(Austin, Texas - December 2, 2010) - On December 2, the Commission selected Mr. Chuck Trout to serve as the Commission’s Interim Executive Director. He replaced Charla Ann King, who retired from her position as executive director of the Texas Racing Commission on November 30.

Mr. Trout has worked in various capacities for the Texas Racing Commission, most recently as the agency’s Deputy Director for Racing Oversight. Mr. Trout began with the Commission in 1994 as a Test Barn Supervisor. His later positions included Chief Test Barn Supervisor, Veterinary and Drug Testing Program Manager, and Director of Racing.

Before joining the Commission, Mr. Trout served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1993, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the military, he managed flying units, training units, an aircraft maintenance unit, and planning and programming divisions.

On Ms. King’s departure, Commission Chairman Rolando Pablos said, “Ms. King served the state and its people well in various capacities for more than 30 years. The Racing Commission was lucky to have had her services for five of those years. For that time, we are extremely grateful. I wish Ms. King nothing but the best in her retirement.”

Of Mr. Trout’s appointment as Interim Executive Director, Commission Vice-Chair Robert Schmidt said, “We were fortunate to have a candidate with such a fantastic combination of administrative and practical experience as Mr. Trout. His record of military service and rank at retirement alone speak volumes of Mr. Trout’s commitment to success.

“Equally important, he’s been involved in Texas racing as a Commission employee for 16 years. He learned racing from the ground up. He understands the industry and is respectful of the Commission’s role as a regulator. He appreciates the challenges the Commission and industry face. Mr. Trout is a great fit to serve as Interim Director of the Texas Racing Commission.”

Mr. Trout said, “While the Commission faces significant challenges, we will not skip a beat. We will continue working from the solid foundation put in place by Ms. King and the Commission.”

In other action, the Commission established a committee to begin the search for Ms. King’s permanent replacement as executive director.