Kristi Coleman is a pioneering leader in professional sports.
As CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) and President of the Carolina Panthers, Coleman oversees all business operations for the organization, including the Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, and Bank of America Stadium. When she was named Panthers President in 2022, Coleman became just the second female team president in NFL history. Her historic rise reached another milestone in September 2024, when the Panthers faced the Las Vegas Raiders in the league’s first-ever matchup featuring female presidents leading both franchises. Commemorative footballs from the game are now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In her role, Coleman is responsible for navigating the dynamic challenges of operating in a multibillion-dollar industry – from fostering relationships with officials across two leagues, partners and stakeholders, spearheading innovative business opportunities and enhancing fan engagement, to overseeing all aspects of the teams’ and venue’s business initiatives and developments. Coleman has been instrumental in defining facility projects for the organization, including securing the Charlotte City Council’s vote for a joint $800 million renovation of Bank of America Stadium and negotiating the extension of the stadium’s naming rights deal with long-time partner Bank of America.
Coleman’s journey with the Panthers began in 2014. In the past decade with the organization, she has risen from Controller to her executive leadership roles today – a testament to her work ethic, strategic mindset and vast skill set. Before joining the Panthers, Coleman began her career with the public accounting firm Deloitte, serving as an Audit Manager and working closely with the Panthers organization.
An advocate for women in sports leadership and youth development, Coleman has played a pivotal role in growing girls' flag football across the Carolinas with an aim of achieving sanctioning in both North and South Carolina, as well as supporting camps and clinics to create a positive change for at-risk youth through the sport of soccer.
Coleman’s work has earned her widespread recognition and awards including Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 (2025), Queens University Charlotte Businesswoman of the Year (2024), Sports Business Journal Game Changers (2024) and Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 (2020).
Coleman has deep roots throughout the Carolinas. A native of Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, Coleman is a graduate from Clemson University with a degree in accounting as well as a master’s degree in professional accountancy. She sits on the Board of Trustees for the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation and Queens University, the Executive Committee of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, the Board of Directors of Charlotte Sports and Charlotte Center City Partners and the President Advisory Board of Clemson University. Coleman is also a member of the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council and serves on the finance committee of Girls on the Run.
Coleman lives in Charlotte with her husband, Wade, and their two sons, Thomas and Charlie.