(Edited press release)
The National Turf Writers Association re-elected one individual to the organization’s board of directors, elected two others to the board, and approved the membership for seven other individuals during its semi-annual meeting on April 30 at Churchill Downs.
Freelance writer Vic Zast, a member of the NTWA board since 2007, was re-elected to a two-year term. Mike Brunker, Turf writer and projects team editor for MSNBC and Washington-based correspondent of Thoroughbred Times; and Greg Hall, Turf writer and Thoroughbred industry business writer for the Louisville Courier-Journal, were also elected to the board.
Brunker and Hall replace Los Angeles Daily News’ Kevin Modesti and freelance writer Jill Williams, whose terms on the board expired at the NTWA’s semi-annual meeting.
“The NTWA is glad to welcome Vic back to its board and we thank Kevin and Jill for their great contributions to the organization over the last few years. They will be sorely missed on the board,” NTWA President Tom Law said. “Jill was a particularly valuable member of the executive team during her stint as secretary/treasurer and helped immensely on many NTWA projects, including our annual awards dinner.”
The other individuals on the six-member board are Hank Wesch of the San Diego Union Tribune, Richard Rosenblatt of The Associated Press, and Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form.
In addition to electing board members, the NTWA approved the regular membership applications of freelance writer Kim French, Will Graves of The Associated Press, Beth Harris of The Associated Press, Frances Karron of ST Publishing, Tim Nichols of Thoroughbred Times, Brendan O’Meara of The Saratogian, and Art Wilson of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
The NTWA, whose membership regularly writes on Thoroughbred racing or publishes handicapping information, formed in the late 1950s to promote, foster, and encourage closer relationships among its members. The organization also seeks to provide improved working conditions, better understanding between its members and the governing powers of Thoroughbred racing, and the development of Thoroughbred racing and breeding.
