Speaker Friday, September 11, 2026

You won’t want to miss this special Rotary breakfast featuring Iroquois Steeplechase leaders Autumn Eklond and Dwight Hall at 7:15 am on September 11, at the Boy Scout Service Center.

Founded in 1941 and celebrating its 86th anniversary in 2027, the Iroquois Steeplechase has become one of Nashville’s most enduring traditions. Known as the city’s “Rite of Spring,” the event combines world-class steeplechase racing with Southern hospitality, fashion, live music and philanthropy, welcoming more than 35,000 attendees throughout the years and featuring seven races as one of the richest spring meets on the national steeplechase circuit.

While honoring more than eight decades of history and tradition, the organization continues to evolve — finding innovative ways to attract new audiences and enhance the overall guest experience through strategic marketing, expanded hospitality, new event experiences and community engagement.

Autumn Eklond, has served as Chief Marketing Officer anmd Brand Ambassador for the Iroquois Steeplechase since 2019, leading strategic efforts to strengthen the organization’s brand, grow sponsorship revenue and expand its digital presence. Under her leadership, sponsorships have increased by 41%, while new tools and strategies have helped quantify partnership value and drive record digital engagement. Prior to joining the Steeplechase, Eklond held executive leadership roles at Prudential, including vice president of sales and account management, where she was recognized with the CEO’s Excellence in Customer Service Award.

Race Chairman Dwight Hall is a lifelong horseman and longtime leader in the sport, Dwight Hall has deep roots in the history of the Iroquois Steeplechase. A licensed steeplechase jockey for more than 27 years, Hall competed at many of the premier meets across the eastern United States and captured a memorable victory at the Iroquois Steeplechase in 1977. Today, he serves as chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase, manages Winners Circle Farm and remains actively involved with the National Steeplechase Association as treasurer and board member, helping preserve and advance the sport for future generations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how one of Nashville’s longest-standing traditions is honoring its past while continuing to innovate for the future.

For more information see https://www.iroquoissteeplechase.org

Recent and Future Speakers

9/18/26	Halim Genus, Nashville Alliance (Police and Public Safety)
9/25/26	Laurie Lovett Novak, Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Practical Use of AI
10/2/26	Todd Hartley, Senior VP of Legal and Business Affairs at CMA
10/9/26	Alfred Degrafinreid, President & CEO of Leadership Tennessee
10/16/26	Matt Greci, SVP and Manager of Nashville Superspeedway
10/23/26	Rodger Dinwiddie, CEO of STARS Nashville
10/30/26	Teresa Broyles-Aplin, President & CEO at Nashville Electric Service (NES)