2023 North Carolina Awards: Fred Whitfield

Fred A. Whitfield has built a distinguished sports executive career encompassing roles as a player, coach, agent, sports marketer, and basketball operations administrator. Since 2018, Whitfield has been president and vice chairman of Hornets Sports & Entertainment, after serving as president and chief operating officer since his arrival at what was then Bobcats Sports & Entertainment in July 2006. In this leadership position, Whitfield has overseen all business operations for the organization. His responsibilities also extend to managing Spectrum Center, the downtown Charlotte arena that has changed greatly under his guidance. Previously, he managed endorsements and sports marketing strategy at the Jordan Brand as director of Business and Legal Affairs. Whitfield founded HoopTee Charities, Inc., a North Carolina-based nonprofit providing scholarships for disadvantaged youth to attend camps and educational programs nationwide. He also established the Achievements Unlimited Basketball School, benefiting over 15,000 kids in Greensboro and Charlotte over the last 38 years.