Gary Palmer to Retire from Prairie Meadows After Decades of Service: A Legacy of Leadership
With over 40 years of being part of Prairie Meadows and 19 of those serving as the President and CEO, Gary Palmer will retire at the end of 2025. With decades of leadership experience in Iowa’s gaming and entertainment industry, his journey with the organization began well before his executive tenure. Since 1984, he has been pivotal in shaping Prairie Meadows into one of Iowa’s premier entertainment destinations and a vital pillar of the community. Palmer leaves a legacy of developing one of Iowa’s most significant economic and philanthropic organizations. The Prairie Meadows Board of Directors has named Brian Ohorilko, a respected veteran in gaming regulation, as his successor, effective January 1, 2026.
Gary Palmer, retiring President and CEO of Prairie Meadows
From The Ground Up: Palmer’s Early Impact and a Vision Turned Reality
Palmer’s journey with Prairie Meadows began in the early 1980s when he was part of a visionary group of local business leaders who recognized the potential for a gaming and entertainment destination in central Iowa. Palmer brought with him a background in business and community development, along with a firm belief that Prairie Meadows could become much more than just a racetrack. The group’s shared goal was to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy, create jobs and boost tourism. That bold vision led to the creation of Prairie Meadows Racetrack in 1989.
Palmer officially joined Prairie Meadows in 1998, after serving on its Board of Directors from 1994 to 1998. Just six years later, in 2006, he was appointed President and CEO. His forward-thinking approach helped guide the organization through crucial stages of expansion and a turning point that marked the beginning of an era defined by progress, smart reinvestment, and service to Iowans. Palmer has guided the organization through its growth into a thriving nonprofit operation that reinvests its proceeds into the community through charitable donations and taxes.
A Legacy Measured in Billions
Under Palmer’s direction, Prairie Meadows has distributed more than $2.3 billion in charitable donations and taxes across Iowa. These funds have supported arts and culture initiatives, healthcare efforts, civic projects, public education, infrastructure, community development, and partnered with countless local organizations to support their missions. In 2024, Prairie Meadows distributed a total of $51.5 million through charitable giving across central Iowa. While Iowa casinos are required to give back 3% of their profits, Prairie Meadows is proud to give back an average of 20%.
Since the beginning, Gary has brought purpose and a deep commitment to Prairie Meadows’ mission. The organization not only secured its place in the gaming and racing industry but also emerged as a national model for nonprofit success, defined by its excellence in guest service, strong community engagement and responsible financial stewardship. Palmer guided the company through periods of remarkable growth and transformation, expanding its operations, enhancing the guest experience and deepening its charitable reach. Today, Prairie Meadows is a leader in the industry, with charitable giving and innovation that extends across Iowa.
One of the clearest demonstrations of Gary’s impact is in education. In 2016, he played a key role in leading a $22 million capital campaign at Grand View University, resulting in the construction of a new student center. Gary also co-founded the “Des Moines Difference Makers” initiative to spotlight alumni making a positive impact in the community.
Palmer was instrumental in establishing the Glanton Fund with former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. The fund provides scholarships to underrepresented minority students at Des Moines University and has grown to over $5.7 million, distributing more than $3.6 million in scholarships to date.
Recognized and Respected
Palmer’s work and influence have not gone unnoticed. In 2011, he and Prairie Meadows were named Iowa Character Counts Partners of the Year, a testament to the integrity and purpose that guided his work. Over the years, Palmer has received numerous honors including The Overall Visitor Choice of the Year award (2012) from the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Newell Franklin Award (2013) from the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce, Recognition as Father of the Year (2013) by the American Diabetes Association, Appointment as a Building Trades Ambassador (2025) by the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council for his dedication to worker health, safety and economic advancement.
In 2024, Prairie Meadows, under Palmer’s guidance, was awarded The Viktor: The Rock Award by Grand View University, an honor reflecting the organization’s longstanding generosity to Viking athletics and the importance of philanthropy in collegiate sports.
His involvement extends beyond Prairie Meadows. Palmer has held roles with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Greater Des Moines Committee, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, GIVE Foundation, Board of Trustees at Grand View University and East Polk Rotary Club. He also served as President of the Altoona Chamber of Commerce twice, and was a member of the Bondurant-Farrar School Board for six years. Gary also served as past Chairman of the Polk County Airport Authority, which led to the development of Ankeny Regional Airport. He has helped guide initiatives in civic engagement, education and workforce development.
A U.S. Air Force veteran (1965–1969), Palmer holds degrees from Grand View University and Drake University. He and his wife, Ginger, have two daughters and six grandchildren.
Preparing for the Future: A New Chapter Begins; Brian Ohorilko Named Successor
Prairie Meadows is poised for continued success with Brian Ohorilko, as he brings deep industry expertise, having spent 20 years with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), including 12 years as Administrator. His tenure at the IRGC earned him a reputation for fairness, regulatory insight, and a forward-thinking approach to gaming policy. His familiarity with Iowa’s gaming landscape, including its regulatory framework and market trends, makes him uniquely qualified to take the helm.
Ohorilko has expressed his intent to build on Palmer’s success by keeping Prairie Meadows a top-tier destination for gaming and entertainment while continuing its critical mission as a nonprofit organization that gives back to the community. That includes maintaining charitable giving and ensuring responsible gaming practices remain a core value.
Looking Ahead
While the departure of a leader like Gary Palmer marks the end of an era, Prairie Meadows enters this new chapter from a position of strength. The organization remains as “Your Favorite Place To Play” and a top destination for gaming, horse racing, entertainment and community giving. It stands as a national model for how nonprofit gaming institutions can support the regions they serve.
The foundation Gary has built with a focus on integrity, philanthropy and public service will remain. With Brian Ohorilko preparing to step in, Prairie Meadows is set to continue its mission with the same steadfast commitment to excellence and community impact.
As Gary retires at the end of 2025, his career serves as a reminder that leadership is not just about overseeing operations, but about creating lasting value for the people and places we serve.
To learn more about Prairie Meadows, visit prairiemeadows.com.
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