UFC's Novitzky Reappointed to HISA's ADMC Committee

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is pleased to announce the reappointment of Jeff Novitzky, Senior Vice President, Anti-Doping Compliance for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), to its Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Committee. Novitzky is an American sports executive and former federal investigator known for his extensive contributions to anti-doping enforcement. In his current role, he leads the UFC's drug-testing and anti-doping initiatives. Prior to joining the UFC in April 2015, Novitzky was a federal agent with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations, where he led investigations into companies suspected of illegally distributing performance-enhancing substances, including the Lance Armstrong/U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team case. Before that, he conducted Internal Revenue Service investigations into some of the highest-profile anti-doping cases in professional sports history, including those involving the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative and Barry Bonds. His efforts have significantly influenced drug-testing policies in professional sports. "Jeff's extensive expertise will be a tremendous asset to the ADMC Standing Committee," said Charles Scheeler, Chair of the ADMC Standing Committee and the HISA Board of Directors. "His leadership in anti-doping enforcement and commitment to the principles of fair competition will further strengthen our mandate to promote transparency, safety and integrity in horse racing." The ADMC Standing Committee is composed of four independent members and three industry representatives. The committee plays a key role in advising and assisting HISA with the development of comprehensive rules and protocols for its ADMC Program, including the Prohibited Substances List, laboratory testing standards, in-competition and out-of-competition testing programs and ADMC research and educational initiatives. The daily operations of the ADMC Program are managed by the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, a subsidiary of Drug Free Sport International, which works to ensure horse racing is conducted in accordance with the ADMC Program and that the welfare of horses is always prioritized when it comes to the implementation of medication rules. As HISA welcomes back Novitzky, the organization also expresses gratitude to Dr. Jerry Yon, who stepped down from the committee on December 31, 2024, after years of dedicated service. "We deeply appreciate Dr. Yon's invaluable contributions to the ADMC Standing Committee," said Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA. "His dedication and insight have played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of the ADMC Program, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to strengthen the integrity and welfare of our sport." The full list of ADMC Standing Committee members can be viewed online here.