Kristi Coleman Named as the 2024 Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year
Queens University of Charlotte is pleased to name Kristi Coleman, chief executive officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) and president of the Carolina Panthers, as the 2024 Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year. Now in its 39th year, Queens celebrates female leaders who have made significant contributions to the Charlotte region through outstanding leadership and achievement.
A trailblazer in professional sports, in her role as CEO, Coleman oversees all business operations for TSE including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium. She also serves as president of the Carolina Panthers, a role she has held since February 2022, becoming only the second-ever female president in NFL history. In her roles, Coleman is responsible for navigating the dynamic challenges of operating in a multibillion-dollar industry – from fostering relationships with league officials, partners and stakeholders, spearheading innovative business opportunities and enhancing fan engagement, to overseeing all aspects of the organization’s business initiatives and developments.
“Kristi is a tremendous leader and a relentless force who has shattered expectations and redefined the landscape of sports and business,” said Queens University President Dan Lugo. “Her unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence have made a significant impact on our university and community. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and honored to have her as a valued member of our Board of Trustees. We congratulate her on being named the 2024 Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year.”
Coleman joined the Panthers in 2014 and rapidly ascended the ranks, from controller to CFO and then Panthers team president. In December 2024 she was named chief executive officer of TSE. This impressive trajectory is a testament to her exceptional work ethic, proactive mindset, and comprehensive skill set.
“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,” said Coleman. “I am grateful to get to work with incredible owners in Dave and Nicole Tepper and our dedicated team who are all committed to creating meaningful connections in our community and delivering exceptional experiences for our fans and partners.”
Coleman plays a prominent role in the community. In addition to sitting on the Board of Trustees for Queens University of Charlotte, she also holds that role with the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation and is on the Executive Committee of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, the Board of Directors of Charlotte Sports Foundation and Charlotte Center City Partners and the President Advisory Board of Clemson University. She is also a member of the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council.
Prior to her role with the Panthers, Coleman served as an audit manager at Deloitte, where she developed a strong working relationship with the organization. She was honored with the Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award in 2020 and the Sports Business Journal Game Changers Award in 2024. A native of Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, Coleman earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clemson University. She and her husband, Wade, have two sons, Thomas and Charlie.
The distinction of being named Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year has been given to prominent figures in the Charlotte community including Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College; Diane Morais, president of Consumer and Commercial Banking at Ally Financial Inc.; Tanya S. Blackmon, former executive vice president and chief diversity, inclusion and equity officer for Novant Health; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager; Peggy Brookhouse, former president of Luquire George Andrews (LGA); and Carol Lovin, executive vice president and system chief of staff for Atrium Health.
The Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award will be presented to Coleman at a luncheon at Queens University in March 2025. Registration will open the week of January 6. For more information visit the Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year webpage.
Photo (l-r): Dan Lugo, president, Queens University of Charlotte; Nicole Tepper; Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) and president of the Carolina Panthers; Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College; David Tepper; Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte. Photo credit: Nell Redmond/Tepper Sports & Entertainment.