Beshear Tabs Eads as KHRC Interim Executive Director

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Jamie Eads as the interim executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in a release issued July 7.

Eads succeeds Marc Guilfoil, who led the KHRC as executive director for six years before recently accepting a position as director of state racing commission relations for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

Eads is a familiar face to the organization. She joined the KHRC in 2008 as the director of the Division of Incentives and Development. In 2016, she was appointed deputy director of the KHRC where she worked closely with the executive director and commission members in the overall operations of the agency.

"Jamie Eads is a great asset to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and has been a part of the evolution of horse racing in Kentucky," Beshear said in a statement. "Jamie has the right combination of background and vision to lead Kentucky horse racing."

Eads has been responsible for the administration of several popular incentive programs that have boosted the racing industry in Kentucky. She oversaw $16 million in breeder incentive funds and $47 million in state purse development funds and harness racings' Kentucky Proud Series.

Eads graduated from the University of Kentucky with bachelor's degrees in marketing and management. She began her career in the horse industry at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Breeders' Cup.