Pro Sports Assembly’s Medal of Leadership Awards recognizes trailblazers who embody the spirit of inclusive leadership and who have positively impacted the professional sports industry. The 2024 Medal of Leadership Awards were presented at The Assembly Leadership Retreat on June 5, 2024.
Jessica Yavitz, Vice President of Community Relations at Chicago Fire FC and Executive Director of the Chicago Fire FoundationYavitz boasts over 20 years of experience in professional sports and non-profit industries. Under her leadership, Chicago Fire FC and their charitable arm, the Chicago Fire Foundation, have garnered numerous accolades including winning the 2019 ESPN Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year award and leading Major League Soccer as a multi-time winner of the Community Relations Club of the Year, most recently in 2023. The Fire were recognized as the Beyond Sport Team of the Year in 2016 and have been named multiple times as a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Best Commitment to Education Award. Yavitz also has been individually honored with several awards, receiving the Bright Promises Champion for Children Award in 2023, named as the 2022 WISE (Women in Sports and Entertainment) Chicago Woman of Inspiration, and named as the 2007 MLS Community Relations Executive of the Year. Yavitz is recognized for her innovative leadership in developing key partnerships and programs, such as the internationally acclaimed P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program, which has grown by more than 400% since its inception in 2013, expanding to over 60 Chicago Public Schools, serving thousands of under resourced inner-city youth.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 OperationsDemoff has served as the President of the Los Angeles Rams for 16 years and was recently named the President of Team and Media Operations for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. He was instrumental in the Rams’ return to Los Angeles and the development of Hollywood Park, including SoFi Stadium. Notably, Demoff’s commitment to inclusive leadership extends to his involvement in co-founding the Black Sports Business Symposium, aimed at creating opportunities for diverse professionals in the sports industry. His leadership has garnered recognition and awards for the Rams’ significant impact on the Los Angeles region. Alexandria Hill, Football Operations Coordinator for the Los Angeles RamsHill is a pivotal member of the Los Angeles Rams Football Operations team. In addition to contributing to a Super Bowl victory, Alex’s achievements extend beyond the field. She has been nationally recognized as a rising black professional in the sports industry. Hill’s dedication to her craft, coupled with her commitment to inclusive leadership, continues to make her a standout figure in the NFL. Morgan Cato, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix SunsCato’s decade-long journey with the NBA saw her rise from Team Lead for Early Career Development in Human Resources to Associate Vice President for League Operations. She played pivotal roles in strategic programs such as the “Future of the Game” General Managers initiative and the launch of the Basketball Africa League. In 2022, Cato made history as the first woman of color to hold the title of Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations when she joined the Phoenix Suns. She was also one of the highest-ranking women in a front office, underscoring her transformative power of dedication and inclusive leadership in the sports industry. —Pro Sports Assembly strives to elevate members who are building strong, healthy and fair organizations and communities. The Medal of Leadership Awards were inspired by two leaders who lifted inclusive leadership to new heights: Jason Jenkins and Cynt Marshall. They have leveraged their positions of influence to benefit the greater good and epitomize what it means to be a PRO. VIEW PAST HONOREES
More About The Awards
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.
The Marshall Award for Values in Sports was created in honor of Cynthia "Cynt" Marshall, 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.
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.
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.
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