Horse Racing Alberta today announced the selection of Shirley McClellan as HRA Chief Executive Officer for a term of three years

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Horse Racing Alberta also announced that Peter Bidlock will assume the role as interim chair. The HRA board will be undertaking a search to recruit a suitable candidate for the position of chair for the fall of 2011.

Bidlock emphasized the important role the CEO will be tasked with.

“The CEO will closely look at HRA’s operational and business plans in order to address the unique needs of all breeds and racing facilities in these difficult economic times.”

McClellan re-enforced the challenges that are ahead.

“Our industry spans the agricultural, entertainment and gaming sectors in Alberta. It is important the industry works together and recognizes that more work is needed to the framework that currently is in place. We must continue to stabilize and grow live horse racing and breeding in Alberta during these difficult economic times.”

Horse Racing Alberta is a private, not-for-profit organization mandated to govern, direct, control, regulate, market and promote the Alberta Horse Racing and Breeding Industry.

(HRA/thehorses.com)