CDI rolls-out internal promotions following Austin Miller retirement

Churchill Downs
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Churchill Downs has rolled-out a pair of internal promotions, which have become effective immediately, following the impending retirement of Austin Miller as senior vice president of gaming operations.

This has seen Maureen Adams promoted to fill the aforementioned role as well as Ryan Jordan becoming senior vice president of real estate development, with Miller to officially leave the company on March 1, 2021.

This will end an eight-year stint in this role and 15-year tenure with the company, which started as president of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he led the design, construction and opening of the company’s first casino gaming operation. 

In 2010, Miller was named president of Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Florida, before transitioning to corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2013.

“Austin has been central to the growth and evolution of CDI over the years,” said Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of CDI

“His bold and creative vision for the company’s gaming properties will have an enduring impact. I am grateful for his leadership during a transformative time and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.”

Adams, who will fill the void left by Miller, previously served as vice president of gaming operations, where she oversaw the day-to-day operation of eight gaming properties as well as the centralised marketing and analysis department

Adams’ career with CDI spans eight years and includes time as president and general manager of Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Florida.

“Maureen brings over 25 years of gaming experience in finance, marketing, operations and leadership in 10 different states and 2 countries to this important role,” noted Mudd. 

“Not only does she bring a proven track record of success, Maureen has a keen aptitude for inspiring and developing her team to achieve both their personal and professional goals.”

Furthermore, Jordan’s responsibilities will include strategic planning at existing properties, as well as the leadership of design and construction for new properties across the company.

Jordan joined CDI in 2009 as vice president of operations for Churchill Downs Entertainment Group, and was later named general manager of Churchill Downs Racetrack.

“Ryan is the ideal candidate to lead the development of new properties across our portfolio,” added Mudd. “Throughout his 12-year career with the company he has successfully and consistently executed complex large-scale projects with a focus on operations, hospitality and entertainment.”