Charlotte Shines With New Businesswoman of the Year: Kristi Coleman!
Charlotte, brace yourselves! The vibrant city is buzzing with excitement as Queens University of Charlotte reveals the winner of the coveted Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award. Drumroll, please! The honor goes to none other than the powerhouse behind the Carolina Panthers, Kristi Coleman. Ever since she joined the Panthers back in 2014, Coleman has climbed the ranks and firmly secured her spot as the top executive.
A Journey to the Top
Starting her journey as a financial controller, Coleman has clearly made her mark, leading the way to becoming the President of the Carolina Panthers in 2022. And that’s not all! Just this month, she was elevated to the position of CEO for Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which encompasses not only the Panthers but also the Major League Soccer team Charlotte FC and the iconic Bank of America Stadium. Talk about a promotion!
The Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award isn’t a new concept; it’s been honoring remarkable women since 1985. When Coleman ascended to the role of President of the Panthers, she wasn’t just the second woman in NFL history to hold such a prestigious position; she truly made history.
Building Partnerships
Queens University President Dan Lugo couldn’t have said it better: “Kristi is a tremendous leader and a relentless force who has shattered expectations and redefined the landscape of sports and business.” With her innovative spirit and sheer dedication, Coleman has made an impact not just on the team, but on both the university and the community at large. How inspiring is that?
Leading a combined staff of 400 across the Panthers, Charlotte FC, and the stadium is no small task, but Coleman does it with grace and skill. For the numbers lovers out there, Forbes recently reported that the Panthers and Charlotte FC generated combined revenue of a whopping $654 million in 2023 alone!
Big Moves in Stadium Renovation
This year was particularly groundbreaking for Coleman as she oversaw the negotiations with the Charlotte city government, resulting in an impressive $800 million renovation of the stadium. Under this agreement, the city will contribute $650 million or 80% of the funding, with the remaining $150 million coming from the teams. The collaborative spirit between city officials and Tepper Sports is paving the way for fantastic upgrades.
What can fans expect? New seats, upgraded sound and video systems, renovated concourses, and chic gathering areas are all on the agenda. While planning for these improvements continues through 2025, we can expect construction to kick off in 2026, transforming the stadium over the next four to five years.
Honoring a Trailblazer
In her statement, Coleman expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is truly an honor to be named Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year and to join the remarkable group of leaders who have received this award before me.” She acknowledged her incredible team, the Tepper family, and their shared commitment to forging meaningful connections within the community.
Previous award recipients include a distinguished lineup of leaders like Kandi Deitemeyer, Diane Morais, Carol Lovin, and Dena Diorio. Coleman will be honored at a special luncheon in March, making it a must-attend event for those who admire exemplary leadership!
In Closing
As Charlotte celebrates Kristi Coleman’s remarkable journey and accomplishments, the community can look forward to exciting changes on and off the field, thanks to her leadership. From stadium renovations to inspiring young women in business, Coleman is set to make waves—not just for her team, but for the city as a whole!
