Jodie Vella-Gregory
A lifelong equestrian, Jodie Vella-Gregory began her career in eventing in her native Canada, eventually landing a spot on the Young Riders Team for Alberta. After graduation from the University of Alberta with a degree in political science and psychology, she interned at KESMARC in Lexington, Kentucky, then worked as a clinician and surgeon technician for Dr. Scott Hopper at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital before shifting to the racing industry, working at Breeders’ Cup Ltd and Santa Anita Park. Currently as the Vice President of Industry Relations for 1/ST RACING & GAMING, she works to elevate the overall experience for horses and horsemen and women at the company’s nationwide facilities and expand on the company’s diversity initiatives. In addition to co-founding and being part of the planning committee for the Horse Racing Women’s Summit, Jodie serves on the Board of Directors of the Retired Racehorse Project and is on the advisory board for The Jockey Club’s Safety Net Foundation, raising funds for the backstretch community needs.