Wayne Smith
Oaklawn Racing & Gaming on Monday announced that Wayne Smith will be its sixth general manager.
Company President Charles Cella said in a news release that Smith’s selection “begins an exciting new era for Oaklawn.” Cella’s family has owned and operated the company since its founding in 1904.
Cella said the announcement is a culmination of a two-year plan that began with a nationwide search. Smith has worked for the past year as assistant general manager alongside Eric Jackson, who is stepping down after three decades as general manager. He will now serve as senior vice president.
“When we began the search, we wanted ability and experience, but also put an emphasis on personality because this person needed to embrace our culture,” Jackson said a news release. “Wayne has made a seamless transition. Over the last year, he has gained an appreciation for why racing comes first.”
Jackson said Smith was the right person to preserve the strong relationships Oaklawn depends on.
“I’m humbled and honored,” Smith said. “Eric and the Cella family have created a jewel in the South for both racing and gaming. I’m so thankful to have had the last year to learn the business and I’m confident we can continue to grow what Eric and his team have built.
“For me the biggest thing has been seeing just how vested all Arkansans are in racing and how much they support racing. The age of our fans is much younger than I had ever experienced. Outside of the three Triple Crown races, you don’t see the crowds and the enthusiasm for racing as you see here. I wasn’t expecting that.”
Smith is from Rhode Island and graduated from Northeastern University in Boston. He has experience in accounting, finance, regulatory compliance, hospitality, racing and gaming, according to Oaklawn.
Smith served in corporate accounting and financing positions with ITT Sheraton, MGM Grand and Caesar’s Entertainment. He also worked in operations for Empire City Racing & Gaming in New York and Penn Gaming in Illinois.
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