After a dozen years as president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, Gavin Landry is moving on to new pastures. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) named him senior vice president, sales and market development on Tuesday, May 29.

Landry will continue in his current position until the last week in June. He starts with NYRA on July 2.

In his new post, Landry will develop, implement and oversee all sales and customer service activities. Additionally, he will handle corporate sponsorship, licensing agreements, and vendor relationships.

“Gavin Landry brings to NYRA a thorough command of hospitality management and business development, which, combined with his extensive knowledge of information and database technology will enhance the racing fan experience and enable us to communicate more effectively with all industry stakeholders,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward.  

Landry, 42, graduated from Cornell University with a degree in hotel and restaurant administration. After holding management positions at several hotels, he joined the SCTB as president in July 1995.

A committee has been formed to find a replacement for Landry at SCTB, and the search will be done both locally and nationally. Landry, who is serving in an advisory role for the process, said they will be collecting resumes and conducting interviews for the next few weeks.  

During his time with SCTB, Landry focused his efforts on making Saratoga Springs a year-round destination. He plans to use his marketing and hospitality skills in his new position to build the fan base and improve communication and service at the racetrack.

“We will initiate new NYRA strategies to increase wagering revenue, bolster on-track attendance, and broaden the experience of the finest thoroughbred racing in the world for our fans, owners, breeders and trainers,” Landry said.

NYRA’s contract with the state expires Dec. 31. As of now, it remains undecided which firm Gov. Eliot Spitzer will choose to operate the tracks in Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct.  

Despite NYRA’s uncertain future, Landry is thrilled about his new position. The Malta resident, who grew up on a horse farm in Virginia, said he always dreamed of working in racing. 

"For me, this is an opportunity to take ideas that have been in my head for a long time and put them into play,” Landry said.