ALBUQUERQUE, NM—FEBRUARY 11, 2016—Longtime Quarter Horse owner Ray Willis of Roswell has been elected chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission. He will replace Albuquerque resident Robert Doughty III. Doughty will remain a member of the commission.

Willis, a Texas native, has been involved in New Mexico's horse racing industry as an owner-and-breeder since 1981. He is president of Roswell-based Hanson Operating Company, an oil and gas exploration and development firm where he has worked for more than 55 years.

During it's January 21st meeting the commission also elected Gayla McCulloch of Farmington as its co-chair. McCulloch replaces Beverly Bourguet of Albuquerque. Bourguet will also remain on the commission.

McCulloch is an American Quarter Horse Association director and is a past president of the New Mexico Quarter Horse Association.