Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Greater Orlando Sports Commission Greater Orlando Sports Commission is a private non-profit created to attract international and national events and sports-related business to the region.
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That’s all for today — and that’s a wrap on our 2026 finalist spotlights! 🏆 Be sure to tune in tomorrow, Wednesday, J...
06/16/2026

That’s all for today — and that’s a wrap on our 2026 finalist spotlights! 🏆

Be sure to tune in tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17 from 7:00–8:00 PM on News 6 WKMG’s ClickOrlando.com to find out who will take home the trophy in each category!

Who will take home the SPORTY for Executive of the Year presented by Orlando Health? 🏆 Tune in on Wednesday, June 17 fr...
06/16/2026

Who will take home the SPORTY for Executive of the Year presented by Orlando Health? 🏆

Tune in on Wednesday, June 17 from 7:00–8:00 PM to find out during the 2026 : Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions on News 6 WKMG's ClickOrlando.com.

Our last finalist for Executive of the Year is Ricardo Villar. As Chief Executive Officer of FC Series, Villar has helpe...
06/16/2026

Our last finalist for Executive of the Year is Ricardo Villar. As Chief Executive Officer of FC Series, Villar has helped establish Orlando as a premier destination for international soccer over the past decade.

Under Ricardo’s leadership, FC Series has hosted world-renowned clubs and national teams from across the globe, bringing high-profile matches to Central Florida. He also played a key role in initiatives such as the Road to 26 platform and other global soccer programming that have driven significant attendance, tourism, and economic impact for the region. Through long-standing relationships across the global soccer landscape, Ricardo continues to help elevate Orlando’s reputation on the international stage.

Next up for Executive of the Year is Ryan Ritchie, formerly of Discover Lake County FL and recently named Vice President...
06/16/2026

Next up for Executive of the Year is Ryan Ritchie, formerly of Discover Lake County FL and recently named Vice President of Membership & Operations for the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. During his time as Director of Development for Discover Lake County, Ritchie helped elevate the county’s profile as a premier destination for sports tourism through strategic partnerships and high-impact event development.

Under Ryan’s leadership, Lake County secured and supported a wide range of nationally and internationally recognized sporting events, including collaborations with USA Track & Field, NFCA, and professional track & field organizations. He also helped bring in multi-year championship partnerships and high-profile events that generated significant economic impact, media exposure, and visitor engagement for the region. Through continued collaboration with partners and governing bodies, Ryan played a key role in positioning Lake County as a growing force in the sports tourism industry.

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Pennie Parker, Associate Vice President of Athletics at Rollins Sports. ...
06/16/2026

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Pennie Parker, Associate Vice President of Athletics at Rollins Sports.

Pennie has led the Tars through a period of sustained competitive, academic and institutional success, including multiple NCAA Division II national championships, numerous Sunshine State Conference titles and a long list of academic honors. A multiple-time national Athletics Director of the Year honoree, she has also served in key leadership roles across NCAA and national athletics organizations, helping shape policy, mentorship and professional development within collegiate athletics. Through her continued dedication to student-athletes and the broader athletics community, Pennie has made a lasting impact on both Rollins and Division II sports as a whole.

Next up for Executive of the Year is Craig Morris. As CEO of United States Tennis Association - USTA (Official) Coaching...
06/16/2026

Next up for Executive of the Year is Craig Morris. As CEO of United States Tennis Association - USTA (Official) Coaching, Morris led the launch and growth of a national platform designed to expand access to tennis coaching education and development across the country.

Under Craig’s leadership, USTA Coaching has quickly scaled into a major industry initiative, onboarding thousands of coaches and launching a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem that includes modules, certifications, and a dedicated coaching app. He has also played a key role in advancing major global tennis initiatives, including bringing international conferences and championships to Orlando and supporting long-term growth strategies for the sport. Through his work, Craig continues to expand access, education, and opportunity within the tennis community on a national and global level.

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Terry Mohajir. As Vice President and Director of Athletics at UCF Knights...
06/16/2026

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Terry Mohajir. As Vice President and Director of Athletics at UCF Knights, Mohajir has led transformational growth across the department, combining competitive success, financial strength, and long-term strategic planning.

Under Terry’s leadership, UCF Athletics has reached record-setting fundraising levels while also advancing innovative revenue-sharing and scholarship initiatives that directly support student-athletes. He has overseen major facility development projects and strategic partnerships that continue to enhance the fan experience and generate new revenue opportunities for the program. On the competitive side, UCF has also achieved historic milestones across multiple sports, including Big 12 championships and nationally ranked programs. Through a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach, Terry continues to elevate UCF Athletics on both a regional and national stage.

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Jo Mirza. As President and CEO of AAU Sports, Mirza has played a pivotal ...
06/16/2026

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Jo Mirza. As President and CEO of AAU Sports, Mirza has played a pivotal role in supporting some of the largest youth and amateur sporting events in the world in Central Florida while driving significant economic impact for the region.

Under Jo’s leadership, AAU events such as the Junior National Volleyball Championships and Basketball World Championships have drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees and athletes from across the globe, generating billions in cumulative economic impact for Orlando over the past several years. He continues to strengthen AAU’s long-standing partnerships within the region while supporting the growth of international and national championship events that bring athletes, families, and communities together in Orlando. Through more than five decades of service to the organization, Jo has helped shape AAU into one of the most influential forces in amateur sports.

Next up for Executive of the Year is Alan Gooch. As CEO of the Orlando Sports Foundation and Executive Director of the S...
06/16/2026

Next up for Executive of the Year is Alan Gooch. As CEO of the Orlando Sports Foundation and Executive Director of the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, Gooch has played a defining role in using sport as a platform for community impact and cancer research funding in Central Florida.

Under Alan’s leadership, the Cure Bowl has become a major philanthropic driver for the region, helping raise millions for cancer research, including significant support for the UCF College of Medicine Cancer Research Center. He has also helped secure major sponsorships and board support to sustain and grow the bowl’s long-term success, while continuing to strengthen Orlando’s position as one of only a few markets in the country hosting multiple annual bowl games. Through his work, Alan continues to connect sports, community, and purpose in a meaningful and lasting way.

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Drew Donovan. As Tournament Director of the Arnold Palmer Invitational pr...
06/16/2026

Our next finalist for Executive of the Year is Drew Donovan. As Tournament Director of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, Donovan has continued to elevate one of the PGA TOUR’s premier events while strengthening its competitive, commercial, and community impact.

Under Drew’s leadership, the Arnold Palmer Invitational achieved Signature Event status on the PGA TOUR, securing consistent participation from the world’s top golfers and further enhancing Orlando’s global sports profile. He has also been instrumental in strengthening key partnerships, expanding fan engagement programming such as Executive Women’s Day and Bay Hill Explorers, and growing youth-focused initiatives that connect the next generation of fans to the game. With a strong commitment to both event excellence and community impact, Drew continues to help shape the long-term success of the tournament as one of Orlando's signature annual events.

Address

400 W Church Street, Ste 205
Orlando, FL
32801

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14076484900

Website

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