Michael Ziegler, MBA '08
Position: Executive Director of Racing, Churchill Downs
Industry: Sports
Mike Ziegler has been the executive director for racing at Churchill Downs since 2015 and has long been a credible and knowledgeable voice within the racing industry. With his impressive and experienced background, Ziegler has played an important role in continuing the success of the company’s racing operations and its legacy.
Ziegler’s remarkable background includes roles as executive director for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, senior vice president for YouBet.com, vice president for Hollywood Park Racing Association, vice president and general manager for Bay Meadows Racing Association, vice president for Bay Meadows Operating Company Properties, and vice president and general manager for Santa Anita Park.
Ziegler states LMU had a valuable and important impact on his career:
“The best part about the MBA program at LMU was by far the entrepreneurship classes. Particularly a class in negotiations; I still keep the textbook from that class on the bookshelf of my office and frequently refer to it."