Our Leadership
Meet our Chief Executive Officer
Steve Bagwell, CEO
Steve Bagwell has spent his career helping shape Charlotte's visitor economy. As Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, he leads an organization dedicated to attracting visitors, generating economic impact and enhancing Charlotte's reputation as a premier destination for meetings, sports, entertainment and leisure travel.
A Charlotte native, Steve joined the Charlotte Convention Center when it opened in 1995. Over the course of his career, he has served in leadership roles across operations, finance and venue management, providing him with a unique understanding of every facet of the organization before becoming CEO.
Under Steve's leadership, the CRVA has continued to strengthen Charlotte's position as a leading destination while overseeing transformational investments in the community's hospitality infrastructure, including the $127 million expansion of the Charlotte Convention Center and major enhancements to the Bojangles Entertainment Complex. He has also helped lead the organization through some of Charlotte's most significant events, including the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the 2014 Alpha Kappa Alpha Boule and the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to organizational excellence, Steve champions the hospitality industry as a powerful driver of economic development and community prosperity. He works closely with business, civic and government leaders to advance initiatives that strengthen Charlotte's competitiveness and create lasting value for residents and visitors alike.
Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Clemson University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a graduate of Leadership Charlotte Class 41 and serves on numerous civic and industry boards, including the Charlotte Sports Foundation, Charlotte Center City Partners, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation.
By 2012, Steve was at the helm of the Charlotte Convention Center as General Manager, and by 2014, he was promoted to Vice President of Venues, overseeing operations at some of Charlotte’s most significant event spaces. His leadership has contributed to hundreds of successful events annually, generating millions for the local economy. Steve also spearheaded major projects like the $127 million expansion of the Charlotte Convention Center in 2021 and the $20 million enhancement to the Bojangles Entertainment Complex in 2020.
A testament to his ability to lead large-scale operations and navigate complex projects that leave a lasting impact on the city, Steve has been instrumental in hosting high-profile events such as the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, and the 2014 Alpha Kappa Alpha 66th Boule.
Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Clemson University and is a proud alumnus of Leadership Charlotte Class 41. He serves on several boards, including the Charlotte Sports Foundation, Charlotte Center City Partners, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation, where he is also a member of the Advisory Committee. Additionally, Steve is a Trustee of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Board, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing the economic and cultural vitality of Charlotte.
Executive Leadership
The CRVA's Executive Leadership Team provides strategic direction for an organization that serves millions of visitors each year while supporting one of Charlotte's largest economic sectors.
Together, the team oversees destination marketing, convention sales, venue operations, finance, communications, public affairs, human resources, legal affairs and long-term organizational strategy. Their collective expertise helps position Charlotte as a world-class destination while ensuring the CRVA continues to deliver exceptional experiences, responsible stewardship and meaningful economic impact for the community.
Anthony Shelborne
Chief Financial Officer & VP, Business DevelopmentAnthony Shelborne joined the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) in May 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Development. In this capacity, he drives the organization’s financial strategy, overseeing comprehensive financial management, accounting, budgeting, and forecasting efforts. He also leads the Research and Business Analytics departments, manages risk, and directs the Information Technology department to ensure seamless operational integrity and efficiency. Beyond his financial responsibilities, Anthony plays a pivotal role in cultivating strategic partnerships between the CRVA and its community partners, advancing key initiatives that support the organization's mission.
Before joining the CRVA, Anthony was CFO of the $11 billion District of Columbia Retirement Board, serving teachers, police officers, and firefighters. He led all financial activities, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and investment strategy, in partnership with the Chief Investment Officer. Anthony and his team successfully managed the plan’s assets, ensuring full regulatory compliance. He also collaborated with the Executive Leadership Team to drive key initiatives and represented the agency at annual City Council hearings. His earlier career included roles in associations, nonprofits, and government at various levels, focusing on events, trade shows, and strategic operations.
Anthony is a proud alumnus of Leadership Charlotte Class 44. He actively contributes to the Charlotte community, serving on the Finance Committee for Freedom School Partners and on the board of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation.
With nearly 20 years of expertise in financial management, accounting, and budgeting, Anthony is recognized for his strategic insight, leadership, and ability to align economic and business metrics to drive organizational success. He is highly regarded for his collaborative approach, building consensus across all levels of an organization. Before relocating to Charlotte, he was deeply involved in his community, tutoring students and serving over 15 years on the Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Investment Committee at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Arlington, VA.
Anthony holds a master’s degree in public policy and public finance from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Talladega College.
