Lynn LaRocca, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, New York Racing Association

Courtesy of NYRA

Lynn LaRocca was hired as horse racing’s first chief experience officer in 2014, after acting as senior vice president for marketing at Modell’s Sporting Goods, where she led successful sponsorships of the Super Bowl and the MLB All-Star Game. Since joining NYRA she’s led a number of digital initiatives to enhance the fan experience as well as the creation of a new, private hospitality area at Saratoga called The Stretch. It is equipped with a full-service kitchen and concessions, as well as high-definition televisions, video screens and private restrooms. The Stretch will be open in time for the start of the season on July 20. LaRocca also is involved in the redevelopment of Belmont Park.