The American Horse Council has announced that Chris McErlean, president of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, has been appointed to the AHC Board of Trustees

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McErlean, VP of Racing for Penn National Gaming, Inc., was elected president of the TRA in February 2011.

The TRA has 48 member associations conducting racing at 41 racetracks in the United States and Canada, and PNG currently operates 23 racing and gaming facilities in 16 jurisdictions. Prior to working at PNG, McErlean worked at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. He held a number of positions during his 15 years there, and ultimately held the title of VP of Racing Operations for both Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands.

“We are very fortunate that Chris has joined the AHC’s Board of Trustees,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “Since the AHC was established in 1969 it has relied on the support of the racing industry. Chris’s experience will certainly be beneficial to the AHC and its members as we work on the many issues that affect the nation’s horse industry in general and racing in particular.”

“I’ve worked with Jay and the AHC over the years and it is my pleasure to help bring the perspective of the racetrack operator/businessperson to the AHC Board,” said McErlean. “The TRA has been a strong supporter of AHC over the years and sees great value in its efforts on behalf of all segments of the equine industry.”

McErlean is also a director of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, a director of the U.S. Trotting Association, a member of Equibase Management Committee, and is treasurer and former president of Harness Tracks of America. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics/Finance from the University of Scranton and an MBA in Marketing from Farleigh Dickenson University. He currently lives in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Michele, and their two daughters.

McErlean replaced Charles Ruma on the AHC Board.

(American Horse Council)