By Christie DeBernardis
Nancy C. Kelly, the vice president of development of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, will retire from full time duties at the end of 2017, James Gagliano, the president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club, announced Thursday.
She will be succeeded by Shannon Kelly (no relation), who has served as development manager for Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation since 2013.
“Shannon has been a great addition to our team since becoming a fulltime employee of The Jockey Club four years ago,” said Gagliano. “Between her vast knowledge of the racing industry and years of experience working closely with Nancy, I look forward to seeing Shannon excel her in new role.”
Shannon Kelly, a native of Carle Place, N.Y., and a resident of New York City, graduated from Providence College with a degree in history. Prior to joining The Jockey Club staff, she served as an account coordinator at Nancy J. Friedman PR, a public relations agency in New York City.
Nancy Kelly will continue to assist with fund-raising efforts for both Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation and with the Round Table Conference.
“For more than 30 years, Nancy has played an invaluable role in raising awareness and funds for our two charities, and we are immensely grateful for her efforts,” said Gagliano. “Beyond Nancy's fund-raising acumen, she has also served as goodwill ambassador for The Jockey Club over the years, and we are thrilled that she will continue to play an important role in our future events.”
Nancy Kelly joined The Jockey Club staff in 1985 following eight years as the manager of clubhouse relations for the New York Racing Association. She serves on the board of directors for the Belmont Child Care Association and previously served on the board of the Backstretch Employees Services Team (BEST), two New York-based backstretch programs.
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