Dear NGA Member and Friends of the NGA,

Yesterday afternoon, Gary Guccione shared with myself and the rest of Board of Directors his plan to retire this summer. His decision is based on several reasons, namely the desire to spend more time with his family, his wife and further her business endeavors.

Mr. Guccione joined the then National Coursing Association in 1971 as an editor of the contemporary Greyhound Review and assistant secretary. He also was appointed and has served as the Secretary-Treasurer/Executive Director since 1982. Over the course of his 45 years tenure with our organization, Gary has worn many hats -- including sitting on the Greyhound Hall of Fame Board of Directors, author and statistician on bloodlines and breeding, and is the last remaining charter member of the American Greyhound Council Board of Director.

Through his devotion to the sport of greyhound racing and advocating for the breed, Gary has received numerous awards including being inducted into Greyhound Hall Of Fame in Abilene (2009) as well as receiving the Greyhound Pets of America's Joan Dillon Award as Adoption Person of the Year in 2007. In 2013, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Greyhound Track Operators Association (AGTOA).

Gary will be transitioning from his position later this summer. The exact date remains flexible at this time to support the organizational change.

As per the bylaws, the President will select a board committee to search for qualified replacement candidates and advise with the transition.
We truly wish Gary a restful retirement and a lifetime of fulfilling new adventures. We are grateful to his years with the National Greyhound Association.

Sincerely,
Steve Gilster, President
National Greyhound Association