Nelson E. Clemmens, founder and Chief Executive Officer, has been a Kentucky- and New York-based owner/breeder, is involved with the Kentucky HBPA and other Thoroughbred industry organizations and is committed to improving the future viability of Thoroughbred racing. His career is rooted in corporate finance/investment banking with GE Capital and Pine South Capital, the latter of which he founded in 1986. He also is, or has been an owner and investor in health care, service, technology and software, manufacturing, and distribution companies. He graduated from Stetson University with a degree in Finance and received his MBA from Western Kentucky University. He has served as a Trustee of Stetson University and is an advisor to the Kentucky HBPA.
OFFICERS & STAFF
William Alempijevic, Chief Operating Officer, joined AmWest in 2024. He has held various positions in the horse racing industry ranging from racetrack management to horsemen’s representative, working in the US and Canada and donating his time to benevolent causes supporting the community of people who work with the horses directly. He started his professional career at Flamboro Downs as an OTB Guest Services Manager and before joining AmWest was the Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associatio (NYTHA). William graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in Economics and Financial Management and is an avid fan of horse racing and enjoys sharing the sport with others. He has owned thoroughbreds in the past and is currently a partner in standardbreds that primarily race in Ontario, Canada.
Cynthia Ochsner, Chief Financial Officer, has extensive experience in operational management in public and private companies. Her background includes financial management, budgeting, inventory control, customer service and human resource management. Before joining AmWest, she held positions with a worldwide professional service provider and news reporting agency. She also has extensive involvement with financial reporting and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.
Jason Martin, Chief Technical Officer, brings a wealth of experience in the industry to his new position as IT Director at AmWager. He started his career as a terminal technician in 1999 and has worked in nearly every IT-related position in the pari-mutuel industry.
He has been a tote operator, mutuels, systems administrator and software developer. He has also designed and deployed various pari-mutuel software systems and wagering platforms, including for international markets. He was a Technical Support Supervisor who helped diagnose and solve hardware and software issues worldwide for United Tote. He also worked closely with research and development.
Marisa Richardson, Chief Marketing Officer, is an accomplished equestrian and devoted owner of a retired Thoroughbred, once owned and raced by Mr. Clemmens. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Florida Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. In addition to her career with AmWest Entertainment, she holds an adjunct instructor position at Jefferson Community and Technical College where she teaches business administration.
Advisors
Joel B. Turner,
Corporate Counsel
Frost Brown Todd
400 West Market Street, Floor 32
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 589-5400
Auditors
Dean Dorton,
106 West Vine Street, Suite 600
(859) 255-2341
www.deandorton.com
