Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has announced a trio of executive appointments across multiple key departments at its Louisville headquarters in Kentucky.
The new leadership appointments include promotions for Gary Palmisano Jr to vice president of racing, and Joe Quinn to VP of legal, while Heather Jacobsen has been brought in as VP of project management office.
Palmisano Jr has been with CDI for over ten years and his new role will see him continue to support and enhance the company’s commitment to the US thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, alongside continued implementation of standards and processes outlined in the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).
He has served as executive director of Racing since September 2022 and has held various roles at Churchill Downs Racetrack, including VIP player services manager and director of race day operations. Prior to joining CDI, Palmisano held positions at Fair Grounds Race Course and the Louisiana State Racing Commission.
Quinn most recently served as senior counsel on CDI’s corporate legal team and has played a pivotal role in managing legal issues across multiple properties, including flagship property, Churchill Downs Racetrack.
In his new role, he will continue to serve as attorney for CDI properties currently under his purview and across other areas of the company. Prior to joining CDI, Quinn served as an attorney with King & Spalding in Atlanta, Georgia.
The third appointment sees Jacobsen join CDI as VP of project management office, bringing over two decades of leadership in strategic program management to the role. She previously held strategic leadership positions with Gallagher, Bosch USA, and Sears Home Services.
Shares in Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN) closed marginally higher at $121.87 per share in New York Thursday.