ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

February 13, 2025– Altoona, IA.  Gary Palmer, President and CEO of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ for 19 years, has announced his retirement. Mr. Palmer’s tenure at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has been marked by his leadership and dedication to the organization’s growth and success. Under his stewardship, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has become a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry. Since 1989, Palmer has been instrumental in the significant impact ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has made in the region while maintaining the high standards of guest service and community engagement ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is known for. Palmer is preparing to retire at the end of this year.

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Brian Ohorilko will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Ohorilko brings decades of experience in the gaming and racing industry to his new role.

Ohorilko joined ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ after a distinguished 20-year career with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, including 12 years as Administrator. His deep knowledge of the state’s gaming, racing, and regulatory landscape, positions him to lead ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ into its next chapter.

In his new role, Ohorilko plans to focus on maintaining ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ as one of Iowa's top gaming destinations, and as a non-profit that supports community organizations and initiatives through charitable giving and taxes.

About ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes and charitable donations, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has given more than $2.3 billion to the state of Iowa. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.