South Charlotte Today

Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and President of the Carolina Panthers, has been named the 2024 Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year. The award, in its 39th year, acknowledges Coleman's leadership and contributions to the Charlotte area.

The ceremony took place on March 6 at Queens University, where a luncheon celebrated Coleman's accomplishments with past award recipients, business leaders from Charlotte, and Coleman's family and friends. The event highlighted her career progression from an audit manager at Deloitte to her current role.

Queens University President Dan Lugo stated, "From our founding as the Charlotte Female Institute in 1857, Queens University has always championed women's empowerment through education, fostering generations of female trailblazers. This year's honoree, Kristi Coleman, is certainly no exception. As one of the most powerful women in the global sports industry and a passionate contributor to our Charlotte community, Kristi exemplifies the character, competence, and leadership we strive to cultivate in our students."

Coleman has made significant strides in professional sports leadership with roles across the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium. She joined the Panthers in 2014 and advanced from controller to CFO before becoming team president and then CEO of TSE. Her position as one of only two female presidents in the NFL highlights her achievements.

Kandi Deitemeyer, Ed.D., president of Central Piedmont Community College and last year’s award recipient presented this year's award. Deitemeyer remarked on Coleman's impact on Charlotte: “It is a privilege to stand here today and recognize Kristi in front of so many from the Charlotte community. We’ve seen first-hand the impact she has had on our city. She has dedicated herself to bettering our communities, bolstering our local economy, and reimagining the connection between sports and entertainment for the people who live in our neighborhoods.”

In her acceptance speech, Coleman thanked her family, team members, and mentors David and Nicole Tepper for their support: “It’s an honor to be here among so many familiar faces and distinguished guests as I receive this prestigious award,” said Coleman. “It’s been an extraordinary year, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has made these moments possible. Together, in this amazing city and region, we have the privilege of bringing world-class sports and entertainment to the people of the Carolinas and beyond.”

Coleman joins a list of notable past winners including Diane Morais from Ally Financial Inc; Tanya S. Blackmon formerly with Novant Health; Dena Diorio Mecklenburg County Manager; Peggy Brookhouse former president at Luquire George Andrews (LGA); and Carol Lovin executive vice president at Atrium Health.