Victor Harrison has been appointed as executive secretary of the Virginia Racing Commission to replace Stan Bowker, who is retiring after ten years of service to the VRC.

“Vic has 19 years of experience in the pari-mutuel racing industry, and the Virginia Racing Commission is looking forward to working with him as we enter what we believe will be a new period of growth for racing in Virginia,” said VRC chairman Peter Burnett. “His industry experience, along with his management and leadership abilities, will be important in developing and implementing the long-term goals and strategic plans the Commission will be working on throughout the year.”

Harrison spent nine years with the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering in Florida, overseeing the state’s pari-mutuel auditors and the operations of totalizator companies. Prior to that, he was director of North American sales at United Tote for ten years before accepting a management position at New York harness track Vernon Downs in 2007.

“I am really looking forward to joining the highly-regarded Virginia Racing Commission staff,” Harrison said. “There are many issues facing the horse racing industry right now at both the national and state levels. I believe I can assist the Commission in making the right decisions to improve and grow racing in Virginia.”