Churchill Downs Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Churchill Downs has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, human capital, regional racing, and digital wagering.

Focused on delivering premier entertainment experiences, Churchill Downs maintains a commitment to the integrity of thoroughbred racing while driving innovation across its diverse portfolio of gaming and digital assets.

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 Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs - Doug Shipley
  • President - Twinspires - Michael Lilly
  • 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 overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for this premier racing and gaming enterprise. By overseeing the integration of historic racetrack operations with modern casino gaming and digital wagering platforms, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth across all business segments. William Carstanjen manages high-level relationships with the Board and external stakeholders to maintain the company's market leadership. This executive role involves identifying strategic acquisition opportunities that expand the footprint of the organization across multiple states. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and operational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives the evolution of the brand from its traditional racing roots into a diversified entertainment powerhouse. Carstanjen secures the future of the company by balancing the preservation of iconic racing traditions with the aggressive pursuit of technological advancements in the gaming sector.
    William Carstanjen

    Marcia Dall - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Marcia Dall, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Churchill Downs, manages the financial health and fiscal integrity of the entire organization. Overseeing capital structure, financial planning, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the liquidity necessary to support its expansive portfolio of racetracks and casinos. Marcia Dall directs the financial reporting processes and internal controls that provide transparency to shareholders and regulatory bodies. This leadership role involves analyzing the profitability of various gaming entertainment venues and historical racing machine facilities to optimize returns on investment. By coordinating with other C-suite leaders, the Chief Financial Officer aligns budgetary resources with the strategic goals of the enterprise. Dall strengthens the balance sheet through disciplined cost management and strategic financial modeling, which supports the long-term sustainability of the company's diverse operations across North American markets.
    Marcia Dall

    William Mudd - President & Chief Operating Officer

    William Mudd, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Churchill Downs, executes the daily operational strategy across the company's extensive network of racing and gaming properties. Overseeing the efficiency of casino operations, food and beverage services, and event hosting, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every facility delivers a superior customer experience. William Mudd manages the operational workflows that integrate the company's diverse assets into a cohesive entertainment destination. This leadership role involves driving performance improvements at regional properties and ensuring that all venues adhere to the highest standards of service and regulatory compliance. By collaborating with the executive team, the Chief Operating Officer translates corporate objectives into actionable plans that enhance visitation and revenue. Mudd optimizes the operational scale of the organization, ensuring that the company remains a dominant force in the competitive landscape of gaming and thoroughbred racing.
    William Mudd

    Doug Shipley - President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs

    Doug Shipley, the President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs at Churchill Downs, oversees the specific operational performance of the company's racing facilities and off-track betting networks. Directing the day-to-day management of these venues, the President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs ensures that simulcast wagering and live racing events meet the expectations of enthusiasts. Doug Shipley manages the integration of gaming entertainment with traditional racing heritage to maximize the appeal of these regional assets. This leadership role involves coordinating with local management teams to improve the customer experience and drive attendance at key racing events. By focusing on the operational nuances of the racing and OTB portfolio, the President Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs supports the broader corporate mission of maintaining the company's status as a leader in the industry. Shipley optimizes the performance of these critical assets, ensuring that they contribute effectively to the overall growth and profitability of the organization.

    Michael Lilly - President - Twinspires

    Michael Lilly, the President - Twinspires at Churchill Downs, directs the growth and technological evolution of the company's online wagering platform. Overseeing the digital strategy for horse racing betting, sports wagering, and online casino gaming, the President - Twinspires ensures that the platform remains competitive in authorized jurisdictions. Michael Lilly manages the development of digital channels that provide customers with convenient access to the company's gaming services from anywhere. This leadership role involves leveraging data analytics to enhance user engagement and optimize the digital customer journey. By collaborating with the broader executive team, the President - Twinspires aligns digital initiatives with the company's overall market position and entertainment goals. Lilly drives the expansion of the online footprint, ensuring that the platform effectively captures market share while maintaining the integrity and security expected of the brand. Through continuous innovation, the President - Twinspires secures the company's future in the digital gaming space.

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

    Katherine Armstrong, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources at Churchill Downs, directs the talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement strategies for the entire workforce. Overseeing the human capital needs of a diverse enterprise that spans racetracks, casinos, and digital platforms, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier talent. Katherine Armstrong manages the implementation of corporate culture initiatives that align with the company's commitment to integrity and excellence in the gaming industry. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and training programs that support the operational goals of the business. By fostering a productive work environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer enables the organization to maintain high service standards across all properties. Armstrong drives the development of leadership pipelines, ensuring that the company possesses the internal expertise required to navigate the complexities of the modern entertainment market.

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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 Fairgrounds Racing, Gaming, OTBs, President - Twinspires.