Kelli Donahoe Named Chief Sales Officer, Brian Ivey Retires, Elisa Putman Returns
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Starks has appointed Kelli Donahoe as the Chief Sales Officer for the 2.1 million square foot convention center.
Donahoe is from Tampa, Florida. She is a Fellow of the Events Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Her background includes over 20 years of experience in convention center sales and operations management with hospitality entities in Pittsburgh, Orlando, Florida, and San Jose, California. Following a two-year tenure as General Manager of the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio, she joined the MCC team as Chief Operating Officer in 2023.
As the Chief Sales Officer, Donahoe will oversee sales, marketing, and promotional activities to maximize facility bookings. She will also be responsible for contract administration and negotiations. Her direct reports will include the Sales team, as well as the Director of Parking & Transportation.
“Kelli is a valuable member of our team, and we’re excited to have her lead our sales and marketing efforts,” Starks said. “This role is critical to our future success, and her experience will be an asset to the entire team.”
Brian Ivey currently holds the position that Donahoe is set to take over. Ivey announced his retirement in July, after 29 years with the old Nashville Convention Center and the current building. He has served as Vice President of Sales and later Chief Sales Officer for the last 12 years.
Elisa Putman will return to the facility as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a position she previously held for eight years prior to her retirement in 2023. With Donahoe’s move, Putman will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility on an interim basis.
Donahoe and Ivey will work in tandem in the CSO role for an unspecified period of time to ensure a smooth transition. An official retirement date is not yet set for Ivey. Putman will assume her role immediately.
About Music City Center
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Music City Center (MCC) is a 2.1 million square-foot convention center featuring 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.
