Thomas McLaughlin has been promoted to vice president of facilities and track surfaces at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida, it was announced June 4.

McLaughlin has been with Tampa Bay Downs since 1983 and served as the company's track superintendent for the last seven years and assistant track superintendent for the previous 15 years.

“Tom is a tremendous asset,” said Peter Berube, Tampa Bay’s vice president and general manager. “Whether it is a minor problem on the backside or dealing with county officials, Tom is hands on and knowledgeable in all phases of the operation.”
 
During McLaughlin’s tenure at the track he was instrumental in the installation of the turf course with Robert Cassanese, and has spearheaded the track’s  “green initiative” that may one day result in the facility having a “net-zero impact” on the environment. These improvements include a CREE LED lighting system throughout the clubhouse and grandstand and the installation of a Gaco Sil S-20 “Cool Roof” coating system.

Geo-thermo energy efficient air conditioning chillers are one of the many projects on the schedule for this off-season.