A native Kansas Citian, Kathy Nelson serves as the President and CEO of both Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation. She is a strong believer in the economic, social and community-building benefits of sports, meetings, tourism and events of all kinds.

She works to promote Kansas City locally and nationally with the goal of attracting, retaining and facilitating sports programming, business events and leisure travel across the region. Most recently, Kathy has been behind the success of such high-profile achievements as the 2023 NFL Draft & bringing FIFA World Cup 26™ to Kansas City.

Nelson joined the KC Sports Commission in August of 2010 as the WIN for KC Director, then moved into the role of President & CEO of the KC Sports Commission in November 2011.

Nelson expanded her responsibilities to take the helm at Visit KC in January 2022 while continuing to lead the KC Sports Commission. She previously served Visit KC on the organization’s board of directors beginning in 2015.

Prior to joining the KC Sports Commission, Nelson served in senior management roles in marketing, sales and promotions at Time Warner Cable and Metro Sports and held a number of roles at FOX 4/WDAF-TV in Kansas City including creative services manager, producer, reporter and editor.