Anthony Shelborne
Chief Financial Officer & VP, Business Development
Finance • Technology • Business Development
Bryan Miller
Vice President, VenuesAs Vice President of Venues, Miller oversees the talented teams responsible for operating the Charlotte Convention Center, Bojangles Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium, as well as back-of-house support services at the Spectrum Center.
Bryan has over 20 years’ experience in venue management and is a well-respected leader in the industry. Bryan joined the CRVA in 2023 as General Manager of the Charlotte Convention Center. Prior to that he served multiple roles at the Virginia Beach Convention Center most recently as General Manager. He has a rich background in venue management, proven track record in fostering teamwork, and adeptness in financial and performance analysis. His innovative problem-solving skills and dedication to service excellence are key assets that drive the CRVA to deliver operational efficiency and unparalleled customer service.
Bryan is a native of Virginia Beach, VA and holds an MBA from Regent University. He is very active in the International Association of Venue Managers and received his Certified Venue Executive designation in 2021. He served previously on the Board of Directors for the Event Service Professionals Association and is a Certified Meeting Professional by the Events Industry Council.
Cameron Furr
General CounselCameron Furr serves as the CRVA’s in-house General Counsel, a post he’s held since 2019 after having represented the organization as outside counsel for over 20 years.
He is responsible for overseeing the legal matters of the organization, including leading event and vendor contracting activities.
Furr received a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) and a Juris Doctor from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he served as an Editor on the Law Review. He began practicing with Grier and Grier, PA in Charlotte in 1989, became a Partner in 1994 and was with the firm, now known as Grier, Furr & Crisp, PA for 28 years.
In addition, Furr has served as Vice President of the local Bar, President of the Myers Park Homeowners Association and has been on the boards of nonprofits such as the Lee Institute/Duke Mansion, Legal Services for the Elderly, Mecklenburg Council on Adolescent Pregnancy and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation District III Advisory Board.
Gina Sheridan
Chief Communications & Advocacy OfficerGina Sheridan serves as the Chief Communications & Advocacy Officer for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), where she leads enterprise-wide strategies to elevate the organization’s voice, visibility, and influence across the visitor economy. A member of the Executive Leadership Team and a trusted advisor to the CEO, Gina guides corporate communications, public affairs, advocacy, and brand reputation efforts—ensuring CRVA’s role is well understood, highly regarded, and aligned with Charlotte’s economic development goals.
Prior to this role, Gina served as the organization’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, where she built and led a high-performing team responsible for award-winning branding, marketing, and communications initiatives. Her leadership helped shape public perception of Charlotte as a premier destination for meetings, events, and tourism, while reinforcing the CRVA’s reputation as a collaborative civic partner.
With more than two decades of executive experience at the CRVA, Gina has championed the role of tourism as a vital economic engine and played a key role in advancing support for major events, venue investments, and strategic initiatives. She leads with a focus on transparency, trust, and impact—bringing clarity to complex moments and connection to every story the CRVA tells.
Gina is a Leadership Charlotte alumna, Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and currently serves on the boards of Women Executives, Leadership Charlotte, and the Johnson & Wales University Executive Advisory Council.
Gina Sheridan
Chief Communications & Advocacy Officer
Communications • Advocacy • Public Affairs
Laura White
Chief Brand & Strategy OfficerAs Chief Brand & Strategy Officer at the CRVA, Laura White leads strategic branding and marketing initiatives that elevate destination perception and drive visitor demand. Her work also strengthens the visibility and financial performance of CRVA-managed venues, directly supporting overall operating revenue impact.
Responsibilities encompass strengthening the perception of CRVA’s portfolio of brands that drive leisure tourism, attract economic impact-inducing meetings, conventions and events and position venues such as the Charlotte Convention Center, BOplex and NASCAR Hall of Fame for sustained operational success.
Laura has played a pivotal role in promoting Charlotte and CRVA venues through impact-focused leadership and data-driven marketing. She has worked to amplify premier events such as the NBA All-Star Game and the Presidents Cup, advanced the city’s culinary identity through targeted brand activations, and crafted integrated venue marketing strategies that have delivered substantial revenue growth and visibility.
In addition to her brand leadership responsibilities, Laura guides the CRVA’s strategic planning function and the organization’s Strategy Team. This work encompasses establishing CRVA-wide, cross-functional priorities, aligning goal-setting and directives to advance those priorities, and ensuring performance aligns with both near-term goals and long-range vision.
