The Iowa HBPA has hired Jon M. Moss to be the first executive director in the association's history. Jon was hired from the Pennsylvania HBPA, where he was the associate executive director and worked mainly on issues affecting horseman at Presque Isle Downs and Casino located in Erie, Pennsylvania since 2008, upon graduation from the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program.
Jon said that leaving the Pennsylvania HBPA was a difficult decision because of the great working relationships that he had with everyone there during his tenure. However, he determined that ultimately it was in his best interest to pursue this new opportunity.
Jon went on to say, “I thoroughly enjoyed the environment I was allowed to work in by the Pennsylvania HBPA Board of Directors, President Stephanie Beattie, Executive Director Todd Mostoller, and staff Matt Carter, Kelly Smith, and Bev Deeb. Everyone associated with the Pennsylvania HBPA - past and present - helped me further my skills while there. While I look back fondly on my career in Pennsylvania, I now turn my attention to all that awaits me at the Iowa HBPA as its new executive director. The Iowa HBPA board has seen the potential that I demonstrated while in Pennsylvania, and I can’t wait to continue my passion for the HBPA motto of “Horsemen helping Horsemen.”
Iowa HBPA President Leroy Gessmann said, “We welcome Jon into this new role and feel fortunate to have someone of his caliber, with an extensive racing background and experience. We look forward to his participation in confronting many of the tasks before the Iowa HBPA.”
Jon began working for the Iowa HBPA on Monday, May 16, 2011.
