Submitted by Music City Center
Music City Center President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Starks, has appointed Kelli Donahoe as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the 2.1 million square-foot convention center.
Donahoe hails from Tampa, Florida, and holds the designation of an Events Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Fellow. Her extensive background encompasses more than 20 years of experience in convention center sales and operations management within hospitality entities in Pittsburgh, Orlando, Florida, and San Jose, California. Most recently, she served as the General Manager of the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio.
As the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MCC, Donahoe will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility. She will also contribute to the planning and implementation of all functions and resources of facility departments. Her direct reports will include the Directors of Event Services, Security, Parking, Technology, and Facilities.
“We’re thrilled to have Kelli join the team,” Starks said. “Her perspective, experience, and drive will be a tremendous asset, not only for our team but also for our guests, our community, and the future of Nashville’s convention center.”
“I am excited to share my passion for this industry with the team and put down roots in Nashville,” Donahoe remarked. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the standard of service our team delivers to every guest walking through our doors.”
Elisa Putman currently holds the position that Donahoe is set to take over. Putman announced her retirement in April, after nearly 35 years with the old Nashville Convention Center and the current building. She has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the last eight years.
“I still love coming to work every day,” Putman said, “and I’m excited for MCC’s future as Kelli brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with fresh ideas and renewed energy to the team.”
Donahoe and Putman will work in tandem in the senior leadership role for an unspecified period of time to ensure a smooth transition. An official retirement date is not yet set for Putman.
About Music City Center: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Music City Center (MCC) is a 2.1 million square-foot convention center with over 353,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, two ballrooms, 55 meeting rooms, and a covered parking garage with 1,800 spaces. The mission of MCC is to create significant economic benefit for the greater Nashville area, with a focus on community inclusion, sustainability, and exceptional customer service through conventions, trade shows, and community events. Website: www.nashvillemusiccitycenter.com
