Churchill Downs Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Churchill Downs has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, online wagering, and racing/gaming.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Churchill Downs operates as a premier racing, gaming, and entertainment company, blending its rich thoroughbred racing heritage with a diversified portfolio of casinos, online wagering platforms, and entertainment venues to deliver exceptional experiences across multiple states.

Leadership Roles at Churchill Downs

  • Chief Executive Officer - William Carstanjen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Marcia Dall
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - William Mudd
  • President - Twinspires - Michael Lilly
  • President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs - Douglas Shipley
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources - Katherine Armstrong
  • William Carstanjen - Chief Executive Officer

    William Carstanjen, the Chief Executive Officer at Churchill Downs, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the premier racing, gaming, and entertainment company. Carstanjen guides the integration of the company's diverse assets, which span historic racetracks, expansive casinos, and advanced online wagering platforms like TwinSpires. Overseeing the company's evolution from its thoroughbred racing roots into a diversified gaming enterprise, William Carstanjen ensures alignment with market opportunities and stakeholder value. This leadership role involves driving growth through strategic acquisitions, property development, and the enhancement of integrated entertainment destinations. By focusing on both tradition and innovation, Carstanjen champions initiatives that solidify Churchill Downs' position as an industry leader, impacting revenue streams across all operational segments and ensuring long-term financial health and market expansion.
    William Carstanjen

    Marcia Dall - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Marcia Dall, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Churchill Downs, directs all financial operations, strategic financial planning, and capital allocation for the diversified gaming and entertainment company. Dall manages the financial health of the organization, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, investor relations, and risk management across its racing, gaming, and digital segments. This critical role involves analyzing financial performance, identifying investment opportunities, and ensuring robust financial controls are in place to support Churchill Downs' growth initiatives and operational expansion. Marcia Dall plays a pivotal part in shaping the company's financial strategy, guiding decisions related to acquisitions, property development, and the optimization of revenue streams from its extensive asset base. By maintaining fiscal discipline and strategic financial oversight, Dall ensures the company's sustained profitability and its capacity to fund future endeavors in the competitive entertainment landscape.
    Marcia Dall

    William Mudd - President & Chief Operating Officer

    William Mudd, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Churchill Downs, executes the day-to-day operational strategies across the company's extensive portfolio of racing, gaming, and entertainment properties. Mudd oversees the seamless integration of operations at Churchill Downs' iconic racetrack, its regional casino properties, and its online wagering platforms, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality guest experiences. Driving operational efficiency and optimizing performance are key responsibilities for William Mudd, who manages the complex interplay between live racing events, casino floor operations, and digital gaming services. This executive role involves fostering collaboration among diverse business units to enhance customer engagement and maximize profitability. By focusing on operational excellence, Mudd ensures that each venue and platform contributes effectively to Churchill Downs' overall mission of providing premier entertainment and gaming opportunities across the United States.
    William Mudd

    Michael Lilly - President - Twinspires

    Michael Lilly, the President - Twinspires at Churchill Downs, directs the strategy and operations for the company's premier online wagering platform, TwinSpires. Lilly oversees the development and execution of initiatives that enhance the customer experience for horse racing, sports betting, and online casino gaming through digital channels. This leadership position involves driving innovation in the digital space, expanding market reach, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across authorized jurisdictions. Michael Lilly focuses on leveraging technology to provide convenient and engaging wagering opportunities, directly contributing to the growth of Churchill Downs' digital segment. By optimizing the TwinSpires platform and its associated services, Lilly plays a key role in capturing market share and delivering a seamless online betting experience for customers nationwide.

    Douglas Shipley - President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs

    Douglas Shipley, the President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs at Churchill Downs, manages the comprehensive operations of the Fairgrounds racetrack, its associated gaming facilities, and the Off-Track Betting (OTB) network. Shipley oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of racing events, casino operations, and wagering services, ensuring a cohesive and engaging entertainment experience for patrons. This executive role involves optimizing performance across these distinct but interconnected business segments, driving revenue growth and enhancing customer satisfaction. Douglas Shipley focuses on leveraging the unique assets of the Fairgrounds property and the broader OTB network to expand market presence and attract diverse audiences. By integrating racing, gaming, and wagering operations, Shipley contributes significantly to Churchill Downs' overall success in the regional entertainment and gaming market.

    Katherine Armstrong - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources

    Katherine Armstrong, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources at Churchill Downs, leads all human capital strategies and initiatives across the company's extensive operations. Armstrong oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and organizational culture, ensuring a skilled and engaged workforce supports Churchill Downs' mission. This executive role is vital for fostering a positive and productive work environment across diverse business units, including racetracks, casinos, and digital platforms. Katherine Armstrong drives initiatives that enhance employee retention, promote diversity and inclusion, and align HR practices with the company's strategic objectives. By focusing on human resources excellence, Armstrong ensures that Churchill Downs attracts, develops, and retains the talent necessary to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive business success in the competitive racing and gaming industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Churchill Downs Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Churchill Downs?
    Churchill Downs is led by William Carstanjen (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Marcia Dall (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and William Mudd (President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Churchill Downs’s executive team?
    The executive team of Churchill Downs includes leaders such as William Carstanjen (Chief Executive Officer), Marcia Dall (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), William Mudd (President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Churchill Downs have?
    Churchill Downs has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Churchill Downs’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Churchill Downs includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, President - Twinspires, President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs.