Press release
BATAVIA, N.Y. — Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTBC) today announced the election of Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney as Chair of its Board of Directors, marking a historic milestone for the organization and for New York State.
Rodriguez-Dabney becomes the first woman to serve as Board Chair of WROTBC in more than its 50-year history and the only woman currently leading an off-track betting corporation’s Board in New York State.
Her election represents both a defining moment for the organization and a renewed commitment to strong governance, regional growth, and delivering meaningful returns to the 17 municipalities WROTBC serves through its operations at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel and across its network.
Video clips from an interview with new Board Chair Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney
Rodriguez-Dabney brings a distinguished record of leadership and public service across government, higher education, healthcare, and the legal profession. An attorney and lifelong Buffalonian, she has built her career advancing organizational excellence while expanding opportunity across the region.
Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, which operates Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel including a Harness Track and OTB Branches across Western New York, is one of the region’s largest public-benefit corporations. Governed by 17 municipalities that includes 15 counties and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester- WROTBC employs over 440 people and returns millions of dollars annually to local governments, serving as a critical source of non-tax revenue for the communities it serves.
Rodriguez-Dabney, succeeds Dennis J. Bassett of Rochester, who recently resigned as Chairman, said she is honored to have the Board’s confidence in her leadership and is energized by the opportunity to help continue moving WROTBC forward under the leadership of President & CEO Byron Brown. Her term as Chairperson will last throughout her term on the Board of Directors.
Rodriguez- Dabney said, “Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation just experienced its most financially successful year ever, and I look forward to building on that momentum alongside the Board of Directors and staff. Over the last decade, the Corporation has evolved into far more than a racetrack, and I believe Batavia Downs and WROTBC will continue growing as a true regional destination everyone can enjoy. As Chair, my focus will be on bringing people together, staying centered on our mission and the work that moves us forward, and delivering meaningful results for the municipalities and communities we serve.”
Byron Brown, WROTBC President & CEO said, “I want to congratulate Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney on being selected as the new Chair of the WROTBC Board of Directors. Crystal has exceptional leadership skills and experience and is well respected. I’m very confident that she will continue to move this Corporation in a positive and profitable direction.”
Rodriguez-Dabney currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Employee Advocacy & Fairness Officer, and Associate Counsel at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center—an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a designation held by fewer than 4% of cancer centers nationwide and widely recognized as the gold standard in cancer care and research. At Roswell Park, she leads enterprise-wide strategies that strengthen workplace culture and support a sense of belonging for employees.
She joined Roswell Park in June 2023 following her tenure as First Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff for the City of Buffalo, where she played a key role in major city initiatives. Prior to her work in municipal government, she served at SUNY Buffalo State University from 2018 to 2022 in senior leadership roles, including Chief of Staff to the President.
Rodriguez-Dabney holds an Advanced Certificate from Cornell University and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from California State University San Marcos, while serving in the U.S. Navy, and her Juris Doctor and Master of Laws from the University at Buffalo Law School.
Deeply engaged in the Buffalo community, Rodriguez-Dabney serves on several boards including Intersect Buffalo, The Park School of Buffalo Board of Trustees, Canisius University Board of Trustees and Shea’s Buffalo Board of Directors. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Buffalo Alumnae Chapter and The Links, Incorporated (Buffalo Chapter).