SMPS welcomes Charlotte Host 2020 CEO, John Lassiter, who will speak on the economic impact of next year’s Republican National Convention. The Charlotte Host Committee is a not for profit economic development organization with no political affiliation. CLT Host 2020, Inc. is responsible for hosting and funding the 2020 Republican National Convention to be held in Charlotte from August 24 - 27, 2020.

During this luncheon, you’ll learn what is required of the hosting city, behind the scenes stories, security/transportation/media preparations, advice on how local businesses can maximize their brand/revenue during this event, and the impact it will have on Charlotte on a regional, national and global level. Mr. Lassiter will also touch on how Charlotte is using this global stage to refine its reputation and potentially attract new industries to our region. Don’t miss this unique event to learn about this pivotal moment for our city.

Meet John Lassiter, Charlotte Host 2020 CEO

John Lassiter is the President of Carolina Legal Staffing, the legal placement and staffing company he founded in 1997. The company has grown to five offices in the Carolinas and has been included on the INC5000 fastest growing companies five times. He began his career in Charlotte as an attorney and later senior HR executive with the Belk organization after serving as an Assistant Attorney General with the Department of Justice in Raleigh. He holds both his undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University.

Throughout his professional life, he has been encouraged to serve his community in a variety of ways. John served 3 at-large terms on the Charlotte City Council where he chaired the Economic Development Committee and helped shepherd several key projects including the Levine Cultural Campus, The Epicenter entertainment and retail center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Light Rail Blue Line. He previously served as vice-chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education during a time of high enrollment growth and expansion of magnet programs including language immersion schools and International Baccalaureate curriculum throughout the county. John served as President of the Mecklenburg County Bar and the Children’s Law Center and has served on the boards of many organizations including the North Carolina Bar Association, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, UNC-HealthCare, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

He served as Chair of the North Carolina Economic Development Board and as Chair of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina leading the effort to expand jobs and private investment across the state including a wide range of international companies deciding to call North Carolina home. He was recently named the CEO of the Host Committee bringing the Republican National Convention in 2020.

John has been recognized on numerous occasions for his leadership and service. Leadership Charlotte recognized him with the Circle of Excellence award in 2001. He honored in 2009 with the Mayor’s Award for Community Leadership and in 2011, the Greater Charlotte Cultural Trust awarded him a Spirit Award for his work on the Levine Cultural Campus. The North Carolina Bar Association honored him with their Citizen Lawyer Award in 2014. He was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor McCrory in 2017 and the Harold Josephson Award for Global Thinking by the World Affairs Council in 2018.

John and his wife Beverly have two married sons and 4 grandchildren.

Schedule:

Networking begins at 11:30am

Program begins at 12:00pm

Please note: This event will be at the Heist Brewery Barrel Arts location in Camp North End (NOT the NoDa location!)

This event is sponsored by:

If you have any questions, please contact Cody Lipson at 704.602.7896 or [email protected] or Abby Smith at 704.362.4127 or [email protected].

Cancellation/Refund Policy
Cancellations made 72-hours prior to the event will receive a refund. Due to our commitment with the meeting facility for food and beverage quantities, all other cancellations or no-shows will be invoiced for the full cost of the event.