Ellen McClain, who had been serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has been named President of the New York Racing Association, NYRA board chairman C. Steven Duncker announced last evening. McClain replaces Charles Hayward, who was let go two weeks ago following the release of an interim report from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board regarding inappropriate take out rates.

In addition, Kenneth Handal, who was yesterday named acting general counsel and chief ethics and compliance officer for NYRA, was also tabbed as the organization's secretary. Handal, an attorney of 40 years, has expertise in corporate ethics and compliance, governance and risk management and was most recently served as President-Governance, Risk and Compliance for Guidepost Solutions LLC, according to a NYRA release. He also served as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of CA Technologies, Inc.

In announcing Handal's appointment Monday, McClain said, "This is a critical period for New York racing. NYRA is a $2-billion racing and wagering company, and we must operate with the highest standards and practices in the areas of corporate compliance, governance, risk management and internal controls. Ken is a crucial addition to the NYRA senior management team and has the expertise to help guide our company through the current crisis and beyond."