Waubonsee professor appointed to state racing board

A Waubonsee Community College professor and one-time Arlington Park employee has been appointed to the Illinois Racing Board.

Patricia Saccone, who worked as a security guard and admissions clerk for 10 years at the now-shuttered Arlington Heights racetrack, was appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to a vacant position on the board, which has oversight of the horse racing industry.

Saccone has spent 15 years at Waubonsee in Aurora, serving as the program director and professor of health information technology. Before that, she spent 14 years working in health care management and reimbursements and operations, and she was director of operations for Accord Health Network, a managed care company.

She enjoys touring racetracks across the country and riding in her spare time, according to the governor's announcement.

Her appointment, which is still pending Senate approval, lasts until July 2024.