The board of directors of the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame announced on July 24 that Jo Ann Weber has been named the first executive director organization. Among her primary duties, Weber will oversee the initiation of a capital campaign to fund the construction of a museum on the grounds of Retama Park.

Weber, a longtime participant in the horse racing industry in Texas and throughout the Southwest United States, brings to the prestigious new position extensive experience in event and meeting planning, horse sales, membership development, fund raising, and association relations.

Weber has served as the manager of Retama Park's Turf and Field Cub since 1997. Prior to that, she held a number of positions with the Texas Thoroughbred Associations (TTA). She has worked in New Mexico at Ruidoso Downs, Sunland Park, and The Downs at Albuquerque, as well as in Colorado at Centennial Park in Denver. Additionally, she helped coordinate the National HBPA's winter 2001 convention in San Antonio that was hosted by the Texas Horsemen's Partnership, LLP.

Tommy J. Azopardi, Executive Director of the Texas Horsemen's Partnership and Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Board Member stated that the board felt extremely fortunate to have Ms. Weber on board. "I can't think of a more perfect person for this job," commented Azopardi. "I have known and worked with Jo Ann for over 15 years, and she knows so much of the history of our industry and is so accomplished at dealing with horsemen and other industry leaders, her talents will definitely be put to good use here."

"I am excited about the opportunity this new position gives me," Weber said. "The Texas racing legacy needs to be cherished and put in a place of honor, and the Hall of Fame will be a place where that legacy can be celebrated. I am very proud to be named to this position and look forward to making the new museum become a reality."