7th Street Public Market taps local sports exec for new director role

Chris Clouden has been named the new executive director for the 7th Street Public Market uptown. He’ll assume his new role March 30.

Clouden replaces former Belk executive Michael Restaino, who has held the director role at the market for two years.

Most recently, Clouden was the director of events at the Charlotte Sports Foundation, managing events including the Dr. Pepper ACC Football Championship and the Belk Bowl.

Before that, he was the chief of Manhattan recreation from 2000 to 2006 for the City of New York Parks and Recreation Department, where he supervised the operation of 14 recreation centers, increased revenue and membership and implemented health and wellness programs across the department.

“Chris has managed projects of all sizes, produced events of all scales and has worked with sponsors to deliver great audience experiences,” Michael Smith, president and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, said in a statement.

The 7th Street Public Market has been open since December 2011 and offers a place for small businesses to sell fresh, locally sourced food to thousands of customers in uptown Charlotte year round. The market, located at 224 East 7th Street, offers educational classes, cooking demonstrations, health screenings and special events.

Clouden has a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree from Northeastern University. He also serves on the board of directors for the Alzheimer’s Association of Western NC, the Cam Newton Advisory Council and Right Moves for Youth.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 12:31 PM with the headline "7th Street Public Market taps local sports exec for new director role."