Flanery, president of Churchill Downs, retires

T. Kevin Flanery, the president of Churchill Downs racetrack since 2009, will retire at the end of this year, the company announced on Wednesday.

Flanery, who came to Churchill Downs in 2005 after a series of posts in state government, spent the past 11 years overseeing a number of projects at Churchill as the track sought to leverage its most valuable property, the Kentucky Derby. Projects completed during his tenure at the helm of the track included the construction of an outdoor lighting system and erection of a massive video board, as well as facility renovations that included The Mansion, Starting Gate Suites, and the Rooftop Lounge.

Flanery, 55, grew up in Louisville and graduated with a psychology degree from Bellarmine College. He received a law degree from the University of Kentucky.

“Having grown up in the area surrounding Churchill Downs racetrack, I have a deep appreciation for what this place means to so many in our industry and our community,” Flanery said, in a release issued by the company. “I will forever be grateful to the horsemen, the community, and our guests who allowed me the opportunity to impact the rich and vibrant history of Churchill Downs and the unique culture of the neighborhood.”

In the statement, Bill Carstanjen, the chief executive officer of Churchill’s parent company, wished Flanery well in his retirement.

“Having worked side by side with Kevin over the last 15 years, I offer sincere gratitude for his friendship and his leadership, and we wish him all the best in his retirement,” Carstanjen said. “His has been an important and impactful chapter in the history of Churchill Downs racetrack.”

Flanery was first hired by Churchill Downs in 2005 as the vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in 2008, and was elevated to president of the racetrack the next year and at the same time was made a senior vice president of the track’s parent company, Churchill Downs, Inc.

Prior to being hired by Churchill, Flanery was the president and chief operating officer of Hagan Properties, a commercial real-estate development company. Before Hagan, Flanery had a long career in state government, including top posts in the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Transportation Cabinet.

Churchill said in its announcement that a search would begin immediately for Flanery’s replacement, and that Bill Mudd, the chief operating officer of the track’s parent company, would act as an interim president until a selection is made.