Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino has 4 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, operational management, financial planning, and racing association governance.

Committed to providing premier entertainment, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino delivers exceptional gaming, hospitality, and live racing experiences while maintaining a non-profit mission that benefits the local community through sustained economic growth and regional engagement.

Leadership Roles at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gary Palmer
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp - Elaine Castelline
  • Chief Operating Officer - Julie Stewart
  • President of the Racing Association of Central Iowa - Jim Rasmussen
  • Gary Palmer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gary Palmer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, directs the overarching strategic vision for this non-profit entertainment destination. Palmer manages the integration of machine gaming, table games, and hospitality services to ensure consistent revenue growth across the Iowa market. By aligning departmental goals with the long-term mission of the organization, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of operational excellence and community investment. Gary Palmer maintains direct oversight of the executive leadership team, ensuring that all business units remain focused on delivering high-quality guest experiences. Through rigorous analysis of market trends and competitive positioning, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the facility's diverse offerings, including the hotel and sports betting operations. This leadership approach secures the financial health of the organization while expanding the reach of the entertainment venue to broader regional audiences.

    Elaine Castelline - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp

    Elaine Castelline, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, manages the fiscal integrity and long-term financial planning for the organization. Castelline directs capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure the non-profit entity maintains sustainable growth. By analyzing revenue streams from gaming, sports betting, and hospitality, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp provides the data-driven insights necessary for strategic decision-making. Elaine Castelline oversees the internal audit functions and risk management protocols to protect the assets of the organization. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp collaborates with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities in facility upgrades and new entertainment offerings. Through disciplined financial stewardship, Castelline ensures that the organization remains well-positioned to support its community-focused mission while navigating the competitive landscape of the regional gaming industry.

    Julie Stewart - Chief Operating Officer

    Julie Stewart, the Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, executes the daily operational strategies required to maintain a premier gaming and hospitality environment. Stewart oversees the complex logistics of the casino floor, the full-service hotel, and the various dining establishments located on the property. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer enhances service delivery and operational efficiency across all guest-facing departments. Julie Stewart coordinates with department heads to implement safety protocols and service standards that define the brand experience. The Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives focused on maximizing throughput in machine gaming and poker tournaments while ensuring the entertainment venue operates at peak capacity for concerts and events. Through meticulous management of facility resources and staff alignment, Stewart supports the broader organizational goals of providing top-tier entertainment to the Iowa region and beyond.

    Jim Rasmussen - President of the Racing Association of Central Iowa

    Jim Rasmussen, the President of the Racing Association of Central Iowa at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, governs the racing operations and associated regulatory compliance for the facility. Rasmussen directs the strategic development of the live racing calendar, ensuring that the track remains a central pillar of the organization's entertainment portfolio. By managing relationships with industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies, the President of the Racing Association of Central Iowa upholds the integrity and quality of the racing program. Jim Rasmussen oversees the operational requirements of the track, including maintenance and event coordination, to provide a superior experience for participants and spectators alike. The President of the Racing Association of Central Iowa integrates racing activities with the broader casino and hospitality business model to drive cross-departmental traffic. Through this focused leadership, Rasmussen sustains the historical significance and future viability of racing within the regional entertainment market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino?
    Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino is led by Gary Palmer (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Elaine Castelline (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp) and Julie Stewart (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino’s executive team?
    The executive team of Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino includes leaders such as Gary Palmer (President & Chief Executive Officer), Elaine Castelline (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp), Julie Stewart (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino have?
    Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Amp, Chief Operating Officer, President of the Racing Association of Central Iowa.