CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The Charlotte Sports Foundation will have new leadership next month.
The organization’s Board of Directors announced Wednesday that Will Pitts will take over as chief executive officer starting April 1. Danny Morrison, a former Panthers executive who served in the role since 2019, will remain with the organization as an executive advisor.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity. As someone who grew up in Charlotte and has been working on CSF’s events for most of my career, I am unbelievably excited to be named CEO,” Pitts said in a statement. “I want to thank the Board for trusting me with this role, as well as our staff and partners for their support, and Danny Morrison and Will Webb for their invaluable mentorship over the years. I look forward to continuing to build on the successes we have seen as an organization and city.”
CSF says Pitts has 15 years of hands-on experience managing their events, which include the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Most recently, he was critical in the organization’s growth, working with Morrison to add the Ally Tipoff, Charlotte Invitational, Savannah Bananas 2025 World Tour and more.
“This is an exciting day for the Charlotte Sports Foundation,” said Morrison. “The naming of Will Pitts as CEO is not only well-deserved with his terrific talent and experience, but also part of a well-thought-out process together with the Executive Committee of the Board.
“Simply put, Will is ready. I am so grateful for my time working with him and our engaged staff and am excited about the future of the organization. I look forward to continuing to work with Will and the CSF team in my new role as the executive advisor.”
During his time as executive director, Morrison helped navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, grew the number of events and economic impact of CSF, and was named Charlotte Business Journal’s Business Person of the Year in 2023. His new role with the organization allows continued collaboration with the entire staff as well as a focus on bringing new and exciting events to Charlotte.
“We are most appreciative of Danny Morrison and the impact he has had on this organization and the Charlotte area,” said CSF Board co-chair Johnny Harris. “His decision to stay on as executive advisor not only allows the organization to use his knowledge and experiences as an invaluable resource but also continues the collaborative partnership Will Pitts and he have developed over the years.”
