New leadership at Spirit Airlines during “critical transformation” time

Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., parent company of Spirit Airlines, LLC, announced Thursday that its Board of Directors appointed Dave Davis as President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and a board member, effective April 21. Davis joins Spirit from Sun Country Airlines, where he served as President, Chief Financial Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors.

"We're excited to welcome Dave as Spirit's new president and CEO. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a solid track record of accomplishments from his many years in the airline industry. Dave's background at both Northwest Airlines and, more recently, at Sun Country Airlines, positions him well to lead Spirit's continued transformation," said Robert Milton, chairman of Spirit Airlines.

"I am thrilled to join Spirit at this critical time in the company's history," said Davis. "I look forward to working with the more than 11,000 Spirit team members to deliver value for our guests, shareholders, and the communities that we serve."

Spirit also welcomes Duncan Dee as Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, with responsibility for all aspects of the internal and external communications of the airline. A seasoned industry leader, he has been an airline analyst who regularly appears on the main Canadian media networks, including CBC, CTV, and Global News. Before that, Dee served in a variety of leadership roles at Air Canada, ultimately as the airline's chief operating officer.

In addition, Trey Urbahn will serve as Senior Commercial Advisor to support and help guide all aspects of Spirit's commercial efforts, including network, pricing, and yield management, as well as the airline's onboard configurations and offerings. He has an extensive career in the airline industry across five airlines, including Etihad, Breeze, Azul, TAP Air Portugal, and JetBlue, spanning four continents, where he played key commercial leadership roles.

"Spirit is pleased to welcome these new additions to our leadership team as the company continues to advance its transformation,” Milton said. “The board would also like to express its gratitude to Spirit's frontline team members, whose commitment to our guests, the company, and safety has never wavered. The three new members bolster an experienced team that will together develop, convey, and execute a powerful new plan that will propel Spirit forward," concluded Mr. Milton.

The new team members join the existing executive team: 

• John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
• Fred Cromer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Thomas C. Canfield, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
• Rana Ghosh, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
• Linde Grindle, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
• Rocky B. Wiggins, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Virginia's 2025 harness racing kicks off in Shenandoah Valley

Dust off your lucky hats and saddle up with your bankroll because the thrill of harness racing is returning to the Shenandoah Valley.

Shenandoah Downs racetrack, located in Woodstock, Va., is promising another season filled with exhilarating races, family-friendly fun, and unforgettable memories. The track will kick off its spring meet on April 26. Don’t miss a single moment of the action. The first race will post at 1:05 p.m.

Listen for the thunder of hooves echoing through the valley, and the vibrant energy of the crowd as skilled drivers and their magnificent horses compete for victory. The track is celebrating its 10^th anniversary of pari-mutuel harness racing in Woodstock.

Racing starts April 26 and will run for seven weeks, known as the spring campaign. Horses will run every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through June 8.

Promotional Days

A series of promotions will take place throughout 2025, celebrating ten years of racing at the Woodstock location.

Four giveaway days are planned including a commemorative T-Shirt — with a special 10 years of racing logo — on April 26, a beverage tumbler — that showcases names and colors of the top 10 drivers over that time — on May 10, a commemorative baseball cap on Sept. 13 and a bobblehead doll feting driver William Carter — who got his first win ever in Woodstock — on October 11.

The Virginia Harness Horse Association’s “Own a Horse for a Day” promotion returns on three separate occasions this spring where a combined 24 lucky fans will compete for a total of $15,000 in prize/purse monies — based on where the horse they “own” for a day finishes in a specific race.

“Own a Horse” contestants will enjoy a complimentary lunch, get to meet their horse, driver, and trainer in the paddock before the race, and best of all, get to keep their share of winnings from a $5,000 race.

Other promotional highlights include Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Day parties. You can even place a bet on these major events from Shenandoah Downs.

Corgi Dog Races

The popular Corgi dog races return on May 18 and Miniature Horse Races highlight Memorial Day weekend family festivities on May 24.

Shenandoah Downs offers free parking and free admission.

Fall Season Racing

If you miss the spring meet, have no fear, more racing is near.

A seven-week fall season will run from Sept. 13 – Oct. 26. More details on that meet in the coming months.