Jill Byrne Appointed New VTA Executive Director

[Wandering Eyes]

Jill Byrne has been named Executive Director of The Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA), according to a release Thursday. Debbie Easter will remain with the VTA, serving on a wider range of industry initiatives with the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) of which she is President. Byrne will also continue to serve in her existing role as Vice-President of Marketing & Strategic Planning for the VEA.

A Virginia native and graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Byrne served as an on-air host and handicapper with TVG in addition to holding positions as Senior Director of Industry Relations with the Breeders' Cup and Director of Broadcast Operations with Churchill Downs. She returned to Virginia to serve as VP of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs during the 2019 “Racing Revival” season and remained in that capacity for three more years before joining the VEA in 2023. With her combined VEA and VTA responsibilities, Byrne is once again based in Charlottesville where she works and resides.

“I look forward to continue to represent the Virginia horsemen and women, and work with all stakeholders as our racing and breeding programs in the state are growing and prospering,” said Byrne. “Virginia has a renowned history in the thoroughbred industry and our future is brighter than ever.”

Easter, added, “Our Virginia Equine Alliance team has accomplished so much over the last 7 years, but we need to continue to keep our foot on the gas if we are going to see continued growth for our Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Jill has done a fantastic job heading up marketing for the VEA and I am so pleased that she is willing to also take on a roll with the VTA. With her marketing knowledge and passion for Virginia's Thoroughbred industry, the VTA will be in very good hands.  This move will allow me to enhance my role as President of the Virginia Equine Alliance.  I can work even closer with Jeb Hannum (VEA Executive Director) to concentrate on the larger industry initiatives that will keep us moving forward into the future.”

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