Dionne Johnson, Lynnelle Fox Smith, and Michele Holbrook have been named finalists for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards' Administration Award. A winner will be announced Nov. 5 during at virtual ceremony scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET.
Presented by Godolphin, the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards recognize and reward the outstanding talent, diligence, and commitment of the farm and racing stable staff who are at the heart of horse racing. The Administration Award is presented to an individual who works in an administration role in the Thoroughbred breeding or racing industry or any support service within the Thoroughbred breeding and racing sectors. This year's ceremony will be hosted by Jill Byrne and will be streamed live at BloodHorse.com. Finalists for additional categories will appear in BloodHorse Daily leading up to the event, during which the remaining winners will be announced.
Johnson is the business manager of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and has worked for NYTHA for more than 30 years. Nominator and NYTHA consultant, Andy Belfiore, commented,
"It is remarkable how she has risen from administrative assistant to bookkeeper to business manager for NYTHA," said NYTHA consultant Andy Belfiore, who nominated Johnson. "She has quite literally been the backbone of the organization for more than a decade."
Johnson is involved in multiple NYTHA committees, specifically, the Scholarship Committee, which under her guidance has donated over $1.6 million in scholarships to 460 children of backstretch workers over the past 10 years.
"Dionne takes great pride in the scholarship program but there is no aspect of the business she isn't involved in," said NYTHA executive director William Alempijevic.
WATCH: TIEA Administration Award—Dionne Johnson
Smith began working for the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association in 2010 part-time, but she quickly moved into the role of executive director and is now the sole employee of the organization.
"The OTOBA's board of directors look upon Lynnelle as the glue that holds our organization together," said OTOBA president Gay Welliver, who nominated Smith.
Smith has successfully represented OTOBA to the state government, acquiring grant funding for safety and education within the racing industry.
"As the industry within the state of Oregon has changed, Lynnelle has become the linchpin for Thoroughbred owners and breeders throughout the state," Welliver added.
WATCH: TIEA Administration Award—Lynnelle Fox Smith
For over 30 years, Holbrook has worked in many facets of the Thoroughbred industry. Her experience has helped mold her position as the office manager at Silver Springs Stud.
"She thoroughly understands the outside and inside of the business. Our staff, our clients, as well as all the professionals with whom she interacts with each day completely respect and admire her," said Holbrook's employer Steve Johnson, who nominated her for the award.
From the little things, like birthday brownies for farm employees, to the bigger picture items, Holbrook's experience and attention to detail make her a vital part of Silver Springs.
"I attribute Michele's behind the scene work as the glue that has enabled our farm to withstand so many of the ups and downs we've experienced over the last 30 years she has worked for me," Johnson continued.
WATCH: TIEA Administration Award—Michele Holbrook
