First Norton Healthcare representative to serve in position

Published: June 14, 2017 | Updated: May 8, 2019

Scott Watkins, senior vice president, Operations, Norton Healthcare, was elected chair of the 2018 Kentucky Derby Festival last night by the Kentucky Derby Festival Inc. board of directors. A member of the Kentucky Derby Festival board since 2005, Watkins has served on committees for several festival events, including the Marathon/miniMarathon and Basketball Classic. He is the first person from Norton Healthcare to chair the festival.

In this position, Watkins will lead the Kentucky Derby Festival board of directors and executive board, helping to determine the vision for the coming year. He’ll also serve as the head “ambassador” for the festival and attend nearly 70 festival events.

“I love the Kentucky Derby Festival and the energy that it brings to this community,” Watkins said. “Anything that will help advance events that bring the community together is an honor to be a part of. I’m honored to have been chosen.”

The Oldham County native began working at what was then Audubon Hospital in 1997 and stayed with the system when the hospital became part of Norton Healthcare. He has held positions at Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital and within the Norton Healthcare system.

Since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.