A Conversation with Churchill Downs President & COO Bill Mudd and Vice President of Corporate Communications Tonya Abeln

If you want to grow as a leader, then listen to Churchill Downs Incorporated President & COO Bill Mudd and Vice President of Corporate Communications Tonya Abeln open up about what they've learned as high-level leaders over the years. 

In our 25th podcast episode and ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby, we hear from Bill and Tonya as they talk about what's new at Churchill Downs and give leadership advice. You can download to listen, or watch now!

Watch: https://youtu.be/dGr5INxvp4o

Bill has been the President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI since 2015. He joined CDI in 2007 as the Executive Vice President and CFO after working for several years at General Electric and was promoted to the role of President and CFO in 2014. Under Bill’s leadership CDI’s business has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. CDI follows a long tradition of corporate social responsibility and has been a committed charitable partner for decades. 

In her role as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Churchill Downs, Tonya is responsible for the strategy, implementation and oversight of internal and external communications and revels in the opportunity to share the thrilling and inspiring stories behind one of America’s most iconic brand—the Kentucky Derby. Additionally, as President of Churchill Downs Foundation, she drives strategic charitable initiatives and manages community partnerships across the company’s entire portfolio of racetrack and gaming properties. 

Our CEO Dave Calzi sits down with Bill and Tonya to hear about the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and CDI: 

• Bill and Tonya reminisce on their favorite Derby Day memories.
• The major changes and cultural shifts at CDI over the last couple of decades, including what's new ahead of this year's race.
• The first Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks were held in 1875. St. Vincent de Paul Louisville started in 1853. Each organization has a rich history that has impacted the community in different ways. Through corporate giving, the Churchill Downs Foundation  contributes over $5 million annually in charitable grants and in-kind donations to more than 800 organizations nationwide. Tonya talks about the importance of the Foundation's corporate charitable giving. 
• They share some of the ways CDI serves the community and seeks to engage horseracing fans year-round, including the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy. 
• The definition and growing pains of leadership, especially in the early years. 
• Advice for young leaders who don't just want to climb the ladder, but hope to make a difference in the workplace for the benefit of the community. 
• How you can balance a demanding job with everything else in your life. 

To learn more, visit https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/. 

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