WHO
WE ARE

BEST is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the health and well-being of the dedicated workers in the barn areas, or 'backstretch,' at Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga racetracks. We offer on-site counseling, primary healthcare services, access to health insurance, and case management support, all designed to meet the unique needs of these essential workers.

35 Years of Service.

Support Us

Leadership.

Executive Director

Nancy Underwood

Nancy has been the Executive Director of BEST since January 2024. With over 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she leads the organization's efforts to provide vital health, education, and social services to the backstretch community. Nancy is dedicated to building partnerships and expanding programs to meet the evolving needs of workers, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

Program Director

Sheriza Serravento

Sheriza has been with BEST since 2014, helping the nonprofit grow its programs for backstretch workers. With a background in customer service and management, she oversees daily operations and coordinates events. Her unique experience, including time as a circus performer, adds creativity to her role. Sheriza is dedicated to BEST’s mission and takes pride in building strong relationships with partners and donors.

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Controller

Frank Caruso

Frank has been BEST’s Controller since 2004, following his role as Assistant Controller at NYRA. While his primary responsibilities are financial, he enjoys helping backstretch workers with tax-related issues whenever possible. With a natural passion for assisting those in need and a deep love for animals, Frank finds that working for a charity like BEST aligns perfectly with his values and lifestyle.

Operations Director

Paola Cardenas

Paola oversees daily office operations and leads strategic fundraising efforts at BEST. Previously, as the Health Benefits Coordinator, she gained a deep understanding of the backstretch community and forged strong connections both on and off the track. Paola enjoys city life, loves to travel, and is passionate about animals.

Benefits Director

Vivian Muniz

Vivian has been with BEST since 2006, overseeing Health and Human Services for backstretch workers at Belmont Park. Her dedication to the backstretch community is deeply personal, as helping them navigate their challenges gives her a strong sense of purpose. In her free time, Vivian enjoys cooking Puerto Rican and Italian cuisine and spending time with her family.

Care Services Director

Danielle Alvarez

Danielle oversees mental health, substance use counseling, and educational services for backstretch workers. Fluent in Spanish, she ensures vital programs like substance use treatment and ESL education are accessible to all. Danielle also leads outreach at Belmont and Saratoga, collaborating with community partners to enhance services.

Board of Directors.

Iris Roberts

Co-Chair
Associate General Counsel/Director of Compliance for NYRA

Ms. Roberts' interest in racing began in law school when she attended her first race in Saratoga. Since that time, Ms. Roberts has spent her career at NYRA helping to ensure the safety and integrity of the sport from within. Prior to being appointed to the BEST board in 2019, Ms. Roberts collaborated with her NYRA colleagues to improve the living and working conditions in the backstretch by helping to implement new dormitory health and safety measures. As Board Co-Chair, Ms. Roberts works to continuously build a seamless and mutually beneficial relationship between BEST and NYRA.

Aron Yagoda

Co-Chair
Owner/NYTHA Board Member

Mr. Yagoda is the Executive VP of Streit’s Matzos, a family business since 1925. A lifelong NYRA race attendee, he’s active in the Thoroughbred industry as an owner, breeder, and pinhooker. Passionate about racing, Mr. Yagoda spends his free time supporting industry causes, serving on the NYTHA board, and running social media campaigns for injured jockeys. His love of racing and care for others make him a great fit for the BEST Board.

Daniel Summers

Vice Chair
Senior Director of Administration

Mr. Summers is the Senior Director of Administration at NYRA, where he leads efforts to streamline key tasks. A thoroughbred owner, breeder, and fan, he co-owned Mind Your Biscuits, a two-time New York-bred Horse of the Year. With family ties to training and his role at NYRA, Mr. Summers is committed to ensuring top care and support for backstretch workers.

Najja Thompson

Secretary
Executive Director, NYTB

Najja Thompson is the Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), advocating for New York-breds and promoting the economic impact of breeders and racing. He joined NYTB in 2020 after nearly a decade at NYRA in marketing, communications, and HR. Thompson also serves as president of the Turf Publicists of America and sits on several boards, including NYRA and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. A Florida State University graduate, his passion for racing began with his uncle, a small breeder, leading him to pursue a career in the industry.

