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Lesa France Kennedy

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Lesa France Kennedy
Born
Lesa Dawn France

(1961-05-24) May 24, 1961 (age 63)
EducationDuke University (BA)
OccupationExecutive Vice Chair of NASCAR
Spouse(s)Bill Christy, Bruce Kennedy (deceased)
ChildrenBen
RelativesBill France Jr. (Father)

Lesa France Kennedy, (born Lesa Dawn France on May 24, 1961) is an American businesswoman and one of the most influential women in sports. As Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR,[1] Kennedy leads one of the premier sports and entertainment properties in the world, including its three national series, three regional series, four international series and 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities.

Previously, Kennedy served as Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for International Speedway Corporation (ISC), a motorsports entertainment company acquired by NASCAR in October 2019.

Kennedy serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), The NASCAR Foundation and the Board of Advisors of Moffitt Cancer Center.

Education and career

Kennedy received a B.A. in Economics and a B.A. in Psychology from Duke University in 1983.[2]

In her more than 30-year career with ISC (International Speedway Corporation), Kennedy advanced through several key executive positions with increasing responsibility including Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Vice President and CEO.

Kennedy joined ISC in 1983 and was named to the board of directors one year later. She served as ISC's secretary from 1987–96 and as its treasurer from 1989-96.[3] From that point until April 2003, Kennedy was the company's executive vice president.[4] She was then appointed president of ISC after her father, Bill France Jr. stepped down. Most recently, Kennedy was named chief executive officer in April 2009.[5]

Kennedy led two major racetrack development projects in building Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway and expanding NASCAR’s portfolio into two major Midwest markets. She also spearheaded revitalization with Phoenix Raceway completing its renovation in 2018 and Daytona International Speedway’s $400 million redevelopment opening in 2016. Kennedy was the driver behind this massive project that created a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and revolutionized the sport and fan experience. That same year, Daytona International Speedway was named Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal.

Just across from Daytona International Speedway, ONE DAYTONA, NASCAR’s mixed-use and entertainment destination, is quickly becoming known as Kennedy’s legacy project. Home to 300,000 square feet of premium retail, dining and entertainment, the outdoor lifestyle center touts several national tenants including Bass Pro Shops®, Cobb Theatres, P.F. Chang’s, and an exclusive Marriott Autograph Collection® hotel, among others. The transformational development in her hometown of Daytona Beach not only creates a year-round destination for residents and the area’s more than 10 million annual visitors, but extends the race experience for Speedway guests.

Kennedy has been ranked as one of the most influential women in sports by numerous publications.[6] Forbes called her "The Most Powerful Woman in Sports" in 2009.[7] In 2006, she was listed as one of the "25 Most Influential People in NASCAR" by the Charlotte Observer, "Most Influential Woman in Sports Business" by Volusia Flagler Business Report,[8] and was "Female Sports Executive of the Year" according to SportsBusiness Journal.[9] In 2016, Adweek named her one of the "30 Most Powerful Women in Sports".[10]

Personal life

Kennedy is married to Bill Christy, CEO of CLASH Endurance, an event endurance sports media company.

She is the mother of former NASCAR driver and current SVP of Racing Development & Strategy, Ben Kennedy.

See also

References

  1. ^ "NASCAR closes merger with ISC | NASCAR.com". Official Site Of NASCAR. 2019-10-18. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  2. ^ "Lesa France Kennedy". International Speedway Corporation. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  3. ^ King, Bill (2001-10-15). "Executive VP named Female Sports Executive of the Year". SportsBusiness Daily. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  4. ^ "Stocks". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  5. ^ "Lesa France Kennedy". Geni. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  6. ^ "Lesa France Kennedy Named Most Influential Woman in Sports Business". Truckseries.com. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
  7. ^ "The Most Powerful Women In Sports". Forbes,com. 2009-10-14.
  8. ^ "Lesa France Kennedy". The Business Journals. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  9. ^ "2006 – Lesa France Kennedy – International Speedway". American Marketing Association. 2 July 2006. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  10. ^ Meet the 30 Most Powerful Women in Sports Adweek, June 26, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
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