Public Education Award Recognizes Distinguished Alumni
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 Metro Nashville Public Schools graduates 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 among others who contribute greatly to our community.”
Starks’ hospitality career began when he was 14, during high school. After college, he joined the Nashville Convention Center and has years of experience at several Nashville-based hotel companies. During his tenure, he garnered support for a new building, led 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, generating $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 the Nashville Downtown Partnership, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, and Greater Nashville Hospitality Association. Most recently, he served as chairman of the board of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), a global leader in business events.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of this industry and community where I grew up and work toward improving both. 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, held at Music City Center, 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-
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 benefits for the greater Nashville area while focusing on community
inclusion, sustainability, and exceptional customer service through conventions, trade shows,
and community events.
