Pari-mutuel industry veteran executive Phil O'Hara has been named the new executive director of the Mid Atlantic Cooperative, it was announced July 9. O'Hara assumed his duties as of June 1, succeeding Martin Lieberman, the Cooperative's executive director since its inception in 1998.
O'Hara brings over 30 years of pari-mutuel racing experience to his new position with the Cooperative. He is a former racing executive with Penn National Gaming, former president of Equibase Company, and for the past several years has worked as an industry consultant with a diverse client list.
"Phil brings a deep knowledge and practical insights of the pari-mutuel industry to this position," said Bill Fasy, chief operating officer for Delaware Park and Ocean Downs and a member of the Cooperative's executive committee. "Phil was part of the original formation of the Cooperative which gives him a good perspective on the goals and objective of the organization."
The Cooperative was formed in 1998 and represents both Thoroughbred and Harness racetracks that wagered nearly $1 billion on interstate simulcast signals in 2012. The Cooperative members include Atlantic City Race Course, Beulah Park, Colonial Downs, Delaware Park, Dover Downs, Freehold Raceway, Harrah's Philadelphia, Harrington Raceway, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Northfield Park, Parx Casino and Racetrack, Ocean Downs, Raceway Park, Rockingham Park, Rosecroft Raceway, Sam Houston Race Park, Suffolk Downs, and Thistledown.
"We want to thank Marty Lieberman for his tireless efforts on behalf of our member tracks," Fasy said. "He has guided the Cooperative since its formation and has done an outstanding job representing the membership. He has earned a long-overdue retirement with his devoted wife Margery."
