During the quarterly Kentucky Derby Museum Board meeting on September 15, 2023, four new Board members and a new Board Chair were unanimously approved.
The new Museum Board members include:
- Mark Bacon, SVP Managing Director – Super Premium American Whiskey
- Ashley Davis Sigman, Vice President of Davis Jewelers
- Pat Day, Retired Hall of Fame Jockey
- Eamon O'Brien, General Manager of Omni Louisville
Outgoing Board members Brandy Harmon, Michael Judah, and Loren Hebel-Osborne were honored during the meeting for completing their terms of service. The late Clinton Glasscock was also recognized for his 12 years of service to the Museum's Board. The entire Kentucky Derby Museum family was deeply saddened at the loss of Glasscock and will be forever grateful for his many contributions.
The Board's Vice Chair, David Nett, was then selected to replace outgoing Chair Glenn Haygood. Haygood served two years as Chair and is now Immediate Past Chair.
“I'm pleased to see the incredible success that is a result of the Board's collaboration and partnership with the Kentucky Derby Museum over the years,” said Haygood. “The Museum is on track to hit record attendance for 2023, and that momentum will only continue through what is expected to be an epic Derby 150. I can't thank the Board enough for their support in my time as Chair, and I know their unwavering dedication to the Museum will continue with the new Board members and Chair.”
In Haygood's time as Chair, the Board worked hand-in-hand with the Museum's Leadership Team to develop a five-year strategic plan that will catapult the visitor experience to the next level. The Board also championed major improvements, investments, and upgrades in the Museum's exhibits, programs, and facility.
“I am very excited to take on the role of Chair for the Kentucky Derby Museum's Board,” said Nett. “As the Museum prepares for the new fiscal year to start in October, I'm thankful that the Board's previous leadership helped pave the way for fantastic success, and I'm looking forward to supporting the Museum with two major milestones ahead — the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024 and the Museum's 40th anniversary in 2025.”
Kentucky Derby Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is governed by its 22-member Board of Directors and committed to the highest standard of business ethics. The Museum Board provides financial oversight and helps guide the strategic growth of the Museum. The new Board members will serve a three-year term, starting in December.
“The Museum is embarking on two thrilling years, and I'm so thankful for the incredible support the Museum has with its Board of Directors,” said Patrick Armstrong, Museum President and CEO. “Through the strategic planning process, a pandemic, construction projects, the success of Secretariat, and so much more — the Museum's Board has provided a clear vision and direction. We're looking forward to continuing that path to success for Derby 150.”
The Museum's 2024 fiscal year will start on October 1, 2023. New Board member orientation is scheduled for mid-October, and a directory of all 22 Board Members can be found on the Museum's website.
Details on each of the new board members are available below:
Mark Bacon
Mark C. Bacon is the Senior Vice President Managing Director of Woodford Reserve and Old Forester. He is responsible for the overall global strategic direction and marketing for the Woodford Reserve and Old Forester Family of Brands.
A graduate of the University of Louisville, Bacon has led various businesses at Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville for over 34 years.
Bacon was chosen as a winner of Adweek's Brand Genius award in 2013 for his unique work on the Southern Comfort brand. Woodford Reserve was recognized by Market Watch as the spirit brand of the year in 2018.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
He has previously served on the Board of Directors at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Ashley Davis Sigman
Ashley Davis Sigman brings extensive experience and expertise to the luxury jewelry industry, having dedicated nearly 20 years to Davis Jewelers in various departments and roles. As the Vice President of Louisville's Largest Fine Jeweler, she collaborates closely with her father and CEO, Hank Davis.
Leading a team of 30 employees, Davis Sigman oversees a multi-million-dollar organization with a focus on delivering unparalleled shopping experiences. Her true passion lies in cultivating meaningful relationships that evolve into cherished friendships with her clients. With a deep commitment to sharing and celebrating life's unforgettable moments, Davis Sigman embodies the business' culture and aspires to become each client's personal jeweler. As part of her long-term vision, she actively engages in succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition when her father passes the reins.
Davis Sigman holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Indiana University, complemented by a minor in studio art. This artistic background allows her to unleash her creative prowess, particularly in spearheading custom jewelry designs. Beyond the realm of business, she actively contributes to the community by serving on the board of the New Albany Floyd County Education Foundation. Through the business, she partners with many non-profits, such as Hosparus Heath, Kentucky Opera, and USA Cares to name a few. Additionally, she took on the role of co-chair for the prestigious 2023 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball with Rhonda Jo Conner.
Pat Day
Patrick Alan “Pat” Day is a retired American jockey. He is a four-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1991.
Growing up in Colorado, Day envisioned becoming a rodeo cowboy. His dream of making a living riding horses came true, but not as he might have expected. Day instead turned to racehorses and rode his first winner in 1973 at Prescott Downs in Arizona, putting him on track to becoming one of America's most accomplished riders of all time.
Day established numerous records while based in Kentucky, where he became the all-time leading rider at both Churchill Downs and Keeneland. Day won the Kentucky Derby with longshot Lil E. Tee in 1992 — one of his nine winning individual Triple Crown-race winning mounts, which include such greats as Summer Squall, Tank's Prospect, and Louis Quatorze.
Over the years, Day has become an avid supporter of Kentucky Derby Museum by speaking to student field trips, making appearances for group tours, attending events, and more.
Eamon O'Brien
Eamon O'Brien is the General Manager at Omni Louisville Hotel. With two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, O'Brien is a business leader with a successful track record of developing client relationships, leading large sales teams in gateway cities, and achieving aggressive results.
Omni Louisville, located in the heart of Downtown Louisville, opened in March 2018 and was designed with intersecting towers that represent the crossroads of the past, present, and future of Louisville. Inspired by the city's rich history and authentic character, the Omni Louisville hopes to transform one of the city's most significant urban blocks into a unique and vibrant mixed-use environment offering hotel guests, residents, and locals a chance to connect and enjoy the best of a great city.
Before being named Omni Louisville's General Manager in 2021, O'Brien was the hotel's Area Director of Sales and Marketing for five years. For years, O'Brien has developed extensive marketing and sales experience with hotels from Chicago, to New York, and Louisville.
In his time as General Manager, the Omni Louisville has partnered with Kentucky Derby Museum on some of its most prestigious events, including the Secretariat Bourbon Dinner in April of 2023.
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