SAINT PAUL, MN—MARCH 29, 2019—The Minnesota Racing Commission announced on Thursday that deputy director Joe Scurto will be leaving the commission in June to return to the private sector.

"Joe has accomplished so much in his five years with the commission," said MRC executive director Tom DiPasquale. "He hired and trained outstanding employees, vastly improved our internal operations, earned the trust of the Minnesota racing industry, and brought reform=minded thinking to the job. It's been a joy for all of us at the commission to work with Joe, and we'll miss working with him on a daily basis."

According to a press release issued by the MRC, Scurto will begin working with the racing industry to market and promote new ownership through a racehorse engagement project aimed at connecting people with both active and retired racehorses.

"It's been an honor to work for the commission in a state dedicated to the welfare of racehorses," Scurto said. "I hope my future efforts can build upon that foundation and inspire even more people to be a part of the Minnesota racing program as owners and fans."

The MRC will begin its search for a new deputy director immediately.