The New York Racing Association, as many had expected, on June 18 hired Chris Kay as its chief executive officer, effective July.

The vote was unanimous during a late afternoon meeting. The CEO position has been vacant for about a year.

NYRA board chair David Skorton called Kay a “dream candidate” and praised his high ethical standards, creativity, and “even-keeled” temperament. Skorton said Kay had demonstrated effectiveness in “finding solutions in complex situations.”

Among the issues facing NYRA is the future of Aqueduct Racetrack, the re-privatization of the organization following a three-year state takeover, and the possible opening of full-scale casinos in the state, currently under discussion in Albany.

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