NTRA Names Interim Director of Security Office

Isidore Sobkowski, previously chief technology officer at Self Service Technologies in Stamford, Conn., has been special consultant on technology and interim director of the National Office of Wagering Security.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association made the announcement April 23. It comes on the heels of an announcement in early April that Sharon O'Bryan, hired to serve as director of the national office, had decided not to take the position.

At Self Service Technologies, Sobkowski oversaw technology, software, and cyber-security strategies and processes for banking, service, and gaming clients since 2000. Prior to that, he was founder and chief executive officer of Professional Help Desk, an-award winning technology firm he sold to Computer Associates.

In his career, Sobkowski has advised the New York Stock Exchange and New York City Off-Track Betting Corp.

"Izzy Sobkowski brings a wealth of experience in cyber security and in-depth knowledge in leading edge technology to the National Office of Wagering Security," NTRA deputy commissioner Greg Avioli said in a release. "His work on the development and implementation of the StockWatch systems that monitor the trading on the NYSE is particularly relevant to our industry."

"I look forward to working with the tracks and their technology partners to ensure a secure environment for electronic wagering," Sobkowski said in the release. "The challenges of the racing industry, especially with a majority of the wagering happening off-site, are similar to on-line gaming and financial services."

Sobkowski will begin May 1 and be based at the NTRA's New York office. Among his initial duties will be to assess the industry's current security systems and recommending cost-efficient methods for improvement.