Jennifer Voss-Franco has been appointed coordinator of racing officials for the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP), it was announced today by ROAP Chairman Stan Bowker.

ROAP was launched in July 2005 to enhance the integrity of racing by coordinating the accreditation and continuing education for all racing officials, stewards and judges. As coordinator of racing officials, Voss-Franco will oversee the program’s day-to-day operations and will work closely with racing commissions, tracks and the universities of Arizona and Louisville to coordinate ROAP’s efforts to assist racing officials, stewards and judges.

“ROAP has accomplished a number of key objectives in the two-and-a-half years since its launch, but the program has reached the point where it needs a dedicated, full-time professional at the helm to spearhead its efforts on a daily basis,” said Bowker. “Jennifer’s experience and her knowledge will enable her to provide administrative management, direction and support of ROAP programs.”

Voss-Franco previously served as program facilitator for the North American Racing Academy in Lexington, Ky., and was responsible for much of the academy’s day-to-day operations, including scheduling, budgeting, student recruitment and support, and special events. She also served as registrar for the American Holsteiner Horse Association in Georgetown, Ky., where she managed foal registration, development of membership programs, and administration of the breed’s annual awards program.

Voss-Franco obtained a bachelor’s degree in management and a master’s degree in business administration from Dowling College in Oakdale, N.Y.

She will be based in The Jockey Club’s Lexington, Ky., office and will start the new job February 11.

In addition to Voss-Franco’s appointment, Bowker also announced the availability of a DVD from ROAP entitled “Duties and Responsibilities of Racing Officials,” which profiles the many and varied jobs performed by racing personnel at the track.

“The DVD provides an in-depth look at each position with interviews of the men and women who perform those duties on a daily basis,” said Bowker. “The video should be of interest not only to current racing officials but to anyone with an interest in becoming a racing official.”

The 45-minute “Duties and Responsibilities of Racing Officials” is available for $15 (plus 6% sales tax for KY residents) and can be ordered by contacting the ROAP office at (859) 224-2702 or by e-mail at jvossfranco@jockeyclub.com.

ROAP is a 501(c)(6) organization whose board of directors is made up of representatives of 15 industry organizations. Stewards and judges receive their accreditation and continuing education credits through this program. Rich Wilcke at the University of Louisville and Wendy Davis at the University of Arizona direct the schools and training used in achieving accreditation.

The ROAP website, http://www.horseracingofficials.com, provides a means for tracks and racing commissions to find qualified staff. The site includes an online directory of racing officials that matches accredited officials with appropriate positions and provides experience opportunities for officials who want to become accredited.

Additional information about ROAP is available at http://www.horseracingofficials.com.