NEWS
Wilkinson to retire from Keeneland in January ‘11
Posted: Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:14 PM
Harvie Wilkinson, who started at Keeneland Association in 2000 as director of finance and was promoted to vice president three years later, will retire from his position effective January 2011.
Wilkinson said the timing was right for his departure as he considers the next stage of his career, which could include teaching and consulting.
“For much of my career, I’ve had the honor to serve the horse industry at Keeneland,” Wilkinson said. “It has been a wonderful professional and personal experience for me and for my family, as I have had the opportunity to work for an association that means to much to so many in Kentucky.
“In recent months, though, I have been thinking about the next phase of my life and the professional and personal goals I want to pursue. As many of you know, I have an interest not only in our industry but also in education.”
Wilkinson has degrees in economics and law from the University of Kentucky and is a former chairman of the Fayette County Board of Education. His retirement coincides with an effort by Keeneland to reduce payroll expenses, and the association has said that Chief Financial Officer Bill Thomason will assume Wilkinson’s administrative and operational duties.
“From complicated legal and financial negotiations and contracts to being a trusted adviser, Harvie has always put Keeneland first in everything that he does,” Keeneland President Nick Nicholson said. “He will be missed, but we wish him only the very best as he pursues other interests, at which we know he will excel.”
