WROTB executives Henry Wojtaszek, left, Jacquelyne Leach and William White agreed to buyouts offered by the corporation’s board of directors today. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
By Mike Pettinella
For Video News Service
President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek and two other key senior managers of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. have agreed to a buyout of their contracts by the public benefit company’s board of directors.
In action at the WROTB’s monthly board meeting on Thursday, Wojtaszek, Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach and Vice President/Administration William White will leave the company, which owns Batavia Downs Gaming, harness horse racing track and The Hotel at Batavia Downs, over the next six months to a year.
Per the terms of the agreement:
— Wojtaszek will work through Dec. 31, 2024, receiving his full salary of about $299,000 with payment to be made on or before Dec. 15, 2024. He and the others will forgo the remaining time on their contracts (which ran through 2026) and he will agree to not work for any other gaming entity through 2026. He has been with the corporation since 2010.
— Leach, in her 36th year at the corporation, will be leaving in the spring of 2025, depending upon using any sick/vacation time accrued. She will work on premises through January 2025 and then split work time at her office and at her home in February 2025. She will receive half of her $244,000 annual salary, to be paid on or before Dec. 15, 2024, and has agreed to stay on as a consultant through next year.
— White, a 23-year employee, will work at WROTB until early spring of 2025, again depending upon sick/vacation time accrued. He will work in the office through April 30, 2025. He, too, will be paid half of his annual salary of $175,000, which will be paid on or before Dec. 15, 2024.
All but one of the 15 directors present voted in favor of the resolution. Timothy Callan (Erie County) voted against it, but did not want to give a reason for his “no” vote.
Board Chair Dennis Bassett said the trio deserves a lot of credit for overseeing the corporation’s recent years of record earnings.
“They have done a tremendous job, and they deserve, really, the time that they’re going to move on – move forward – with other endeavors,” he said. “It has been a pleasure to work with … all three of them.”
Bassett said that the action was not a “firing” and was not politically motivated.
All three employees issued statements after the meeting.
“I’ve enjoyed my 15 years here at Batavia Downs and I want to thank the board and all of our 400 employees for all of their support,” said Wojtaszek. “My focus now will be on ensuring a seamless transition to new leadership. I see a great future for this organization as they build upon many of our accomplishments that have made Batavia Dows a first-class entertainment venue.”
He said that he is looking at joining a law firm to resume his career as an attorney in Niagara County.
Leach said her time at Batavia Downs “has been one heck of a ride … sometimes I equate it to a roller coaster; it goes up and it goes down.”
“I’m very proud of this organization and what we have done. The employees – I’ve always said are the greatest assets of the corporation and I wish it continued success into the future.”
When asked about speculation that she and the others have been dismissed, she replied, “Not at all. Not even close.”
“We were all considering retiring and the board renegotiated our contracts, and it turned out fantastic.”
White said he’s enjoyed his time at WROTB, where he served as a director for 10 years before becoming a vice president.
“I’m appreciative of the board and I’ve enjoyed working with the employees here,” he said. “I wish them success in the future.”
The board announced that it will be forming a search committee to find replacements for these officers.