The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Andrew Offerman as Vice President and General Manager of Operations. In this newly created position, which takes effect on November 11, Offerman will oversee frontside operations at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
“Andrew is a seasoned executive and proven leader who will bring considerable skills to the talented team we have assembled at NYRA,” said Dave O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “He is a strategic thinker who understands that horse racing is rapidly evolving, and we are pleased to welcome him in this wide-ranging new role.”
Prior to NYRA, Offerman served as Senior Vice President of Racing Operations at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. In this role, he was responsible for many of Canterbury’s operational departments, including frontside racing functions.
“NYRA sets the gold standard in our sport, and I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity to help shape the future of the organization,” said Offerman. “My experiences at Canterbury Park have prepared me for this next chapter and I’m thrilled it will be at the finest and most important racing organization in the country. I’d like to thank Canterbury Park and its racing community for their support throughout my tenure.”
Offerman worked at Canterbury Park first as a seasonal employee during college, joined Canterbury Park in a full-time role in 2010, and was repeatedly promoted to several jobs carrying increased responsibility and seniority. He became the company’s top racing executive in 2017, and quickly implemented strategies that drove consistent and sustained increases in wagering handle and associated revenue.
“I am deeply appreciative of the many contributions Andrew has made to the success of Canterbury Park,” Canterbury CEO Randy Sampson said. “Under his leadership, our live racing handle has grown dramatically as has our reputation as one of the best racing operators in the country. In 2022, our live race meet set several all-time records, which is a credit to Andrew and the entire racing operations team he has built at Canterbury.
“While we are very sorry to see Andrew leave and will miss his leadership and industry knowledge very much, I want to congratulate Andrew as he moves on to the next phase of his career as Vice President and General Manager of Operations for the New York Racing Association.”
Offerman holds advisory and governance positions in a number of horse racing organizations including the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) Advisory Committee; Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America (TRA); American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Racing Committee, and Vice Chair of the Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Breeders’ Fund Advisory Committees of the Minnesota Racing Commission.
A native of Minneapolis, Offerman earned an M.S. degree from the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) and holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College.
