Rosie’s Emporia Announces New General Manager

Shearish “Shear” Keliiholokai to bring 10+ years of gaming experience to Emporia gaming venue

EMPORIA, Va., (August 19, 2025) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Shearish (“Shear”) Keliiholokai to General Manager of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Emporia, Virginia. Shear brings over a decade of experience in gaming operations, leadership and team development, and community engagement to this role. She succeeds Jeremy Callahan who was recently named general manager of the soon-to-open Roseshire Gaming Parlor in Henrico County.

Shear began her career with CDI in 2019 as Cage/Player Services Manager in both Richmond and New Kent. She was then promoted to Gaming Operations Manager at Colonial Downs & Rosie’s New Kent, followed by a promotion to Director of Gaming Operations at Colonial Downs and Rosie’s Richmond. In each of these roles, Shear has demonstrated outstanding leadership, operational expertise and a deep commitment to her teams. She has consistently focused on guest experience, team engagement and creating a culture of growth and opportunity. 

“Shear has been a cornerstone of our success and growth,” said Jack Sours, Vice President of Gaming Operations at CDI. “Her leadership style is both visionary and hands-on, and her ability to inspire those around her is unmatched. I’m confident she will take Rosie’s Emporia to new heights.”

“I’m incredibly honored to step into this role and continue serving Rosie’s team and our guests,” said Keliiholokai.  “I’ve had the privilege of growing with this company, and I’m committed to building on that momentum together—with passion, purpose and people at the heart of everything we do.”

Rosie’s Emporia is a 21,000sf gaming venue that offers live simulcast horseracing wagering and 150 innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs.) The venue employs nearly 90 team members and paid nearly $1 million in taxes in 2024. Rosie’s Emporia also contributes to the local community through its Rosie’s Gives Back program that provides financial support and volunteer hours to trusted community partners and non-profits including Greensville County Public Schools, Emporia/Greensville Police Department, Southside Virginia Community College, Jackson – Field Homes, and Emporia Greensville Humane Society.