Mary Teter Guessford, a valued member of the National Steeplechase Association staff for 15 years, is departing the organization for an opportunity in the financial industry.
NSA President Guy Torsilieri and National Steeplechase Foundation President Sam Slater noted her many contributions to the sport at a joint meeting of the organizations’ boards of directors on Thursday at Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Both the NSA and the NSF presented her with going-away gifts.
“Mary has made many contributions to the sport of steeplechasing,” Torsilieri said afterward. “Her knowledge and her many skills helped to keep the office operating efficiently, especially at times of high pressure.”
A lifelong horsewoman, she most recently handled racing operations for the NSA. She is the sister of retired champion jockey Jeff Teter, now the race director of the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup meets, and she also has paralegal certification.
“When I accepted a job with the NSA, I had no idea that I would be here for 15 years,” she said. “It has been a very fulfilling experience, but I now have an opportunity for professional growth.”
The NSA has undertaken a search for a racing-operations specialist, and a job description will be posted in the near future.