Louis A. Cella
President
Oaklawn Jockey Club
Louis A. Cella, a 1990 graduate of the University of Arkansas Law School, was named President of the Oaklawn Jockey Club Dec. 20, 2017, succeeding his late father, Charles J. Cella. Earlier in 2017, Cella became the third generation of his family to serve on the board of the Thoroughbred Racing Association (TRA). His grandfather, John G. Cella, served as president of the organization from 1959 to 1960, and his father served as president in 1975 and 1976. Cella also is a director of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (T.R.P.B.) and was elected to The Jockey Club, which establishes the recommended standards for the thoroughbred horse-racing industry. In 2018, he joined the board of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Equibase Management Committee and Director of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
Cella has overseen the $100 million expansion of Oaklawn that represents one of the largest hospitality investments in the history of Arkansas. Completed last year, the project added a luxury hotel, multipurpose event center, expanded casino, spa, additional dining options and on-site parking and more.
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Life begins at 50, the saying goes, to which the incomparable Phyllis Diller once replied, “Maybe it’s true that life begins at 50. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out or spread out.” (The women and men included on the following pages, at least, will find that funny … not to mention, they actually know who Phyllis Diller is.)
Fifty is the new 40, or something like that, but in this Ponce de Leon age of youth worship, we at AMP thought it would be nice to recognize those business leaders in Arkansas who aren’t under 40 or in their 20s. Once one hits the milestone age of 50, life doesn’t stop, after all. For many, it speeds up. Nominated by readers, the leaders recognized in AMP’s inaugural Fifty Over 50 list haven’t slowed down — they have realized more success, achieved new goals and even launched entirely new chapters. And we salute them.
The vigor of youth is a beautiful and necessary thing. But so is the wisdom and discernment of age. Besides, like the saying goes, 50 is nothing more than the new 40, right?
The members of AMP’s inaugural Fifty Over 50 list were nominated by readers. They represent a broad spectrum of Arkansas business, industry and politics. They are former state legislators, business owners, CEOs
and more who represent industries ranging from farming and construction
to restaurants and retail.
Some of them started on an upward trajectory early in their careers and haven’t slowed down. Others began new chapters later in their journeys and achieved success — and made profound impacts on their communities — in new ways.
We’re proud to recognize these women and men-… experienced, seasoned Arkansas leaders whose collective journey is just beginning.
Click here to see the full list of 2022 AMP Fifty Over 50!
