Kirsten Green, executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project, has been sworn in to serve on the Maryland Racing Commission, following an appointment by Governor Wes Moore and confirmation by the Executive Nominations Committee of the State Senate.
“On behalf of the Maryland Racing Commission, I am honored to welcome Kirsten Green as a commissioner,” said Chris Merz, executive director of the commission. “Kirsten's background in Thoroughbred aftercare and her passion for equine welfare will bring tremendous value to the commission's work. Her appointment reinforces a principle that must guide the future of our sport: horse welfare belongs at the center of every meaningful conversation about racing's growth, integrity, and sustainability. I am confident her leadership and perspective will help strengthen Maryland racing for horses, horsemen, and the public alike.”
Green said she was initially surprised when asked to join the commission.
“The extent of my involvement with racing as anything more than a fan is through my work over the last 12 years at the Retired Racehorse Project, but when Chris explained why he felt representation from the aftercare industry was essential, it immediately made sense,” she said. “In an era where scrutiny of racing is at an all-time high and preservation of its social license hangs in the balance, inclusion of aftercare perspective in regulatory bodies is a progressive, demonstrable commitment to the horses at the heart of the sport. I'm honored for the opportunity to represent the RRP in this capacity and to contribute more directly to a sport and industry I've come to love.”
The Maryland Racing Commission is comprised of nine members who serve on a volunteer basis. Three members must be knowledgeable in some aspect of Thoroughbred racing and another three members must be knowledgeable in some aspect of Standardbred racing. No more than six members may belong to the same political party. Members serve four-year terms which are renewable. The executive director of the commission is appointed by the Secretary of Labor.
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