Oneida Times

Luann Horton-Murad, an accomplished sports executive and community advocate, has made significant contributions to her region. As the Executive Administrator of the Utica Comets professional ice hockey team and Utica FC professional indoor soccer team, she plays a crucial role in managing daily operations and finance, as well as establishing and implementing operational policies, goals, and objectives.

Horton-Murad brings to the Comets organization a wealth of knowledge about principles, methods, and practices relating to hockey operations. Her experience includes working with various hockey teams such as the 1981-82 Mohawk Valley Stars ACHL Championship team.

In addition to her work in sports management, Horton-Murad is actively involved in supporting charitable organizations. She prioritizes causes like the “Save of the Day” Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of children and families throughout the Mohawk Valley. She also supports the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties that stewards over $175 million in charitable community assets for transformative social impact. Other organizations she backs include Empowered Pathways, dedicated to empowerment, advocacy, and education; and the House of the Good Shepherd, a leading provider of treatment, education, and support programs for children and their families.

As one of the founding members of the Utica Professional Hockey Alumni Association, Horton-Murad helps raise funds through an annual golf tournament benefiting various local organizations.

She was married to Bill Horton (deceased), a professional hockey player who served in both World Hockey Association (WHA) and International Hockey League (IHL). He also coached the Mohawk Valley Stars to their 1981-82 Championship victory and was named ACHL Coach of the Year.

A native of Utica herself, Horton-Murad currently resides in New Hartford with her husband George C. Murad. They have one son together named Bill Horton who is married to Jonna Horton.