An experienced state government attorney whose public service career has spanned 26 years, Nason was confirmed as Executive Director by a unanimous vote during Wednesday’s meeting of the Racing Commission commissioners.
According to reports, Nason had been serving as Acting Director of the Racing Commission since July 18, 2018, and served as its Deputy Director for four years prior to that.
Officials say that for many years before joining the Racing Commission, Nason served as a Deputy Attorney General (DAG) in the Division of Law where, among other responsibilities, she provided legal advice and representation to the Commission.
“I am thrilled to announce Judy Nason’s appointment as Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Judy’s experience leading the Commission as Acting Executive Director, and her longtime commitment to law and public service, will be a major asset as the Administration seeks to grow the racing industry so it can continue to provide vitality to the state’s economy and culture.”
“Judy Nason is the perfect choice to lead the New Jersey Racing Commission,” said Attorney General Grewal. “She has done an excellent job of guiding the Commission as Acting Director for the past 10 months, and I am confident that her integrity, experience, and passion for the horse racing industry will serve New Jersey well.”
A 1988 honors graduate of Rutgers Law School in Newark, Nason clerked for Chief Justice Robert Wilentz of the New Jersey Supreme Court, according to reports. Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays and Handler in New York later employed her as an associate attorney specializing in corporate finance, and as a litigation associate with the Newark firm of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby and MacRae. Nason joined the Department of Law and Public Safety in January 1993.