NTRA names new VP of Communications

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Stephen Panus has been named as the new vice president of communications for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). In the announcement Tuesday morning the organization also revealed that its communications office will be moved from suburban New York City to Manhattan.

"Stephen brings an impressive mix of experience, enthusiasm and knowledge of sports and entertainment to an NTRA Communications team that is already providing excellent media support to the industry," said Alex Waldrop, president and chief executive officer of the NTRA. "Stephen will amplify the NTRA's efforts by procuring publicity and positive exposure for our sport in a wide variety of outlets. We are thrilled to have him on board."

Most recently Panus has served as a sports and entertainment marketing consultant for Strategisto LLC in Connecticut. From 2008 until 2010, he served as general counsel and vice president of business development for Agassi Graf Holdings LLC and the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education in Las Vegas. Prior to that, he represented professional athletes and also spent two years with Joe Goldstein Public Relations Inc. in New York City.

Panus received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina and a law degree from Loyola University in New Orleans.

The NTRA is moving its communications department from Westchester County to The Jockey Club offices in midtown Manhattan in an effort to gain wider recognition of the sport of thoroughbred racing.

"Expanding awareness of our sport and participation in it has been a goal of the NTRA from its inception," Waldrop noted. "One of the best ways to achieve that is to get more stories out there to mainstream audiences. We are immensely grateful to The Jockey Club for its support of this important new initiative that will benefit the entire thoroughbred industry."

Joining Panus at the new East 52nd St. location is senior director of media relations Eric Wing and senior manager of communications Joan Lawrence.

"Promotion of our sport is essential for its future success," said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. "The Jockey Club has funded initiatives like this in the past, and we are proud to do so now."