Tom Fries Jr. named to replace retiring Zonak at Ohio commission

Thomas Fries Jr. has been named the new executive director of the Ohio State Racing Commission, replacing Sam Zonak, who is retiring as of July 31 at the age of 57. Zonak was a 25-year state employee and was the commission’s chief investigator prior to replacing Clifford Nelson as executive director in 2004.

Fries, who has owned Standardbreds in the past, was appointed to the commission in 2007 by Gov. Bob Strickland to a four-year term that expires June 30, 2011. He has worked as a special assistant to Congressman Tony Hall and as a legislative aid to state Representative Rocco Collona.

Since 1994, Fries has served as owner and president of TFJ Associates in Columbus. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1986.

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