Former Sports Commission, League Executives Join Anti-Doping Team

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit has added three people to its executive leadership team with Ben Mosier in the role of executive director, Kate Mittelstadt as chief of operations and Michelle Pujals as general counsel.

Mosier joined Drug Free Sport International, the independent enforcement agency, in 2010 after working as the national events coordinator for the Kansas City Sports Commission. He most recently served as vice president of business development at DFSI and has overseen anti-doping programs for the National Basketball Association, the PGA Tour, Major League Baseball’s Minor League Program, and NASCAR.

“It’s an honor to accept this role as the executive director of HIWU,” Mosier said. “I’m excited to be building a first-class team that will help improve the integrity of this great sport, while protecting the safety of these magnificent horses with the implementation of the ADMC program.”

Mittelstadt most recently served as director of the Ironman anti-doping program, which became the first program run by a private, non-federation sports organization that formally adhered to the world anti-doping code. Mittelstadt’s career in anti-doping began in 2000, when she became one of the first employees hired by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and was manager of out-of-competition testing at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

“I am extremely motivated by the opportunity to work in collaboration with the thoroughbred horse racing community to implement HISA’s uniform Anti-Doping and Medication Control program,” said Mittelstadt. “I look forward to using my experience and perspective to enhance the safety and integrity of U.S. horse racing.”

Pujals previously served for more than 20 years as a member of the NBA’s legal department, most recently as vice president & assistant general counsel. She oversaw the development and administration of anti-drug programs for NBA players, coaches, and trainers, and was a member of the NBA/NBPA prohibited substances committee and the NBA crisis management team.

“I am excited and honored to join such a well-qualified, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to addressing anti-doping in Thoroughbred racing,” said Pujals. “It is our hope to improve fairness and integrity in the sport, as well as protect the well-being of the remarkable horses involved, for the benefit of both the industry and fans.”