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.
Meet the 2024 Honorees
Jessica Yavitz Chicago Fire
Kevin Demoff Black Sports Business Symposium & Los Angeles Rams/KSE
Alexandria Hill Los Angeles Rams
Morgan Cato Phoenix Suns
Jessica Yavitz, Vice President of Community Relations at Chicago Fire FC and Executive Director of the Chicago Fire Foundation
Yavitz 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 Operations
Demoff 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 Rams
Hill 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 Suns
Cato’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.
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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.
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
Marshall Award for Values in Sports
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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
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.
Jessica Yavitz
Kevin Demoff
Alexandria Hill
Morgan Cato
Jason Jenkins "Victory for Humanity" Award
Marshall Award for Values in Sports
