Ed Brown Society & Churchill Downs Cultivate the Next Generation of Industry Professionals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 19, 2025)— The Ed Brown Society (EBS) and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) continue to invest in the future of the equine industry by opening doors for rising talent through career-launching opportunities.

CDI recently hired Ed Brown Alumni Driade Freitas and Nigel Snow as business analysts through CDImmerse – its highly coveted program that affords emerging professionals with the opportunity to be immersed in the operations of four CDI business units over the course of two years. Both began their new roles at CDI headquarters on June 2^nd.

Freitas earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Computer Information Systems in May from Florida Memorial University. She also completed an impactful spring internship in 2024 with 1/ST Racing through the Ed Brown Scholars & Fellows Program. “Being an Ed Brown Scholar gave me early exposure to the industry and helped me better understand its landscape,” said Freitas. “Partnerships like this help expand access and awareness for students like me who may not have considered careers in the industry before.”

Snow earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management in May from the University of Kentucky. In preparation for this opportunity, he completed a marketing internship last summer at Churchill Downs through the Ed Brown Scholars & Fellows Program. “My career goals have become clearer thanks to the guidance and support I am receiving from EBS,” said Snow. “Through CDI, I’m gaining an even deeper appreciation for the sport and the innovation that drives it forward. I am thrilled to be starting my career in this way!”

Ed Brown Scholars Rebecca Otieno and Ella Norris are following a similar path of the aforementioned Ed Brown Alumni, through summer internships at Churchill Downs.

This summer, Otieno has interned in the Marketing & Partnerships Department. “Prior to this role, most of my experience was in social media management—creating graphics, reels, and managing content,” Otieno explained. “This summer, I’ve been introduced to the research and strategy side of marketing, which has given me a clearer understanding of what a career as a marketing strategist could look like. This internship and other aspects of the Ed Brown Scholars & Fellows Program, are providing much-needed clarity and direction for my professional plans moving forward.”

Meanwhile, Norris interned this summer as a CRM Analyst. Reflecting on why she joined the Ed Brown Society, Norris shared, “The history that EBS highlights resonated deeply with me and was a major motivating factor for joining.” A self-described ‘numbers girl,’ Norris was excited to discover how her mathematical skills could translate into a career in the thoroughbred industry. “Being a CRM Analyst Intern at Churchill Downs has been pivotal in shaping my career goals. It’s shown me how data and technology can drive fan engagement and business strategy in this industry. I’ve developed a strong interest in using analytics to tell stories, guide decisions, and enhance customer experiences—ideally in a space where tradition and innovation meet, just like Churchill Downs.”

Otieno is beginning her senior year at the University of Louisville, where she is completing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Norris is beginning her senior year at the University of Kentucky, where she is finishing her Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics.

“Churchill Downs Incorporated is proud to partner with the Ed Brown Society to help shape the future of the racing and gaming industry,” said Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Relations at CDI. “There are so many employees with varying roles that are essential to the success of CDI. Through programs like CDImmerse and our summer internships, we hope to show the EBS scholars the variety of opportunity. In turn, their fresh perspectives and talent are huge assets — together we are investing in the future of our sport for generations to come.”

Of this recent progress made through the partnership between the Ed Brown Society and Churchill Downs Incorporated, EBS Chairman Greg Harbut remarked, “As one who has spent his career in this industry, I am encouraged about its future as young people, like these Ed Brown Scholars and Alumni, emerge from this kind of exposure with a passion for contributing to the success of our sport. This partnership with Churchill Downs is instrumental to the growth of thoroughbred racing, and we are just beginning to hit our stride together in this work.”