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.
Join us on August 18, 2026, for an evening of celebration at The Assembly 2026. The Welcome Reception, presented by Oak View Group Arena Alliance, kicks off at 6:00 PM, followed by the 2026 Medal of Leadership Celebration at 7:00 PM. If you're already registered for The Assembly, your ticket includes access to both events. If you're not attending The Assembly but would like to attend the Medal of Leadership Celebration, you can purchase a ticket separately here.
Meet The 2026 Honorees
Erika Swilley - Jason Jenkins "Victory for Humanity" Award
Erika Swilley serves as Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation, drawing on experience with the Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Sky, and Detroit Shock. She leads the Foundation's strategic direction, amplifying players' global charitable and community-building initiatives. She has received the NASS Medallion Award and was named to Detroit's 40 Under 40. She is a University of Missouri-Columbia alumna.
Taylor is Director of Brand Marketing for the Detroit Tigers, developing and executing strategic marketing efforts to drive revenue and brand awareness while fostering a positive work culture. She received MLB's Katy Feeney Leadership Award in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, camping, and exploring Detroit restaurants with her husband.
Angie Swint is Senior Vice President of Broadcasting for the Texas Rangers and Executive Producer of Rangers Sports Network (RSN), launched in February 2025. In her 27th season with the organization, she led RSN's creation, driving gains in distribution, ratings, and production quality. Her experience with broadcast operations at the club’s previous ballpark was instrumental in the development of broadcast infrastructure at Globe Life Field during its design and construction. She previously served as VP of Broadcasting and is a Kansas State University graduate.
Sola Winley is Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer at Major League Soccer, joining in 2021. He leads human resources, diversity, equity and inclusion, and player engagement efforts, driving access and opportunity in underserved communities. Previously, he held senior roles at the NFL, A+E Television Networks, and ProVision Consulting. He holds degrees from the University of Connecticut, Adelphi, New York University, and Fordham.
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
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
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 
