJ. In addition, TNJ will honor these movers and shakers during Women’s History Month at its 14th Anniversary Luncheon on March 22 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel.
“The women we are honoring this year are in the forefront of American leadership and symbolize the diversity and advancement that has occurred across industry lines,” states TNJ Publisher and CEO Aziz Gueye Adetimirin. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the luncheon will be Brenda Blackmon, co-anchor of My9 WWOR-TV and author of “A Mom’s Story”. The event annually attracts a ‘Who’s Who’ of prominent business executives in various industries.
A full list of the honorees can be found at the following site: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9159449.htm
About The Network Journal
Founded in 1993, The Network Journal a premier monthly magazine except combined issues in July/August and December/January which plays a major role in sharing information and resources that informs and educates professionals, corporate executives and small business owners by providing news and commentary on issues that affect the growth of businesses and the advancement of professionals in the workplace for an audience of predominantly African-American. Engaging over 88,000 readers, The Network Journal is distributed nationwide with a focus on the Tri-state area (NY/NJ/CT) and features successful entrepreneurs and professionals who offer insights on business and career-building strategies, The Network Journal highlights trends in key industries, providing information on valuable resources in the corporate, government, and not-for-profit sectors. For more information call 212-962-3791, or visit the web site: www.tnj.com
About The New York Racing Association, Inc.
Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2011, more than 1.8 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.1 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.
