John D Sabini

John D. Sabini of Jackson Heights was appointed Chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board by Governor David Paterson and confirmed by the New York State Senate on August 11, 2008. Concurrently, Mr. Sabini serves as Chairman of the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding and Development Fund; Chairman of the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund; Vice Chairman of the Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund; and Co-Chairman of the New York State Task Force on Retired Racehorses. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of the Board, Sabini served six years as a New York State Senator representing the 13th Senate District which encompassed parts of Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Woodside. His success as a Senator was attributed to his legislative and community experience, strong advocacy for government reform, education, transportation and his persistent efforts to bring fair amounts of funding and government services to his district. During his tenure as Senator, Chairman Sabini received several high-profile appointments including his ranking membership on the Elections, the Transportation, Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committees. In 2006, Senator Sabini was appointed as Assistant Minority Leader for Intergovernmental Affairs thanks to his many years of experience at the federal, state and city levels of government Chairman Sabini was also appointed to several high-profile panels. He acted as the only New York State representative on a national transportation leadership summit at the White House and served as the only New York City legislator on the Governor’s special panel to determine the future of thoroughbred racing in New York and the operations of Belmont Park, Aqueduct Race Track and Saratoga Racecourse. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, Chairman Sabini served as a New York City Council Member for the years 1992-2001 where he introduced and co-sponsored many bills that have helped to improve the quality of life for city residents. From 1998 until 2001, he served as a Chairman of the Council’s panel on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses which determined the locations of New York’s Historic Districts and Landmarks as well as the construction of public buildings and leasing of properties for municipal use. Before becoming an elected official himself, Chairman Sabini served as District Administrator for Congressmen James H. Scheuer and Stephen J. Solarz. He also served as Director of the State Assembly's Subcommittee on Senior Citizen Facilities. Prior to his election to the City Council, Senator Sabini was Vice President of the MWW Group, a public and government relations firm based in New Jersey. Chairman Sabini holds a degree from New York University's College of Business and Public Administration, now known as the Stern School, and attended its Graduate School of Public Administration, now known as the Wagner School.