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By Sonja Mack | Published February 2, 2012 | Full size is 489 × 480 pixels

Leea Nash Bridgeman, 34 VP, Business Development Churchill Downs Inc. Major responsibilities: Both strategic and operational responsibilities for the diversified racing, gaming, and entertainment company. Leea is responsible for driving the growth and evolution of Churchill Down’s strategy, supporting merger and acquisition activity, identifying and vetting new business opportunities, incubating new businesses, and implementing high-priority initiatives across the company. Major professional accomplishment: "Taking my training in and knowledge base of digital and applying it to help transform traditional businesses (i.e., television and movie studio, horse racing company)." Professional lesson learned: "'All boats rise together.' Teams are what make corporations win--not individual people. Leadership is important and integral to success, but without a strong team great ideas would not get implemented." Advice for college grads: "A) Do what you love. You will have your career for a long time, so spend it in an industry and a role that excites you. B) Build relationships. The relationships you form in the business world (senior, peer, junior) will be invaluable. These people will provide you with guidance, encouragement, opportunities, and wings for your dreams." What has been a major personal accomplishment for you? "Meeting the love of my life and getting married. And building a strong relationship with the Lord." What’s your dream vacation destination? "On my list was an overwater hut in French Polynesia. My husband and I were lucky enough to honeymoon in French Polynesia when we visited the islands of Bora Bora and Le Taha’a." Phone: iPhone for work, Blackberry for personal use "And I may be in the minority here, but I also have a landline that I use when home." Laptop: Dell for work, Lenovo at home Other tech tools: iPad, Kindle "I used to ONLY buy hard cover books so it was a large step for me to move to the Kindle, but I love it. The ability to travel with all my books in my purse is fantastic." Favorite store: "Papyrus, Hallmark, Tinyprints.com and my local stationary store. I LOVE stationary. In the world of technology, I think there is nothing nicer than receiving a hand-written note." Favorite beverage: Hot: Tazo Berryblossom White Tea, Cold: Tazo Plum Pomegranate Iced Tea

Leea Nash Bridgeman, 34

VP, Business Development

Churchill Downs Inc.

Major responsibilities: Both strategic and operational responsibilities for…