Austin, TX - June 16, 2026 –  Pro Sports Assembly (“PRO”), the association for professional sports organizations and business leaders, announces the class of 2026 Medal of Leadership honorees for the fourth Medal of Leadership Celebration. The class will be honored on August 18th at The Assembly: Pro Sports Leadership Retreat and Workshop in Austin, TX, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

Professional sports leaders who receive a Medal of Leadership are recognized for demonstrating and elevating the standards of leadership excellence across professional sports. After each honoree is individually recognized and celebrated, this year's event will conclude with the second episode of "Late Night Cynterviews," where former Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall brings the meaning of “You’ve Been Chosen” to life on stage in a powerful way. 

The four honorees were nominated and selected by their PRO colleagues, and the selection committee is pleased to introduce them today: 

Jason Jenkins “Victory for Humanity” Award

Erika Swilley, Executive Director, National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation

The Jason Jenkins “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 the Chair of Communications. Jason epitomized inclusive leadership, unifying people in sport and in the community.

“Erika’s ability to recognize a community’s needs and take action embodies the very spirit of the Victory for Humanity Award,” said Elizabeth Jenkins, wife of Jason Jenkins and executive board chair of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. “Jason led with empathy and believed deeply in the power of sport to bring people together to create positive change. Through her leadership at the NBPA Foundation and the Fine(d) and Philanthropic initiative, Erika brings that belief to life — mobilizing players in meaningful ways and transforming player fines into real, measurable impact across the communities the NBA touches."

Rising Leader Award

Taylor Olson, Director of Brand Marketing, Detroit Tigers

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. 

Visionary Leadership Award

Angie Swint, Senior Vice President, Broadcasting, Texas Rangers

The Visionary Leadership Award is presented to a senior-level (director and above) professional sports leader who, throughout their career, has shown excellence inside their organization, in their community and is dedicated to building the next generation of leaders.

Marshall Award for Values in Sport

Sola Winley, Executive Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer, Major League Soccer

The Marshall Award for Values in Sport was inspired by Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, former CEO of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and Co-Founder of Pro Sports Assembly. As the first Black female CEO in the NBA, she represents strength and impact for the organization, its greater community and the professional sports ecosystem. This medal is presented to a trailblazing Pro Sports Assembly member who exemplifies Character, Respect, Authenticity, Fairness, Teamwork and Safety. 

To learn more about the Medal of Leadership Celebration and the 2026 Honorees, click here.

The co-chairs for the 2026 Medal of Leadership Awards are Bridget Gannon of BRIDGE Sports & Entertainment, Trennis Jones of Austin FC, Perri Travillion of Spurs Sports & Entertainment and McKenzie Watts of the Dallas Mavericks. The Assembly: Pro Sports Leadership Retreat and Workshop co-chairs are Morgan Cato of the NBPA, Travis Dillon of the Texas Rangers, Sam Simmons of Grace Peak Consulting and Nick Somoano of Legends Global.

“Influential leaders —particularly in sports—carry a special responsibility to elevate conversations, set high standards, and invest in others. This new  class of honorees embodies that responsibility, each creating a compounding effect of positive momentum in our industry.  That momentum is recognized, felt, and celebrated by their peers at the Medal of Leadership Celebration,” said Pro Sports Assembly Governing Board Chair, Marina Carpenter of the Arizona Cardinals.

The 2026 class of honorees will receive their medals at The Assembly: Pro Sports Leadership Retreat and Workshop in Austin on August 18. The Assembly is a private gathering of professional sports business leaders who are influential in setting an agenda and strategy for their organization, and who are committed to creating a strong, healthy, and fair future across the industry.

In addition to those invited to The Assembly, 50 tickets are available for additional guests to attend the Medal of Leadership Celebration presented in partnership with Oak View Group Arena Alliance. 

Those interested in sponsoring The Assembly or the Medal of Leadership celebration Retreat can learn more here or send an email to [email protected].

Last year’s honorees include:

Jason Jenkins “Victory for Humanity” Award | Pam Frasco, Senior Vice President of Social Impact & Executive Director of The Cavaliers Foundation for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Rising Leader Award | Sheila Sickau, Senior Marketing Manager of Football Development for the Kansas City Chiefs

Visionary Leadership Award | Todd Taylor, Advisor to Chief Executive Officer for Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Marshall Award for Values in Sport | Chris Granger, Chief Executive Officer for Oak View Group

About Pro Sports Assembly 
Established in 2019, Pro Sports Assembly (“PRO”) is the association for professional sports organizations and business leaders. PRO organizations drive value for the industry by creating economies of scale and scope around leadership development, research and government relations. The power of Pro Sports Assembly comes to life because PRO members champion their individual development, organization and industry. Collectively, PRO members set the standard for leadership excellence in professional sports. For more information on Pro Sports Assembly, please visit www.prosportsassembly.org and connect on LinkedIn.

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