Balog to resign as Keeneland director of communications

Julie Balog, Keeneland's director of communications, will step down from her position at the Lexington, Ky., racetrack following the 2013 spring meeting to become vice president of marketing and communications for the YMCA of Central Kentucky.

Balog has worked at Keeneland since 1999, and was named director of communications in 2011.

“Keeneland is an amazing institution and I am appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been afforded here, working with some of the most competent people in their fields,” Balog said. “I will miss my Keeneland family, yet I am excited about this next chapter of my career because I have become passionate about the YMCA and its mission.”

During Balog’s tenure, Keeneland garnered recognition for its use of social media to leverage its communications strategy and to increase its profile among national and mainstream media.

Balog also was instrumental in the coordination of Keeneland’s 75th anniversary racing season in 2011, as well as the launch of Keeneland Select, the company’s advance deposit wagering business, in August 2011.

“Keeneland is an entity unlike any other, and has been made better by Julie’s contributions throughout her career here,” Chief Operating Officer Vince Gabbert said. “She will be sorely missed but we are excited for her new opportunities and proud of her accomplishments in the community and our industry.”

Keeneland's spring meeting opens on Friday, April 5, and runs through Friday, April 26.