Churchill Downs has announced that D. Brett Hale has been named senior vice president of corporate and government relations.
Hale will assume his role as of Jan. 4, 2010 and will report to Robert L. Evans, president and chief executive officer of CDI.
Hale comes to CDI from the American Gaming Association in Washington, D.C., where he spent the last eight years, most recently as its vice president of government affairs. Hale has extensive legislative experience at the federal level, having previously worked as the chief of staff for Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield and as legislative assistant for both Washington Senator Slade Gorton and Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell.
“Brett’s career experience and strong ties to Kentucky are a great combination,” said Evans. “He will make a valued contribution to advancing our business strategy and performance at both the state and federal level.”
“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work for such an iconic Kentucky institution as Churchill Downs,” said Hale. “As a racing fan and Kentucky native, I’m excited to be returning home while still being able to use my Capitol Hill experience to represent racing and the business interests of CDI.”
Hale is a graduate of Western Kentucky University where he received Bachelor of Arts in both history and government.