Laura brings nearly two decades of leadership to the CRVA, having previously served as Director of Communications and Director of Brand Marketing. A passionate advocate for Charlotte’s dynamic growth and the city’s culinary and cultural landscape, she is a dedicated volunteer for Leadership Charlotte as a Class 37 alumna and currently serves on the board of the Market at 7th Street.
Tiashia "TK" Knight
VP, Sales & Executive Director, Visit CharlotteTK Knight serves as Vice President of Sales and Executive Director of Visit Charlotte for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. She leads destination sales for conventions, meetings and sporting events, oversees destination services, visitor information centers, the Charlotte Regional Film Commission, venue sales across CRVA-managed facilities and partner engagement through Partners in Tourism. Her role also includes collaboration with state and national stakeholders to support advocacy tied to destination competitiveness and industry growth.
Knight joined the CRVA after a national search and succeeds longtime industry leader Mike Butts, who retired in 2025 after 26 years of service. She is a member of the executive leadership team and reports to CEO Steve Bagwell, working alongside cross-functional leaders who guide strategy, destination growth and industry alignment.
She arrives from Atrium Hospitality, where she served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and helped generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue in the company’s top-performing region. She led a 100-plus person sales organization across group, banquet and catering markets and shaped enterprise-wide strategies for major Marriott and Hilton hotel portfolios.
Her career is defined by fueling sales engines, competing for high-impact business and shaping markets through strong partnerships and a disciplined, data-informed approach. Known for her people-first leadership style, she is recognized for developing high-performance teams, building strong stakeholder relationships and centering customer experience in every decision.
Knight earned a bachelor’s degree in business from New York University and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.
Tiashia "TK" Knight
VP, Sales & Executive Director, Visit Charlotte
Sales • Destination Services • Film
Winston Kelley
Executive Director, NASCAR Hall of FameWinston Kelley is Vice-President, CRVA and Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame which works to provide memorable and dynamic experiences to broad and diverse audiences, serves as the recognized home for honoring NASCAR’s ongoing history, drive economic impact for the Charlotte region and inspire all to exceed expectations and achieve one’s full potential.
Prior to joining the CRVA in 2006, Kelley spent more than 27 years with Duke Energy in a wide variety of managerial and executive capacities.
Born into a racing family, Kelley began his motorsports career in 1981 working with the Universal Racing Network and the North Wilkesboro Speedway as well as numerous other NASCAR tracks in the years ahead. He joined the Motor Racing Network (MRN) radio broadcasting team in 1987 and served as lead pit reporter for 18 years before stepping away full time at the end of the 2020 season.
Through his 42-year career, Kelley has served the Charlotte region and motorsports communities through a number of civic and industry organizations. Kelley graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina State University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in business management and economics.
Winston Kelley
Executive Director, NASCAR Hall of Fame
Operations • Guest Experience • Community Impact
Zaira Goodman
Chief Human Resources OfficerAs Chief Human Resources Officer, Goodman's role extends beyond HR functional management to lead the business in the critical areas of talent strategy, change management, employee engagement, and company culture.
A seasoned human resources and talent management executive, Goodman has over 20 years’ experience specializing in HR strategy, leadership development, succession planning, employee relations and team building. She is also an experienced people leader in HR for industries including Event/Venues Management, Re-Insurance, Construction and Manufacturing.
She understands the challenges and opportunities for success in the areas of Strategy, Operations, Sales, Finance, Technology, to improve measurable business results through goal alignment, effective staffing, process redesign, and people development. She has facilitated many Leadership classes, has conducted numerous employee investigations, and has led employee teams and Task Forces to create and implement successful HR initiatives.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Goodman is bilingual in Spanish and understands diversity, inclusion as well as international and Latino cultures both on personal and business environment. She has worked both in for-profit corporate environments as well as nonprofit organizations. She currently serves in the CharlotteWorks Board of Directors to advance economic development and jobs for unemployed and underserved individuals.
Goodman has a BS in Psychology from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
Board of Directors
The CRVA's volunteer Board of Directors provides governance, strategic direction and accountability for the organization. Representing business, hospitality, government and community leadership, Board members help ensure the CRVA remains focused on strengthening Charlotte's visitor economy while serving the best interests of the public. The Board works closely with CEO Steve Bagwell and the Executive Leadership Team to guide long-term strategy, oversee organizational performance and advocate for the continued growth of Charlotte's hospitality industry. The 13-member Board is appointed in accordance with North Carolina law, with nine members appointed by the Charlotte City Council and four members appointed by the Mayor. Members serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Lorie Spratley, MSA
Nominating Committee Chair, Past Chair, Budget Committee, Executive Committee
