Churchill Downs Incorporated Announces Executive Promotions in Racing, Legal and Information Technology

Gary Palmisano, Jr. named VP of Racing, Joe Quinn Named VP, Legal and Heather Jacobsen named VP of Project Management Office

LOUISVILLE, KY., (February 26, 2024) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI or the Company) announced today the promotion and naming of executive leadership positions across multiple key departments at the Corporate Office in Louisville, KY.

Gary Palmisano, Jr. has been a member of the CDI family for over ten years and has nearly 17 years of industry experience. In this role, Palmisano will continue to support and enhance the Company’s commitment to the U.S. Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry as well as continued implementation of standards and processes outlined in the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) across all CDI racing properties. He most recently served as the Executive Director of Racing for the Company since September of 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 gained experience through roles at Fair Grounds Race Course and with the Louisiana State Racing Commission. Palmisano holds a bachelor’s in Equine Business from the University of Louisville.

Joe Quinn most recently served as Senior Counsel on CDI’s Corporate Legal Team and has played a pivotal role in various real estate issues across the company, assisted the business development team on numerous projects and managed legal issues across multiple properties, including the Company’s flagship property, Churchill Downs Racetrack. In his new role, Quinn 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 was an attorney with King & Spalding in Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a bachelor’s in Accounting and Economics from the University of Kentucky and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt University Law School.

Heather Jacobsen is new to the team at CDI, but brings over two decades leadership in strategic program management and a unique blend of analytical rigor, interpersonal skills and strategic foresight to the role. Jacobsen has previously held strategic leadership positions with Gallagher, Bosch USA and Sears Home Services, innovating the growth and development of their PMO’s. She holds a bachelor’s in Psychology & Sociology from Hope College and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

These promotions are effective immediately.