MUSIC CITY CENTER PRESIDENT RECEIVES HALL OF FAME HONOR

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Music City Center President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Starks is the recipient of the Nashville Public Education Foundation’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes graduates of Metro Nashville Public Schools for leadership in their professions; civic, business, and community contributions; and positive impacts on the lives of others.

“I graduated from McGavock High School, and I’m proud of that,” Starks said. “It’s an honor to be recognized by NPEF and to be among others who contribute greatly to our community.”

Starks hospitality career began during his high school days when he was only 14 years old. Following college and years of experience at several Nashville-based hotel companies, he joined the Nashville Convention Center. During his tenure, he garnered support for a new building, lead his team through construction, and yielded positive gains year over year for convention center operations. Since Music City Center opened in 2013, the facility has hosted 2,534 events and generated $4.1 billion in direct economic impact for the greater Nashville region.

In addition to his business achievements, Starks has served on many professional, civic, and community boards including those of the Nashville Downtown Partnership, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, and Greater Nashville Hospitality Association. Most recently, he served as Chairman of the Board for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), a global leader in business events.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of this industry and part of this community, where I grew up, and to work toward making both better. And my path started with my public education,” added Starks.

Starks is one of three NPEF Distinguished Alumni Award winners honored Thursday at the foundation’s 20th Public Schools Hall of Fame celebration. The event was held at Music City Center and recognized alumni, educators, innovators, and leaders making a difference in the lives of Nashville’s students through five award categories.

For more information on the Public Schools Hall of Fame, visit https://nashvillepef.org/hall-of-fame/.

About the Music City Center

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Music City Center is a 2.1 million square foot convention center with more than 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, while focusing on community inclusion, sustainability, and exceptional customer service, through conventions, trade shows, and community events.

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