NYTHA is delighted to announce that Jennifer Conte will take over Membership Services at the end of September. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Business Management from Johnson & Wales University, complemented by a minor in news writing. Her career has seen her in various leadership
roles, including Director of Development and Communications at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and as an Agriculture Economic Development and Equine Specialist at Cornell University Cooperative Extension in Saratoga County. She has also served as a Marketing Manager for Rhinebeck Equine LLP, and most recently handled marketing and communications for the High & Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center.

“Like many people who grew up in Saratoga, I was fascinated by horses from a young age,” Conte said. “I spent much of my youth working in local barns to grab a ride. As a member of the equine industry, I saw the exhausting, never-ending work that goes into keeping an equine business thriving. People in agriculturally based businesses are generally underserved. I am thrilled to join a team whose purpose is to
serve the people and horses at the heart of the racing industry. NYTHA’s mission of providing benevolence to the Backstretch Community, safeguarding the financial and political interests of horsemen and women, and supporting equine aftercare, safety, and welfare are issues that are close to my heart.”

Conte added, “I hope to build partnerships, inclusion, trust, and confidence within the community, and be a resource for the many people we serve.”

Conte’s role with NYTHA will encompass assisting owners and trainers with matters such as licensing, registration, and credentialing. Additional responsibilities will include monitoring aftercare candidates for TAKE THE LEAD and administering and supporting the New York Trainers Health Insurance Program
(NYTHIP) and the New York Jockey Injury Compensation Fund (NYJICF).

“Jennifer’s experience in so many different aspects of New York’s equine industry and her passion for Thoroughbreds will suit her well in Membership Services,” said NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond.
“Supporting owners, trainers, backstretch workers, and horses is at the core of NYTHA’s mission.”