NEWS
Vince Gabbert
Posted: Thursday, June 24, 2010 4:03 PM
VINCE GABBERT
Courtesy of Keeneland
Keeneland Association
A fan of racing since Swale captured the Kentucky Derby (G1) in 1984, Vince Gabbert followed up on that interest when he put his political career on hold to accept the position of executive assistant at the Keeneland Association.
Gabbert, who previously served as Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear’s deputy chief of staff, assists Keeneland President Nick Nicholson at the Lexington racetrack and sales company.
Gabbert, 34, works with all of Keeneland’s various departments in assisting Nicholson, who noted last year that his responsibilities had become too extensive for a single person.
Previously Gabbert served as the Kentucky State Senate Democratic Caucus director for four years and was manager of Kentucky public finance and investment banking at Ross, Sinclaire, and Associates before taking the deputy chief of staff position with the governor. While seemingly on a political fast track, Gabbert—who said he was most influenced in his life by his two grandfathers—said Keeneland presented a unique opportunity.
He is cautiously optimistic that the industry will turn things around.
“I had the great opportunity to work with all members of the industry through the various legislative issues in Kentucky over the last several years through my work in the governor’s office and when approached to consider moving over to Keeneland, it was the chance of a lifetime and one I could not pass up,” Gabbert said.
Date of birth: November 22, 1975
Birthplace: Lexington
Residence: Louisville
Title: Executive assistant to president
Company: Keeneland Association
Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Louisville; Juris Doctor, University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
Family: Married, two daughters
Career: Kentucky State Senate Democratic Caucus director, 1999-2003; manager of Kentucky public finance and investment banking at Ross, Sinclaire, and Associates, ’03-’07; deputy chief of staff for Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, ’07-’09
Favorite horse: Swale: “First horse that hooked me on the sport.”
What book are you currently reading? Blood Horses by John Jeremiah Sullivan
What’s on your iPod? Black Crowes and Gary Allan
Personal motto: “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Outside interests: Golf, politics
Best advice someone gave you: “My grandfather always told me that if I learned how to cook and do laundry, I could always take care of myself no matter the circumstances.”
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