Our Team

Individuals with extensive experience in anti-doping programs, veterinary science, investigations, compliance, education, and the Thoroughbred industry.

Our team

Meet our world-class team, which brings together individuals with extensive experience in anti-doping programs, veterinary science, investigations, compliance and policy, education and training, and the Thoroughbred industry.

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Leadership

Michelle Pujals, Esq.

General Counsel

Michelle Pujals serves as general counsel of the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), a division of Drug Free Sport International. From 2018 through 2022, she was the owner and principal of Tautemo Consulting, LLC, a legal and sports consulting firm. Prior to forming Tautemo Consulting, Pujals was a member of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Legal Department for more than 20 years, most recently serving as vice president & assistant general counsel.

Naushaun_Richards

Naushaun Richards

Chief of Investigations

Naushaun “Shaun” Richards joins the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) after 23 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As HIWU’s director of intelligence & strategy, Richards focuses on long-range investigations, which rely heavily on real-time intelligence, strategy, sophisticated investigative techniques, and data analysis to identify and prosecute potential significant violations of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. His team collaborates with HIWU’s Operations and Science departments to develop effective testing strategies as well as inform investigations. Richards also liaises with federal, state, and local law enforcement as it relates to possible criminal violations.

Operations

Michael Beissenherz

Senior Director of Testing Strategies

Michael Beissenherz has been with Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) for nearly a decade, and he transitioned to its Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) division in June 2022 as its director of testing strategies. Currently the senior director of testing strategies, Beissenherz oversees the development and implementation of the strategic and operational components of the HIWU testing program, including the Anti-Doping and Medication Control test distribution plan.

Mike Thompson

Director of Training & Resources

Mike Thompson brings more than a decade of anti-doping operations leadership experience to the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) team, where he serves as director of testing & certification. Thompson oversees HIWU’s sample collection personnel network and is responsible for the development and execution of HIWU’s sample collection personnel recruitment, training, and onboarding. He has an extensive background implementing innovative testing strategies, designing anti-doping technology platforms, and managing anti-doping shipping and logistic initiatives.