CHARLOTTE, April 28, 2011 — Mayor Anthony Foxx today named community and business leader Dan Murrey as executive director of the Charlotte In 2012 Host Committee as the city prepares for the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

“We have done our homework and we’re now ready to get going.  We are building a leadership team that will assure Charlotte, our region and the entire state of North Carolina make the most of this unprecedented opportunity,” said Mayor Foxx.

Mayor Foxx and former Mayor Harvey Gantt, who earlier was tapped to study the best practices of previous conventions, also announced the staffing and volunteer structure of the host effort.  Other key leaders and members of the steering committee are expected to be named soon.

Dr. Murrey recently served a term as an at-large member of the Mecklenburg County Commission. For the last 13 years, he has been a leader and prominent surgeon at OrthoCarolina, one of the country’s most respected orthopedic practices with 900 Charlotte area employees, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer. He is a graduate of Davidson College and Harvard University, where he received both a medical degree and a master’s in public policy from the JFK School of Government.  He recently received the highest honor bestowed upon Mecklenburg citizens, the Order of the Hornet Award.

“Dan brings just the right mix of skills,” Mayor Foxx said. “As a CEO, he understands how to build an organization, develop teamwork among talented people and drive results – all essential qualities for our Host Committee effort. As a committed citizen, he also understands the unique opportunity the convention offers to put our community on an international stage.  Additionally, he and I share a strong desire to make our city’s host effort as inclusive as possible.  He will begin work on Monday, and other leadership announcements will follow this one in the coming days.”

The mayor praised Will Miller, the acting executive director of the Charlotte In 2012 Host Committee who led the city’s successful bid for the convention. “I do not think it is well-understood how much effort it took to land this convention, and without Will’s tireless work, we simply could not have won the convention.  He will continue to play an active role in the host effort, and his institutional knowledge will be incredibly valuable,” Mayor Foxx said.

“I’m humbled and excited about the opportunity to show the rest of the world why we love living and working in this city, state and region,” said Dr. Murrey. “My job is twofold: to work closely with the Democratic National Committee and our local partners to host a successful convention and to create an inclusive and interactive environment so all residents of our region have an opportunity to play host to visitors from around the world.”

The Host Committee recommended by former Mayor Gantt will include a broad cross-section of leaders from the Charlotte area and throughout the region and state. “The Committee’s leadership will work hand in hand with the staff team, led by Dan Murrey, to both meet the needs of the convention and create lasting benefits for our residents and businesses,” Mr. Gantt said.