Vera is the Media Manager at Derby Lane greyhound racetrack in St. Petersburg, FL. Rich in history, the Pinellas County icon has remained family owned and operated since 1925. Derby Lane has presented many national champions, record holders and Hall of Famers that include Keefer, Talentedmrripley, Dominator, Cayman Went and Million Dollar champions Greys Calibrator and Flying Stanley, to name a few. 

Vera started her racing career in 1978 at Wheeling Downs, WV. She also held key positions at Tri-State WV, and Dairyland Greyhound Park WI. Now that her two daughters are grown, Vera devotes all of her time to the sport. 

She is a feature writer for the National Greyhound Review and her stories and photos have been published in other parimutuel magazines nationally and internationally.  Vera has appeared as a guest greyhound analyst multiple times on Sky Network at Shelbourne Park during the running of Ireland's Euro 600 and the Irish Derby; Ireland's most prestigious stakes event. She has been a guest multiple times on Australia's At the Boxes radio show with Geoff Collins. She is a Greyhound Hall of Fame member and a local newspaper correspondent.  

Vera also trained a kennel and owned racing greyhounds. She is a zestful campaigner and volunteers for greyhound adoption and has helped coordinate several events including the 2005 North American Greyhound Adoption conference education segment featured at Derby Lane.  

“There is no other simulcast event like the Night of Stars,” says Filipelli. “Not only do we overcome technological hurdles as we bounce from track to track across America- the industry showcases the country’s top talent while raising funds and awareness for greyhound adoptions in America.”  The show is also a favorite of Greyhound pet owners who have a chance to compete in the Greyhound Pet Photo Contest featured during every show.