Kristi Coleman named Charlotte Businesswoman of the Year
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Coleman and her husband have two boys, an 8-year-old and a 6-and-a-half-year-old. Photo: Courtesy of Tepper Sports & Entertainment
Queens University of Charlotte recognized Tepper Sports & Entertainment CEO Kristi Coleman as their Charlotte Businesswoman of the Year Thursday.
Why it matters: Coleman is one of a few female executives in the NFL. And she's at the helm during a major period of transition for the organization — upgrading Bank of America Stadium.
What they're saying: "The one thing I think about all the time is our stadium renovation," Coleman told reporters Thursday, adding that the project will have a huge impact on the community and the Charlotte region. "We have to get it right."
- "A quiet force" is how Kandi Deitemeyer, 2023 award recipient and Central Piedmont Community College president, described Coleman.
Context: Coleman was named TSE CEO in December and continues to serve as Carolina Panthers president.
- She oversees business operations for Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers and Charlotte FC. She reports directly to David Tepper, TSE owner and executive chairman.
- The Panthers were her first client at Deloitte, where she worked as an auditor and thought she would one day make partner, until she got the call to join the Panthers in 2014.
- Coleman was promoted to the team's chief financial officer in 2019, then to team president in 2022 and ultimately CEO in 2024.
Zoom in: The stadium, which Charlotte City Council approved contributing $650 million for renovations in June, is currently in the design and planning phase, per Coleman.
- Work is also underway on the Panthers practice facility next to the stadium. The goal is to complete the entire project before training camp in 2027.
What's next: Bank of America Stadium has a stacked lineup this year, from soccer games, to concerts to hosting the Savannah Bananas, and of course, football.
- If there's a wish-list of major events they'd like to host, add NFL Draft, MLS All-Star Game, and maybe even one day a Super Bowl to the list.
- "Charlotte should have these things," Coleman says. "We want to have these things. How does it fit in our schedule and our renovation timeline, that's the magical question, but we absolutely want to see these big events come to Charlotte."
- MLS commissioner Don Garber MLS previously said the league has "committed an All-Star game to Charlotte," but they haven't set a date.