The Medal of Leadership celebration recognizes leaders who embody the spirit of inclusive leadership and have leveraged their influence to impact the professional sports industry.
The 2025 Medal of Leadership celebration will take place at The Assembly in June 2025.
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.
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
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
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)
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
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 Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns
Alexandria Hill Football Operations Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams
2023 Honorees
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.
Jason Jenkins "Victory for Humanity" Award 
