The MPI community is mourning the passing of Carol Norfleet, MBA, CMP, DMCP (MPI Tennessee Chapter), who was most recently strategic account manager for PRA Business Events.
Carol spent 20 years with Destination Nashville, most recently serving as executive vice president, and tackled major projects throughout her tenure, including many years working with the Country Music Association’s annual awards show.
She got involved with MPI early in her career, in 1994, at the encouragement of a mentor at Opryland USA. She became president of the Tennessee Chapter from 2000-2001—years during which the chapter won major awards for membership growth and communications. She also created the chapter’s first five-year plan, and her tireless efforts as an MPI volunteer leader were acknowledged by MPI Global when she received the 2016 RISE Award for Member of the Year.
“I am going to really miss this Wonder Woman—our hugs, dances, chats and learning how to say Pecha Kucha!” says Adam Spivey, former MPI Tennessee Chapter president. “Most of all I will miss friendship, her words of encouragement, positivity and hope! She had a huge impact on my life as she did countless others across the world. She guided me with my career in hospitality, MPI and my personal journey. Ms. Norfleet, I was truly blessed because God put you in my life. I will always love you!”
Antwone Stigall, chair of MPI’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, says if you were lucky enough to interact with Carol, “your experience was always a good time with lots of laughs and immeasurable knowledge and wisdom. If you didn’t know Carol, you definitely wanted to. My prayers are for her family and the many people she’s impacted in the most positive ways.”
We interviewed Carol in 2016 after her RISE Award recognition was announced, and she offered this advice to others who join MPI: “When you decide to become a member, step in. Don’t just put your name on the application and attend meetings. Step in. Step up. Do something.”
Click here to make a donation at her CaringBridge page.
