Christopher L. Merz, with more than a decade in horse racing operations, compliance, business strategy, and oversight, has been named the executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission, according to a release from the Maryland Department of Labor.

“The horse racing industry is rapidly transforming across the United States and we look forward to Christopher Merz guiding Maryland racing through this next era,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “He is a talented leader who has returned to Maryland with a wealth of experience in new sports entertainment paradigms, business operations, and safety–all essential to the future success of horse racing in Maryland.”

Merz has served as senior director of racing operations at Canterbury Park in Minnesota, director of racing and racing secretary at Santa Anita, and racing secretary at the Maryland Jockey Club. His most recent work as a consultant “focused both on providing guidance for executing efficient business operation practices in horse racing and implementing practices that promote Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and jurisdictional compliance,” said the release.

“I am profoundly grateful to Governor Moore, Secretary Wu, and the Maryland Racing Commission for entrusting me with this pivotal role as we embark on a transformative era in horse racing,” said Merz. “Together with our industry stakeholders and horsemen, passionate bettors, and devoted fans, we will propel the sport into an innovative and sustainable future while also honoring Maryland’s rich racing heritage.”

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Merz continues to be a part of HISA’s Emergency Medical Response Training and Certification Committee and the Racing Operations Committee. He has also served on the American Graded Stakes Committee.

Merz’s appointment as executive director follows the retirement of Mike Hopkins after 40 years of service.

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This story was posted in Top News and tagged Christopher L. Merz, Executive Director, Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Racing Commission, Portia Wu.