Nashville Sounds Announce Changes to Leadership Team

NASHVILLE (October 27, 2026) – Nashville Sounds owner Frank Ward announced today key changes to the club’s leadership team, naming Doug Scopel as Chief Operating Officer and Danielle Gaw as General Manager.

Scopel will oversee all day-to-day operations of the ballclub. A Sounds employee since 2000, he previously served as the club’s Vice President of Operations since the opening of First Horizon Park in 2015.

Gaw, whose primary focus will be on the revenue side of the business, returns to First Horizon Park in a new role after previously working for the Sounds in a variety of positions over 11 seasons from 2014 to 2024, serving most recently as the team’s Vice President of Corporate Partnerships from 2022-24.

“We are excited to promote Doug and welcome back Danielle to fill these important leadership roles,” said Ward. “Both individuals bring valuable experience, a shared commitment to our organization’s mission, and a clear vision for where we want to go. These appointments represent an important step forward as we continue to strengthen our operations, invest in our people, and build experiences that our fans and community can be proud of.”

“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into the new role of Chief Operating Officer,” said Scopel. “I want to sincerely thank the ownership team for their trust, confidence, and continued support, as well as our entire staff for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to our shared vision. This opportunity is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of what we have accomplished together. I am excited to continue to build on our past successes at First Horizon Park.”

Gaw becomes the first female General Manager in the Sounds’ 49-year history and the fifth active female GM among the 30 Triple-A baseball clubs.

“I'm incredibly excited to return to the Nashville Sounds and honored to step into the role of General Manager,” Gaw said. "I began my career as an intern with the Sounds at Greer Stadium so this opportunity is especially meaningful to me. I look forward to reconnecting with the Sounds community and helping create lasting memories for our fans.”

Since her departure from the Sounds in 2024, Gaw has continued to grow her experience in sports and entertainment through partnership roles with Athletes Unlimited (AUSL) and the Opry Entertainment Group.

She serves on the board for Playmakers Nashville, a Nashville-based collective that elevates women in and around sports at every stage – from college to C-suite.

Previous GM/COO Adam English has departed the team. English oversaw an award-winning five years for the Sounds, winning MiLB Organization of the Year in 2022, the first-ever Driving Diversity award in 2024, and a Golden Bobblehead for best Non Gameday Event in 2025 for the annual Delta Dental Kids Day. The Sounds ranked among the Top 10 in Minor League Baseball attendance in each of his five seasons.

“It was an honor to lead the incredible group of men and women who make up the Sounds staff,” English said. “I’d like to thank them, along with Frank Ward, for the opportunity to lead this organization. I’d also like to thank the fans, who are the best in baseball. Each and every staff member contributed to the success of the organization and while I am excited for the next chapter, the Sounds will always hold a special place in my heart. I know the organization is in good hands moving forward.”