Gary Palmer, President And CEO Of Prairie Meadows Retiring At The End Of The Year, Brian Ohorilko Announced as Successor

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

The Prairie Meadows 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 Prairie Meadows 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 Prairie Meadows into its next chapter.

In his new role, Ohorilko plans to focus on maintaining Prairie Meadows 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 Prairie Meadows

Prairie Meadows 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, Prairie Meadows has given more than $2.3 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.