[Archived from October 9, 2009]
[by Phyllis Shaikun]
Scott Graff, vice president of finance at Churchill Downs, has been chosen by Business First as one of the “Forty Under 40” movers and shakers in our community. A native of Cedar Grove, NJ, the 37-year-old grew up in Lexington, KY, where he was active in youth groups at Adath Israel Congregation.
After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Kentucky, he moved to Kentucky working with Coopers & Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers) in 1994. In 1999, when an opening became available at Churchill Downs, one of his audit clients, he was offered the position and became their comptroller. The position allows him to collaborate with others on team projects and works with department heads at the Downs with financial analyses that will be used in the decision-making process. He says he feel “energized by knowing that his efforts can contribute to the success of a project.”
Graff has always believed in giving back to the community and was involved with Temple Shalom as board treasurer for several years. He would like to become more active there as time permits. As the father of two young daughters, he has been drawn to the Center for Women and Families and their efforts to stop domestic violence.
A graduate of Ignite Louisville, he is currently a Bingham Fellow working with other young professionals to promote the image of Louisville as a “cool” city and ensuring that it thrives. He also volunteers at Tully Elementary, his children’s school, as often as possible. He and his wife, Michelle, encourage their daughters, nine-year-old Rachel and seven-year-old Sarah, to become involved as well.
In his rare spare time, Graff likes spending time with family and playing golf and tennis. He also tends to his yard and says, “I’m really OCD about it. If there is ever a drought in Louisville, my lawn might be the only one that’s green.”
Each year, Business First recognizes 40 dynamic young business people under the age of 40 who have achieved career success and given back to the community.