Will Alempijevic was named Executive Director of the NYTHA in February of 2020. A member of the New York Racing Association team since November of 2015, Alempijevic was the Director of Business Development before being promoted to Director of Guest Services. He most recently was named Director of Racing Analytics, where he focused on horse safety and welfare initiatives, as well as compiling and analyzing racing office data to help inform the department’s business decisions.
Prior to coming to New York, Alempijevic was with Portland Meadows racetrack in Portland, Oregon, for nine years, starting as Director of Wagering and Guest Services and working his way up to General Manager in January of 2008, a position he held for more than seven years.
Alempijevic, a graduate of Canada’s Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario with a degree in economics with financial management, started his racing career as OTB Guest Services Manager at Flamboro Downs, a harness track in Ontario, and also worked at Western Fair Raceway before making the switch to Thoroughbred racing.
In addition to his experience on the frontside of the racetrack, Alempijevic has owned race horses since 2004, and is currently licensed as a Standardbred owner in New York. Primarily involved in harness racing, he has owned two Thoroughbreds as well and celebrated a win at Del Mar with trainer Bill Spawr. His stable currently consists of two harness horses based in Ontario.
Alempijevic also serves on the Board of the Backstretch Employee Service Team.