GO SPORTS PRESIDENT & CEO JASON SIEGEL NAMED ONE OF ONYX MAGAZINE’S 2025 MEN OF HONOR

ONYX Magazine, Founding Partner Orlando Health and Presenting Sponsor McCoy Federal Credit Union are excited to announce the sixth annual ONYX Magazine Men of Honor (MOH), a black-tie celebration of 22 leaders noted for their contributions throughout Florida and beyond. The event will highlight these stalwarts for their achievements in myriad professions and community service. Since 2019, ONYX Magazine has applauded more than 100 such men, dubbing them “The Tallest Trees in the Forest,” including Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

Jason Siegel has enjoyed more than 30 years of success and accomplishments in sports tourism, major and minor league professional sports, as well as intercollegiate athletics. Now in his 10th year as President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports), the organization has hosted more than 430 events during his tenure. A recognized industry leader and relationship builder, Siegel has received numerous honors for his contributions to sports, tourism, and the community, and continues to serve on multiple local boards. Prior to joining the Sports Commission, Siegel spent five years as Managing Partner and CEO of the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL), where he oversaw the organization’s business and hockey operations while managing the team’s relationship with its NHL and AHL affiliates. Jason and his wife Sarah Grafton, both passionate about service to their community and avid supporters of the arts, currently reside in Maitland, FL, raising their four children, Stephanie (24), Ryder (16), Bobby (14), and Joseph (8).

“It is important to highlight ordinary men doing extraordinary work in their respective disciplines and their communities, and we could not make such a bold presentation without the support of six-year Founding Partner, Orlando Health, and five-year Presenting Sponsor, McCoy Federal Credit Union,” shared ONYX Magazine Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Rich Black. “Further, as a trusted media outlet, we have a responsibility to pay it forward. I believe we do so by affording young people an opportunity to meet trailblazers as they all share stories of their struggle and triumph.”

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by ONYX Magazine as one of this year’s Men of Honor, and I want to extend my gratitude to Mayor Jerry Demings, Tony Jenkins, Al Cowans, Rich Black, Nancy Schwalb, and the team at Orlando Health for their unwavering support and belief in our organization’s mission,” said Siegel. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, board of directors, and community partners who work collaboratively to showcase our region as a world-class sports destination. It is through their shared vision, passion, and commitment that we have earned the distinction of being named Sports Business Journal’s No. 1 Best Sports Business City for Attracting & Hosting Events.”

With that, ONYX Magazine has designed a unique private event to connect current and aspiring leaders. Through generous donations from Orlando Health, The Jason Dion Giving Fund, and JW Marriott, the ONYX Foundation, LLC, will present scholarships to eight deserving young men destined to attend college, obtain a trade certification, or earn professional licensing. The scholars and leaders will network before the dinner to discover common interests and explore mentorship and other engagement opportunities.

The sixth annual Men of Honor, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Rosen Centre Hotel, located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Fla., will begin with a Kickoff Reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by the formal dinner and awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m. The night will open with a stunning performance by Afrobeat entertainer, Oba Ogunlano, the “King of Orisa Beat Music”; and will feature music by Smooth Jazz artist NapoSax; and Darrell Moody Ocean Breeze Smooth Jazz throughout the evening.

Hosts of this awesome event and networking opportunity will include award-winning news and television personalities: Emcee Curtis McCloud, anchor and investigative reporter at Spectrum 13; Honoree Presenter Daralene Jones, a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist at Orlando’s WFTV 9; and Red-Carpet Host Julie Gargotta, anchor and reporter at Spectrum 13.

Serving in MOH leadership are Honorary Chair Jerry Demings, the Mayor of Orange County; Honorary Chairs Alvin Cowans, the President of McCoy Federal Credit Union, Michael Laderman, the Chief Marketing Officer at Akylade, and Tony Jenkins, the Central Florida Market President at Florida Blue; Event Chair Monica Riley, the president of C&M Riley, Inc.; and Event Co-Chair Nancy Schwalb, the President and CEO of Schwalb Public Relations.

Learn more about ONYX Magazine Men of Honor at www.onyxmoh.com. For sponsorship opportunities, please call 407.451.2891 or email connect@onyxmagazine.com.

ONYX Magazine at a Glance:

ONYX Magazine, based in Orlando, is a premier publication that Celebrates Black achievement Throughout Florida and Beyond. It provides entertaining, inspiring, and informative stories and editorials with Black consumers in mind, while promoting seamless, diverse cultural connections. ONYX Magazine also hosts the annual ONYX Magazine Women on the Move to celebrate outstanding women, and the statewide ONYX Business Connect, which brings corporations and grassroots organizations together for shared enterprise opportunities.

About the Greater Orlando Sports Commission:

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992-93, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,700 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.86 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visit www.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.