Charlotte taps national sales leader Tiashia “TK” Knight to fuel meetings and tourism momentum
Charlotte, N.C. — The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority has named Tiashia “TK” Knight as Vice President of Sales and Executive Director of Visit Charlotte, selecting a national sales powerhouse to drive the city’s continued rise as a top meetings, sports and tourism destination. She will begin her role on December 2.
Knight joins CRVA following a national search and succeeds Mike Butts, who retired in September 2025 after 26 years steering Charlotte’s ascent in the meetings industry and strengthening the region’s visitor economy influence.
She joins CRVA’s executive leadership team, reporting to CEO Steve Bagwell and working alongside a cross-functional leadership group that guides strategy, destination growth and industry alignment.
Knight arrives from Atrium Hospitality, where as Vice President of Sales and Marketing she played a key role in generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue in the company’s top-performing region. She directed a 100-plus person sales organization across group, banquet and catering markets and led enterprise-wide strategies across major Marriott and Hilton hotel portfolios.
Her career is defined by fueling sales engines, winning competitive ground, unlocking new demand and making moves that reshape markets.
“We’re focused on momentum, partnership and measurable impact,” said CRVA CEO Steve Bagwell. “TK has a proven ability to pair strategy with execution, build strong stakeholder relationships and lead in a way that sharpens our competitive edge.”
As Vice President of Sales and Executive Director of Visit Charlotte, Knight will lead destination sales for conventions, meetings and sporting events, oversee destination services, visitor information centers, the Charlotte Regional Film Commission, venue sales across CRVA-managed facilities and partner engagement through Partners in Tourism. The role also includes collaboration with state and national stakeholders to inform and support advocacy efforts tied to tourism policy, destination competitiveness and industry growth.
Known for her people-first leadership style, Knight is recognized for developing high-performance teams, embracing data-driven strategy and always centering customer experience first. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from New York University and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.
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About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) delivers memorable experiences that enrich the lives of visitors and residents alike. As the leader in destination development, marketing, and venue management, the CRVA maximizes Charlotte's economic potential through visitor spending, fostering job creation, and driving community opportunities.
Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Film Commission, Visit Charlotte, in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand and Visitor Info Centers. For more information, visit crva.com.
Media Contact:
Gina Sheridan
Chief Communications & Advocacy Officer
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
(704) 618-3215
gina.sheridan@crva.com