The Minnesota Racing Commission has announced that it has hired Joe Scurto as its new deputy director.

Via release, the MRC announced that the hiring has completed the organization’s senior management team following the appointment of Thomas DiPasquale in the fall of 2013. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton had appointed Chairman Ralph Strangis in the summer of 2013.

“With the skills and leadership capabilities of both Tom and now Joe, the MRC will be making substantial upgrades to our regulatory systems and processes,” Strangis said via release. “Though the MRC is highly regarded nationally, we understand that the gaming and horse racing industry is undergoing tremendous challenges that will require fresh perspectives and smart new strategies to continue protecting the integrity of horse racing and gaming at the tracks.”

Scurto has broad and extensive experience in the horse racing industry. He has previously served as director of operations and marketing for Inter-Track Partners and as a member of the executive staff of Hawthorne Racecourse. Most recently, Scurto was the principal for Horseshoe Marketing, Inc., a full-service marketing agency. He has a degree in accounting and has been a columnist for Hoofbeats and a member of the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Marketing Committee.

“Joe's accounting and management skills will be a great asset to the commission's day-to-day operations,” DiPasquale, MRC’s executive director, said via release. “Additionally, Joe's marketing and communications experience will help improve our outreach to those who have an interest in seeing the industry grow and thrive in Minnesota.”

(With files from MRC)