Nashville Sounds Name Doug Scopel COO and Danielle Gaw General Manager

Front Office Realignment at First Horizon Park

On October 27, 2026, Nashville Sounds owner Frank Ward announced key changes to the Triple-A franchise’s front office. The shakeup establishes Doug Scopel as the club’s new Chief Operating Officer and names Danielle Gaw as General Manager, marking a historic shift for the organization as leadership steps aside.

Next up: leadership team updates ⚾ We're proud to announce that Doug Scopel has been named as our Chief Operating Officer and Danielle Gaw has been named as our General Manager!Join us in congratulating them both! pic.twitter.com/fZCnYWT8XP

— https://x.com/nashvillesounds/status/2115125016324915675

The transition introduces a fresh operational dynamic at First Horizon Park. Scopel will take charge of all day-to-day operations of the ballclub, using institutional knowledge gained since 2000 with the franchise. A Sounds employee since 2000, Scopel has served as the club’s Vice President of Operations since the ballpark opened its gates in 2015. Meanwhile, Gaw returns to the organization to spearhead the business and revenue side of operations.

“We are excited to promote Doug and welcome back Danielle to fill these important leadership roles,” Frank Ward stated. “Both individuals bring valuable experience, a shared commitment to our organization’s mission, and a clear vision for where we want to go.”

Gaw Becomes First Female General Manager of Nashville Sounds

Gaw’s appointment carries profound milestone significance. She becomes the first female General Manager in the 49-year history of the Nashville Sounds, while also joining an exclusive group as the fifth active female GM across all 30 Triple-A baseball clubs.

Her roots with the franchise run deep. Gaw originally began her career as an intern with the Sounds at Greer Stadium. She subsequently worked across a variety of positions during an 11-season tenure spanning from 2014 to 2024, most recently holding the title of Vice President of Corporate Partnerships between 2022 and 2024. Following her departure in 2024, she expanded her executive resume through partnership roles with Athletes Unlimited and the Opry Entertainment Group, alongside serving on the board for Playmakers Nashville.

“I began my career as an intern with the Sounds at Greer Stadium so this opportunity is especially meaningful to me,” Gaw shared. “I look forward to reconnecting with the Sounds community and helping create lasting memories for our fans.”

For Scopel, stepping into the COO role represents a milestone. “This opportunity is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of what we have accomplished together,” Scopel noted.

Transitioning Out an Award-Winning Era

The leadership changes follow the departure of previous General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Adam English, who leaves behind a decorated tenure. During English’s five-year watch, the organization garnered substantial acclaim across Minor League Baseball. The Sounds captured the Minor League Baseball Organization of the Year award in 2022, claimed the first-ever Driving Diversity award in 2024, and secured a Golden Bobblehead in 2025 for the annual Delta Dental Kids Day event. The club consistently ranked among the Top 10 in Minor League Baseball attendance throughout each of his five seasons.