NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Music City Center President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Starks has appointed Anthony Lopez as the new president of the 2.1 million square foot convention center. Starks will retain his role as CEO.
Lopez is a known leader in the industry. Most recently, he was General Manager of Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Prior to that, he was Assistant General Manager of Operations for McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, the largest convention center in the country. Lopez is originally from Great Bend, Kansas. He served in the United States Navy Reserve and studied at Iowa State University before starting his hospitality career with Ogden Entertainment more than 35 years ago. As president, Lopez will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility. He will also assist in the planning and implementation of all functions and resources of facility departments. His direct reports will include the directors of Engineering, Event Services, Facilities, Parking, Security, and Technology.
“Anthony has an exceptional reputation, and we’re fortunate to have him join our team,” said Starks. “His expertise and leadership will help build on our successes and guide our teams for the foreseeable future.”
“I am incredibly excited by the opportunity to contribute my experience to the team and help maintain our standing as one of the premier destinations in the country,” Lopez said.
Lopez’s appointment marks a change in the organizational structure of MCC. Starks has served in the dual role of President and CEO of the downtown convention center since 2005, leading the team through construction and operation of the new building. As CEO, Starks will continue to oversee critical departments including Sales, Finance, Purchasing, and Communications, while also focusing on larger projects that impact the facility’s future.
“We’re excited about the future, especially as we look at potential expansion,” said Starks. “It’s important that we dedicate time and attention to those things, but we also need to maintain our stride and continue to take care of our customers. In his new role, Anthony will help us do that.”
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 more than 353,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, two ballrooms, 60 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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