Ellen
McClain, President and Chief Operating Officer of The New
York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), is among Ebony Magazine's Power 100 of
2012.
Featured in the December 2012-January 2013 issue of Ebony
Magazine, McClain is part of an influential group with backgrounds in politics,
business and entertainment including the First Couple, Barack and Michelle
Obama, NBA superstar LeBron James and media moguls Beyonce and Jay-Z.
In May 2012, McClain became the first African-American and
first woman to hold the position of President and COO at NYRA, America’s
premiere thoroughbred horseracing association. Ebony’s list is made up of “the 100
primary influencers and game changers who have made vital accomplishments
during the past year,” and highlights McClain’s 20-year career in media finance
and operations.
As one of the highest ranking female executives in sports, McClain
successfully manages New York State’s three major racetracks: Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA
tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business, which
contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s
urban, suburban and rural economy.
“To be among such a prestigious group is an honor,” said McClain.
“By highlighting the accomplishments of people from diverse backgrounds, Ebony is
exposing its readers to new and different arenas such as thoroughbred racing.”
Ebony magazine boasts more than a million subscribers and
its annual list highlights the contributions of the most influential African
Americans. The list of honorees was revealed at the Ebony Power 100 Gala at Lincoln Center
on November 2nd in New York
City where the magazine made a donation to the Red
Cross in honor of the Power 100. The issue hit newsstands on November 5.