The son of a jockey, Lonny Powell of Dunnellon, FL grew up as a 4th generation horsemen. He literally experienced the industry from the ground up and worked his way through high school and college at small tracks in the West where he did everything from clean stalls and the jockeys facilities, mow paddocks, drive tractor and starting gates and ultimately doubled as an assistant starter and jockeys valet. A graduate of the internationally acclaimed University of AZ Race Track Industry Program, Powell was recruited by the Dean of his alma matte to return to Tucson and take over the leadership of the very program he graduated from.
A very diverse and successful career followed and continues with Powell serving as President and CEO at a number of race tracks (incl. Santa Anita, Longacres, Turf Paradise), the first share-holder and EVP-Operations for Magna Entertainment (where he also serves as the corporate EVP/COO for Gulfstream Park upon its acquisition in 1999) , president of Racing Commissioners International, chairman of public affairs, policy and internal review for then nationally leading account wagering co. Youbet.com and was later appointed by AZ governor Jan Brewer to serve on her cabinet and oversee the agency regulating horse racing, betting, boxing and mixed martial arts. In 2012 he was recruited and selected by the FTBOA as part of a national job search to serve as the CEO of the 70 year-old Ocala-based association. The FTBOA administers breeders, stallion , stakes and special race funding via its state trust fund for the 2nd largest Thoroughbred breeding jurisdiction in North America. As part of its legislative mandate, FTBOA is further tasked with promoting and advocating for the FL Thoroughbred industry on a state, nation-wide and international basis.
Repeatedly recognized for his service to the industry, agriculture and communities on both a local and nation-wide basis, Powell brings the same commitment to service to FL. His current volunteer work includes accepting state government appointments as Chairman of the Board of the all-breed and show disciplines FL Horse Park and Agriculture Authority while also serving as a council member and sole equine representative for the state’s Animal Industry Technical Council. He also serves as an equine technical advisor for the FL Farm Bureau and has been recently elected as a board member for the Ocala/Marion Co. Chamber & Economic Partnership as well as the FL Society of Assn. Executives.
In July 2015 the Florida Society of Association Executives awarded Ocala-based Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association with its highest honor—naming it the inaugural Association of the Year during the closing awards luncheon of FSAE’s Annual Conference held here this year.
The award was designed to honor a Florida non-profit, trade and/or service membership association for outstanding service, programs, recognition and success in a multitude of areas including membership and community outreach, charity, advocating on behalf of their employee programs, industry and members avocation as well as engagement with FSAE.
