Executive Division

The Commission's chief executive officer is Executive Director Charla Ann King. The Executive Director is responsible for establishing operating policies and procedures for the agency and ensuring the agency's regulatory responsibilities are carried out. The Executive Director represents the agency before the Legislature and other governmental agencies. The Executive Director, with the assistance of the General Counsel and support staff, coordinates evaluation of racetrack license applications, issues recommended race date allocations, and assesses administrative penalties against racetrack licensees.

General Counsel: The General Counsel advises the Commissioners and staff on all legal issues affecting the agency. The General Counsel coordinates all aspects of Commission meetings and rulemaking proceedings, as well as representing the agency before the State Office of Administrative Hearings when prosecuting appeals from decisions made by the Board of Stewards/Judges.

Enforcement Department: The investigators, who are all licensed peace officers, coordinate the enforcement of the Commission's Rules and the Texas Racing Act. Investigations are conducted on animal drug positives, criminal histories returned on license applicants, illegal wagering, use and possession of contraband, drug abuse and narcotics trafficking, and other illicit activities that could affect the integrity of pari-mutuel racing.

Racing Department: This department consists of the stewards and racing judges who supervise live races conducted at Texas pari-mutuel racetracks. They monitor every live race and determine the official order of finish. The stewards and judges also oversee the activities of all occupational licensees and may discipline the licensees for violations of Commission Rules. The stewards and judges are authorized to suspend licenses for up to one year and assess fines up to $5,000.

Go to more information on the Racing Department.

Veterinary Department : The Chief Veterinarian oversees this department, supervising the veterinarians and test barn supervisors working at the racetracks. This department is responsible for inspecting all race animals before they race to ensure they are sound to compete, inspecting the stable and kennel areas for animal health and safety issues, and implementing the Commission's race animal drug testing program. The Chief Veterinarian also serves as a liaison between the Commission and veterinary-related organizations and agencies, such as the Animal Health Commission, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Go to more information on the Veterinary Department.