Submit your nomination for the 2026 Medal of Leadership Honorees and learn more here:
About The Medal of Leadership
Pro Sports Assembly strives to elevate members who are building strong, healthy and fair organizations and communities. The Medal of Leadership celebration was inspired by two leaders who lifted inclusive leadership to new heights: Jason Jenkins and Cynt Marshall. They leveraged their positions of influence to benefit the greater good and epitomize what it means to be a PRO.
Jason Jenkins "Victory for Humanity" Award
The "Victory for Humanity Award" was created in honor of Jason Jenkins, the late Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs for the Miami Dolphins and a founding member of PRO, serving on the Governing Board as Chair of Communications. Jason was an exceptional leader - a unifier of people and a champion in the community. The Jason Jenkins "Victory for Humanity" Award is presented to a Pro Sports Assembly member for significantly leveraging their position of influence to create lasting impact in the community.
- Be employed full-time at a professional team, league, union, or venue at the time of nomination
- Demonstrate commitment to serving in the community
- Serve as a positive role model
- Demonstrate leadership and vision to unify people across all backgrounds
Marshall Award for Values in Sport
The Marshall Award for Values in Sports was created in honor of Cynthia "Cynt" Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. As the first Black female CEO in the NBA, Cynt represents strength and impact for the organization, its greater community and the professional sports ecosystem. The Marshall Award for Values in Sports is presented to a trailblazing Pro Sports Assembly member who exemplifies Character, Respect, Authenticity, Fairness, Teamwork and Safety.
- Be employed full-time as a senior-level executive at a professional team, league, union, or venue at the time of nomination
- Be an advocate for inclusive leadership and equity within their organization and in the broader community
- Demonstrate commitment, cooperation, and allegiance in promoting excellence in the professional sports industry
- Demonstrate leadership and vision in their organization and the industry
Rising Leader Award
The Rising Leader Award recognizes a full-time pro sports executive (0-10 years of experience) who has made an exemplary impact early in their career. This award calls attention to an individual with an outstanding commitment to excellence.
- Possess 0-10 years of professional sports experience at a team, league, union, or venue
- Nominee must exhibit effective leadership skills at their organization;
- Demonstrate involvement in the community (specific examples should be provided);
- Show a clear sense of growth and success in their role (specific examples outlining skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments should be provided)
Visionary Leadership Award
The Visionary Leadership Award is presented to a senior-level (director and above) professional sports leader. Throughout their career, this individual has shown excellence inside their organization, in their community, and is dedicated to building the next generation of leaders.
- Be employed full-time as a senior-level executive at a professional team, league, union, or venue at the time of nomination
- Have 11+ years of professional sports experience
- Be committed to inclusive leadership and equity;
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mentorship;
- Demonstrate leadership and vision in their organization and the professional sports industry
Past Honorees
2025 Honorees
Pam Frasco
Senior Vice President of Social Impact & Executive Director of The Cavaliers Foundation for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Chris Granger
Chief Executive Officer for Oak View Group
Todd Taylor
Advisor to Chief Executive Officer for Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Sheila Sickau
Senior Marketing Manager of Football Development for the Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Honorees
Jessica Yavitz
Vice President of Community Relations at Chicago Fire FC and Executive Director of the Chicago Fire Foundation
Kevin Demoff
Co-founder and Executive Sponsor of the Black Sports Business Symposium and Los Angeles Rams President and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment President, Team & Media Operations
Morgan Cato
Executive Vice President of Player Operations for the National Basketball Players Association
Alexandria Hill
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer for Klutch Sports Group
2023 Honorees
Xavier Gutierrez
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of ImpactX Sports Group
Michele Roberts
Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association
Mary Kate Meals
Spa Reservation Specialists for Sacred Hour Wellness Spas
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About The Medal
The hand holding the torch symbolizes the passing of the torch to the next set of pro sports leaders. The PRO letters are included in the torch to show the strength of the community that we have in the PRO Sports Assembly organization. The laurel wreath represents the triumph and success that leaders in pro sports have and show daily. The rays in the background represent the rays of light and power that each individual holds to create a positive change in their organizations and communities. The people and stars in the outer circle represent all individuals in pro sports and the Pro Sports Assembly.
Meet the Designer
Emilio Cortez is a member of Pro Sports Assembly with a background in visual arts. In 2023, Emilio designed the inaugural Medal of Leadership design. He currently works for the San Francisco 49ers as a coordinator in the 49ers EDU program. He is also a founding member of the 49ers L.E.A.D (Latinx Empowerment, Advancement & Development) ERG.
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