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| Glen Berman |
Glen Berman will take the helm of the Florida Horsemen's
Benevolent and Protective Association (FHPBA) as Executive Director on February
15, 2016, the organization announced today.
Berman, a practicing attorney and registered pharmacist, has
held the position of Executive Director and General Counsel for the Illinois
Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA) since 2009.
Reporting to the FHBPA Board of Directors in his new role,
Berman will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the
FHBPA's programs, staff and mission implementation. Based at the FHBPA's
headquarters at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, he will lead the
FHBPA's efforts to advance, foster and promote horse racing throughout Florida,
as well as represent the interests of the FHBPA's 8,400 licensed Thoroughbred
owner and trainer members in all matters affecting horsemen overall. Berman
will work with racetrack management, regulators, elected officials and various
racing and breeding associations—both local and national—to further strengthen
and improve Florida's successful horse racing industry.
"The vote for Glen to come on board was unanimous, and
we're confident he brings the kind of leadership and experience that will pave
the way for horsemen's continued success in Florida for many years to
come," said Board Member Adam Lazarus, who chaired the national search to
replace the outgoing Kent Stirling.
"Many of the challenges facing Florida horsemen
parallel those we've faced and met in Illinois during the past six years--a
tumultuous time," Berman said. "I'm looking forward to applying that
experience and working with the dedicated FHBPA Board to fully explore all the
exciting opportunities Florida holds as one of the major focal points of the
world's horse racing market."
During his time at the ITHA, Berman oversaw dual ITHA
offices at Arlington and Hawthorne. He was responsible for purse contract
negotiation with both racetracks, as well as for the direction of the ITHA's
legislative efforts, including the drafting and lobbying of gaming legislation.
He represented the ITHA at all Illinois Racing Board Meetings and helped create
"Galloping Out," a non-profit dedicated to finding new homes for
retired Thoroughbreds.
A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent,
Berman was awarded his Juris Doctor in 1982. Prior to that, he attended North
Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and
minored in Journalism.
