from Sam Houston Race Park
Andrea Young has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of Sam Houston Race Park and Valley Race Park in Texas, parent company MAXXAM Inc. announced Jan. 13. Young also joins the company’s board of directors.
Young, who previously served as COO for Sam Houston, will assume similar duties at Valley Race Park, a Greyhound track, effective immediately. Young’s duties include oversight of all day-to-day operating activities for both companies, including revenue and sales growth; expense, cost, and margin control; monthly, quarterly, and annual financial goal management; and racing, facility operations, sales, marketing, human resources, and business administration.
Young will also establish and maintain performance goals, allocate resources, and assess policies for senior management. Young was first hired in 2007.
“Our primary goal has been to establish ourselves as a one of the premier destinations for horse racing in the state of Texas,” Young said. “And with the addition of our newest venue, ‘The Showgrounds,’ we have also positioned our company as a leader in Houston entertainment. I am pleased with our progress and excited about the opportunity to reach all of our goals in the years to come.”
Shawn Hurwitz, president of MAXXAM and chief executive officer at Sam Houston, said positive changes at the track are evident. “Our customers are happier and our employees are working in a more energized environment,” he said. “This is a result of great leadership by Andrea.”
Valley Race Park also offers year-round Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and Greyhound simulcasts. Under the ownership of Sam Houston, Valley Race Park was re-opened in 2000.
Prior to joining Sam Houston, Young served as president and CEO of the Houston Comets (WNBA) for almost two years. She moved to Houston in 2000 to join the Houston Rockets organization, where she was a key member of the team responsible for the development, design, construction, and opening of Toyota Center.
While with the Rockets, Young also served as director of event marketing and booking. She was responsible for attracting and marketing events at the new facility including concerts, family shows, and other special events including the 2006 NBA All Star Game.