Patrick Mckenna

As Vice President for Communications, Patrick McKenna develops and implements NYRA’s communications and media relations strategies. McKenna joined NYRA in 2016 as Director of Communications and was named to his current position in early 2022.

In addition to his role as a media strategist and chief company spokesperson, McKenna is responsible for overseeing racing communications and communicating NYRA initiatives and priorities to the public. During his tenure, these initiatives have included the national launch of NYRA Bets; the dramatic expansion of NYRA’s television product through the relationship with FOX Sports; the sustained excellence and continued growth of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course; the growth of the multi-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and the return of NYRA to private control following five years of New York State oversight.

McKenna joined NYRA from Hunter College, where he served as Director of External Affairs. Previously, he was Communications Director at the Parkside Group, one of New York’s leading public affairs groups.

McKenna also has extensive experience in the political world, serving as Communications Director for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and in several roles for former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, and for U.S. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey.

A native of Loudonville, NY, near Saratoga, McKenna is a graduate of New York University with a B.A degree in Political Science and Metropolitan Studies.