BY BROCK SHERIDAN , FTBOA

OCALA, FL—Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association CEO, Lonny T. Powell announced in early June the hiring of longtime thoroughbred industry executive Steve Koch to the senior management teams of FTBOA and Florida Equine Communications. As FTBOA associate vice president-operations and as FEC assistant editor-operations and development, Koch will be taking a combined position open since the start of the year due to a previous year-end retirement.

Koch will assume responsibilities in July for all operations and systems related to the FTBOA and FEC offices, meeting rooms, library and museum facilities. He will also play a lead liaison role in matters of racing and regulation and pursue compliance of the Association’s Horse Capital of the World® trademark rights and associated licensing and merchandising opportunities.

Reporting directly to Powell, Koch will also coordinate a soon to launch, in-house video and broadcast production partnership and tenant relationship and will generally assist the management team in increasing awareness, economics and programs for the FTBOA membership and Florida thoroughbred industry.

“It is an exciting time to join the FTBOA,” Koch said. “This new position combines my lifetime experiences in thoroughbred breeding and racing and I am proud and looking forward to being part of an already strong and growing organization and dynamic Florida industry.”

Koch has held prior positions as vice president of thoroughbred racing at Woodbine Racetrack, executive director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance and was most recently a senior vice president for The Stronach Group. Koch has a Master of Science in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky.

“I first met Steve approximately 10 years ago during the later stage of his Woodbine career, then observed the positive impact he had at the NTRA and on the actual position itself,” Powell said. “His recent strong desire to be part of the FTBOA and the Florida industry and relocate to Ocala from the Baltimore area all played out perfectly. His skill set is a perfect fit with our team and mission, plus he has the enthusiastic “can-do” attitude that I have long valued in my management team. The fact that he is a third generation thoroughbred horseman is a huge plus to our operation.

“I know I speak for our entire staff and board when I say we are thrilled to have Steve as our newest impact player,” Powell continued. “He will be a great addition and will elevate the contribution potential of this position.