CHARLOTTE \u2013\u00a0Shelly Cayette-Weston, president of business operations for Hornets Sports & Entertainment, will deliver the keynote address at Queens University of Charlotte\u2019s 167th commencement ceremony.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. May 9 in Curry Arena.<\/p>\n
Cayette-Weston stepped into her current role at Hornets Sports & Entertainment in 2024. She oversees the strategic success of the Charlotte Hornets, the Greensboro Swarm and Spectrum Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her career spans nearly 20 years, including a 12-year tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where she rose to executive vice president and chief commercial officer. She was recognized by Sports Business Journal as a \u201cGame Changer\u201d in 2019 and \u201cForty Under 40\u201d in 2021.<\/p>\n
She has served on the boards of Cuyahoga Community College, the College Now Board and the American Heart Association.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is a testament to the power of vision, resilience and community commitment,\u201d said Jesse Cureton, university president. \u201cAs a leader who has consistently broken barriers in the NBA and beyond, she represents the courageous leadership and excellence we challenge our graduates to carry into the world.”<\/p>\n
Queens and the Charlotte Hornets share a recent history of collaboration. In summer 2025, Queens hosted the team in Curry Arena while Spectrum Center underwent renovations, providing the team with a home-away-from-home.<\/p>\n
\u201cQueens University of Charlotte plays a vital role in shaping the leaders who strengthen our city and our region,\u201d Cayette-Weston said. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to celebrate this year\u2019s graduates and the impact they will make as they carry forward the university\u2019s commitment to service, purpose and community.\u201d<\/p>\n