Amplify Horse Racing is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Damon Thayer and Liza Hendriks. Their additions strengthen the organization's leadership as it continues to expand its mission to engage young people in the Thoroughbred industry through education and career pathways.
Damon Thayer is the CEO/founder of Thayer Communications & Consulting LLC, where he provides strategic communications and advisory services across the Thoroughbred industry. He also serves as senior adviser to the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI), supporting efforts to sustain live racing in the United States. From 2003 to 2024, Thayer represented the 17th District in the Kentucky State Senate, including 12 years as Majority Floor Leader, where he was a leading advocate for Kentucky's signature industries, including horse racing. Prior to public office, he held executive management roles with Breeders' Cup, Turfway Park, Maryland Jockey Club, and Thistledown. Thayer is also the CEO/co-founder of Kentucky Senator Spirits LLC, the producer of award-winning Kentucky Senator Bourbon. A graduate of Michigan State University and a partner with CJ Thoroughbreds, his background spans communications, marketing and public policy, giving him a broad perspective on the industry and its stakeholders.
"Since leaving the Kentucky Senate last year, I have been looking for a way to give back to the racing industry that I am passionate about," Thayer said. "Amplify Horse Racing's mission is much-needed and worthy of support, and I am honored to have been asked to join the Board and look forward to working with the team to connect young people to careers in the industry."
Liza Hendriks is an entrepreneur and longtime advocate for the Thoroughbred industry, focused on creating modern, accessible entry points into the sport. She founded Wanamaker's, one of the first online Thoroughbred auction platforms in the U.S., which was acquired by Inglis in 2024, and now serves on the Board of Inglis Digital USA. A graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program, Hendriks has worked across global racing jurisdictions and brings experience in digital strategy and racing operations. She has held roles with Starlight Racing and currently reports for the New York Racing Association, with a focus on steeplechase racing. Coming from a multi-generational Pennsylvania racing family, Hendriks is passionate about welcoming new audiences into the sport and supporting Amplify's work with youth and young adults.
"The future of Thoroughbred racing depends on our ability to engage, educate, and inspire the next generation," Hendriks said. "Amplify is doing that work in a meaningful, modern way, and I'm excited to contribute my experience to help grow its impact."
Thayer and Hendriks join a dedicated and experienced leadership team at Amplify Horse Racing. More information about Amplify's board and staff can be found at amplifyhorseracing.org/leadership.