James Ferraro

Treasurer

Originally from Arizona, third-generation horseman Mr. Ferraro trained under Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens and has been based in New York since 1977. His top stakes horses include Board Eligible, Double Dee’s, India Halo, and Lorccan. A member of the Trainers’ Committee for the New York Backstretch Pension Fund Trust since 2005, Mr. Ferraro is dedicated to the health and safety of his staff and advocates for all backstretch workers through BEST.

Chad Brown

Member

While growing up in Mechanicville, N.Y., Brown frequently attended the summer meet at nearby Saratoga Race Course with his family. He got his first experience around horses during high school working with Standardbred trainer Paul Kelley at Saratoga Raceway. While he was a student at Cornell University, where he was headed toward a career as a veterinarian, Brown worked summers for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey. By the time he graduated from Cornell, Brown had decided that he would rather train horses and continued working for McGaughey.

Christopher Cipolla

Member
General Manager, Horse Racing DraftKings Inc.

A passionate horse racing fan and former owner, Mr. Cipolla has been with DraftKings since 2018 and now leads its horse racing division, DK Horse. Previously, he worked on DraftKings' Government Affairs team, helping pass laws on fantasy sports, sports betting, and online casinos. An attorney, he has also worked for the Town of Harrison and managed his own practice. Mr. Cipolla leverages his legal and industry expertise to support and promote BEST’s mission.

Leah Gyarmati

Member
Horse Trainer

Ms. Gyarmati started working with show horses at a young age and joined Hall of Fame Trainer H.A. Jerkens as an exercise rider and assistant in 1981. She later became a jockey and established her own training stable in 1998, producing multiple Grade 1 winners and Breeders' Cup competitors. Her extensive experience helps the BEST Board address the unique challenges faced by backstretch workers.

Edward J. Messina, Ph.D

Member
Owner/Breeder

Dr. Messina is an award-winning researcher and professor at New York Medical College. His passion for thoroughbreds led him to explore breeding and pedigrees using his research skills. Wanting to give back to the sport he loves, Dr. Messina has served on the NYTHA Board and its subcommittees. His medical expertise and love of racing make him a valuable consultant for BEST's medical programs.

Nicole Rudolph

Member
SVP, Corporate Risk Solutions

Ms. Rudolph has over 23 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in large Property & Casualty programs. At Corporate Risk Solutions, she leads the Stewardship practice and drives business growth strategies. Formerly NYRA’s Director of Risk Management, she has served on the BEST Board since 2015. Her expertise in risk, insurance, and horse racing strengthens BEST's support for backstretch workers.

Zachary Richards

Member
Area Leader of Marketing, Fry Cook & Cashier / Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Mr. Richards is the Area Marketing Leader for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, overseeing marketing, PR, sponsorships, and community partnerships. A lifelong horse racing fan, he previously worked at Keeneland Racecourse and in NYRA’s Marketing Department. His marketing expertise and industry connections help BEST refine its messaging and broaden its reach.

Lauren Evans

Member

The BEST Team.

Belmont

Francisco Barrera // Outreach Advocate

Stephanie Garthwaite, LMHC, MSW // Mental Health Counselor

Gladys Llerena // Health Benefits Coordinator

Juana Maria, CASAC-G, MSW // Substance Abuse Counselor

Leyda Medrano // Administrative Assistant

Nazim Nagir // Transportation

Hanna Podhorna // ESL Teacher

Saratoga

Judy Beck, LCSW-R // Clinical Social Worker

Jeselle Brandebourger // Client Care Manager

Robert Dufort // Transportation

Terra Ou // Content Creator

Terese Russell // Community Engagement & Fundraising Manager

Roger Sousa // Volunteer Coordinator

Pro Bono Team.

Brad Fischer

Mr. Fischer, Of Counsel at Orrick, NY, leverages his experience as a former state regulator and U.S. regulatory counsel to address legal issues in the gaming industry. A Saratoga Springs resident and horse racing fan, he helps BEST navigate complex legal challenges and advance its mission.

David Weinraub

Mr. Weinraub, co-founder and managing partner of Brown Weinraub, New York's top lobbying firm, previously served on Governor Mario Cuomo's senior staff and held key roles in state government. He brings his creativity, judgment, and network of policymakers to help BEST expand its program and secure funding to support backstretch workers long-term.

WHO
WE ARE

35 Years of Service.