James L. Gagliano, the executive vice president of Maryland racing operations for Magna Entertainment Corporation (MEC), has been named executive vice president and chief administrative officer for The Jockey Club, it was announced today by Alan Marzelli, president of The Jockey Club.

Gagliano will be responsible for overseeing all administrative activities for The Jockey Club and its family of companies and will work directly with business unit heads to develop and implement company-specific business plans. He will also be actively involved as a representative of The Jockey Club family of companies in numerous industry initiatives.

Gagliano will be based in The Jockey Club’s New York office. Like Laura Barillaro, the executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Jockey Club, and Dan Fick, the executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club, Gagliano will report to the president of The Jockey Club.

“We are very fortunate to add Jim to our management team,” said Marzelli. “He brings a wealth of experience in the Thoroughbred industry and he not only understands but firmly believes in the industry-service mission of The Jockey Club and its family of companies.”

Gagliano joined MEC in 2002 as president of MEC OTB and group vice president of MEC Northern Group, which includes racetracks in Michigan, Oregon, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining MEC, Gagliano spent four years with Greenwood Racing Inc. as executive vice president and general manager of Philadelphia Park. He also served 10 years with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in a variety of senior management positions, including general manager of administration and operations for Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park.

Gagliano, a graduate of Providence College, resides in Essex Fells, N.J., with his wife, Rozie, and their children, James, William and Elizabeth.