Dr. Michael A. Kahn

Ownership Partner

Dr. Michael Kahn has been one of Charlotte's leading silent philanthropists for several years. His heart is in helping the city's disadvantaged youth, which he has demonstrated by working with several organizations including Alexander's Children Center, Children's Miracle Network, Special Olympics and others that foster the belief that every child should have an opportunity to be the best they can be. He also serves on several boards including the Fletcher School, Darlington School and Hospitality House of Charlotte. Kahn, who became sole owner of the Checkers in 2006 before transferring majority ownership to Zawyer Sports & Entertainment in 2024, remains the team's largest minority partner.

Since Kahn became involved with the Checkers, the organization has helped several children and families in need, both directly and through charitable organizations, raising a total of over $4.8 million. Under his leadership, the Checkers captured their first Calder Cup championship in 2019 and the President’s Award as the AHL’s Team of the Year in 2019-20. The team also won the AHL's Excellence in Community Service award three times in their first five AHL seasons (2011, 2014 and 2015). In 2011, the Checkers' work with the family of a young fan named Zach Bennett was featured on ESPN's weekly investigative newsmagazine show E:60.

Along with his brother, David, Kahn is a third generation owner of Empire Distributors, Inc., a wholesale wine and spirits company located in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. A die-hard Georgia Bulldog fan, he has supported many different ventures with the University of Georgia, including several scholarship endowments and facility upgrades. The university honored him by unveiling the Michael A. Kahn Family Gate at Sanford Stadium in 2006.

Profile

Hometown
Atlanta, Georgia

College and major
University of Georgia - Business

As a kid, you dreamed of becoming:
Hard to remember that far back, however I'm sure it would have had something to do with hockey or football

Name one thing on your bucket list
Winning a second Calder Cup championship for the city of Charlotte

If you were an animal, what would you be?
I think that's obvious ... Bulldawg

First CD/tape
Led Zepplin 1

Favorite food
Sashimi

Favorite movie
Stripes

Favorite pro/college sports team
Charlotte Checkers and Georgia Bulldawgs

Favorite type of music
70's – 80's Rock

Favorite band
Dire Straits

Favorite book
The Twelve Universal Laws of Success

Fun fact
Once climbed a light tower during a concert at Grant Field (where Georgia Tech plays) to get a better view of the stage. Foreigner was playing and needless to say the Atlanta Police Department didn't follow my reasoning for pulling this stunt (their words).