Jerry Zaro

Jerry Zaro was appointed to the NYRA Board of Directors by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in February of 2022.

Mr. Zaro is an active breeder and thoroughbred owner. Among the horses he has campaigned are the New York-bred Blindwillie McTell, a three-time stakes winner; and Baby Yoda, who recorded the fastest Beyer Speed Figure [114] at all NYRA tracks in 2021.

A resident of Harrison, N.Y., Mr. Zaro is Chair of the Banking and Real Estate Services Department at Sills Cummis & Gross, a full-service corporate law firm with offices in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Zaro is actively involved in the real estate industry, developing, owning, operating, and managing industrial, office and residential properties in multiple states.

In addition to his private sector experience, Mr. Zaro has held numerous commissioner and cabinet level positions in the administrations of the last eight consecutive New Jersey governors. In 2018, he was appointed as a Trustee and currently serves as Treasurer of the Gateway Development Corporation (GDC). The GDC oversees the $30 billion Gateway Project, which involves the construction of a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River; a new Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River; and an expansion of New York’s Penn Station.

In May 2020, Mr. Zaro was appointed as a Member of Governor Murphy’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council – Facilities and Construction Subcommittee. The Governor’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council brought together leaders throughout New Jersey to advise state leadership on economic matters impacted by COVID-19.

In addition to his involvement with a variety of businesses and corporate boards, Mr. Zaro has been engaged in numerous charitable, governmental organizations and civic affairs. Mr. Zaro’s experience has earned him recognition in numerous industry publications, including being ranked #9 on the 2021 NJBIZ “Law Power 50” ranking of the most influential individuals in New Jersey’s legal profession.