From CARMA
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2023) — California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a nonprofit organization that provides funding for the retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses in California, has announced the addition of two new board members. Amy Zimmerman and Jay Privman have been appointed to the board to fill vacancies left by the resignation of Candace Coder-Chew and the untimely passing of Howard Zucker late last year.
Amy J. Zimmerman is a renowned sports TV producer who has had a successful career in TV and horse racing. She has worked with all four major networks as a live sports producer, oversees horse racing coverage for NBC, and has won numerous awards, including the 2014 Old Hilltop Award and the 2011 Penny Chenery Distinguished Woman in Racing Award. Currently, she serves as the Senior Vice President at Santa Anita Park, where she has been on staff since 1986.
Jay Privman is a revered horse racing journalist who has been covering the sport for over 35 years. He recently retired from the role of national correspondent at Daily Racing Form and has covered major races like the Triple Crown and the Breeder’s Cup. Privman has also covered racing on television for CBS, ESPN, Fox, and NBCSN. In 2021 Jay was inducted into the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and this past January was presented with a Special Eclipse Award for Career Excellence at the 52nd Annual Eclipse Awards.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amy and Jay to the CARMA Board of Directors,” said Billy Koch, President of CARMA. “Their vast knowledge and experience in the horse racing industry will be invaluable to our organization as we continue to provide funding for the dignified retirement of our equine athletes.”
The organization would like to express gratitude to Candace Coder-Chew for the invaluable contributions she made during her tenure. Candace joined the CARMA board in 2011 and became a member of the Executive Committee in 2014. She served as board president from 2019 to 2022. Although she has retired from the board, Candace’s dedication to helping retired racehorses continues through the Champions Retreat aftercare facility that she and her husband, Matt Chew, established in Idaho.
In addition, the organization seeks to honor Howard Zucker, a previous board member who played a significant role in advancing CARMA’s mission before his unexpected passing in late 2022. Zucker will always be remembered for his passion for Thoroughbred racing and his deep commitment to the well-being of retired racehorses. He was instrumental in expanding CARMA’s core funding, spearheading the effort to include trainers and jockeys in the purse contribution program, which was implemented in October 2019. Zucker had served on the board since 2009 and held various leadership positions in the organization throughout his tenure. He was elected board President in 2015 and held that position until the end of 2019.
“With the addition of Amy and Jay to the CARMA Board of Directors, our organization is well-positioned to continue its mission and be a leader in the horse racing industry when it comes to aftercare,” said Lucinda Lovitt, CARMA Executive Director. “I know they will bring their expertise and unique perspectives to the table, helping to guide our efforts to provide a better future for retired racehorses in California.”
For more information and to donate to CARMA at any time, visit CARMA4horses.org or contact Lucinda Lovitt at (626) 574-6622 or lucinda@carma4horses.org.