Kentucky Derby Museum welcomes three new Board members with local ties to banking, UofL Athletics

Museum Board also thanks outgoing Board members, approves FY25 budget

The Kentucky Derby Museum is excited to launch into its 2025 fiscal year with a unanimously approved budget and three new Board members. With the Board’s support, the museum will execute several large projects during this new fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, highlighting the museum’s 40th anniversary.

During the quarterly Kentucky Derby Museum Board of Directors meeting on September 12, 2024, the Board voted to add the following distinguished professionals, each with strong ties to the local community:

• Michael (Mike) Guenthner, Senior Vice President and Senior Market Lender at the Louisville Branch of Central Bank

• Josh Heird, Director of Athletics at the University of Louisville

• Seema Sheth, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive at the Louisville Branch of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

The Board also recognized and thanked outgoing members Cleo Battle, Steve Estepp, and immediate past Chair Glenn Haygood for their dedicated service and contributions to the museum’s growth and success.

Additionally, the Board approved the FY25 budget and confirmed the following leadership roles: David Nett as Chair, Ja Hillebrand as Vice Chair, Briana Lathon Bluford, J.D. as Secretary, and Todd Spencer as Treasurer. A complete directory of all 22 Board members is available on the museum’s website.

“We are deeply grateful for the wisdom and commitment that our outgoing Board members have brought to the museum,” said David Nett, Chair of the Kentucky Derby Museum Board. “As we prepare to celebrate the museum’s 40th anniversary, we look forward to the fresh perspectives and expertise our new Board members will bring to further elevate our mission.”

The Board has worked closely with the museum's Leadership Team over the past year, successfully advancing the strategic initiatives outlined in the five-year plan established in 2022. These efforts have driven significant enhancements to the visitor experience, leading to record years in attendance and revenue.

"I am incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of our Board of Directors," said Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum. "Their guidance and vision have been instrumental in channeling the passion and creativity of our staff, and we are excited to continue this journey of success as we approach our 40th anniversary in 2025."

The Kentucky Derby Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors committed to maintaining the highest standards of business ethics. The Board provides financial oversight and steers the strategic growth of the museum. The newly elected Board members will begin their three-year terms in December 2024.