- Kathy Ramsberger | President & CEO, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- Jason Siegel | President & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports Commission
- Jennifer Evins | President & CEO, United Arts of Central Florida
- Mark Wilf | Owner & Chairman, Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride
- Steve Hogan | CEO, Florida Citrus Sports
- Charlie Freeman | Orlando Magic
1. Kathy Ramsberger | President & CEO, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
If you know Kathy Ramsberger, then you also know the future of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is not simply about adding theaters. It is about extending the transformative power of the arts to more students, artists, veterans, patients and families across Central Florida.
Since the arts center opened in 2014, its guiding vision has been “Arts For Every Life.” Now Ramsberger, its president and CEO, is preparing to dramatically expand that mission through a master plan that would grow the downtown Orlando campus from nine venues and creative spaces to 20.
The plan calls for new theaters, education studios, event spaces, dining options and parking, as well as enhancements to the Walt Disney Theater. Once completed, the expansion is expected to help the center welcome 1.5 million guests annually, serve 80 percent more students and offer 1,000 free programs each year.
Ramsberger said the expansion is driven by demand. The center welcomes more than 910,000 guests annually, with building activity occurring 97 percent to 99 percent of the year. Its venues reach 82 percent to 97 percent capacity on the busiest days. “The biggest risk is not taking one,” Ramsberger said.
Making the case for growth requires building consensus among more than 24,000 donors and demonstrating the center’s value to elected officials, investors and community leaders. The organization currently generates an estimated $227.6 million in annual economic impact.
One recent initiative offered powerful evidence of that reach. The inaugural Frontyard Holiday Festival, supported by AdventHealth, drew 154,333 guests over 28 nights. The free celebration featured 168 live performances, created more than 100 seasonal jobs and generated an estimated $18.4 million in regional economic activity.
Some of the center’s most meaningful work happens on a smaller, more personal scale. STROKESTRA, created locally in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and AdventHealth, combines group music-making with stroke rehabilitation. The program has grown from nine participants in 2022 to more than 50, with each session reaching capacity. Participants will perform in Steinmetz Hall for the first time in November.
A Veterans Arts & Wellness program developed with the Orlando VA Healthcare System has experienced similar growth. “It’s about creating opportunities for future generations,” Ramsberger said.
2. Jason Siegel | President & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports Commission
Jason Siegel continues to strengthen Orlando’s reputation as an international sports destination.
In 2026, the International Olympic Committee selected Orlando to host the Olympic Q-Series in 2028, adding another high-profile competition to a portfolio that has included FIFA, NCAA and Olympic qualifying events. The region has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,700 sporting events generating over $3.86 billion in economic impact.
Siegel’s work depends on aligning tourism leaders, venue operators and governments across Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties. Those relationships allow the commission to pursue events that fill hotel rooms, support local businesses and showcase Central Florida to national and international audiences.
“Orlando must continue investing in our world-class facilities, prioritizing event diversification and deepening its public-private partnerships,” Siegel said.
His strategy extends beyond attracting marquee competitions. Siegel advocates for youth, amateur and emerging sports that can generate repeat visitation, broaden participation and keep venues active throughout the year. He also supports career pathways connecting residents with opportunities in sports, tourism, hospitality and event management.
As competition among host cities intensifies, Siegel is focused on strengthening Orlando’s facilities, retaining successful events and pursuing opportunities that enhance the region’s global reputation.
“With the right alignment and investment, Orlando can raise the bar for major marquee domestic and global events,” he said.
3. Jennifer Evins | President & CEO, United Arts of Central Florida
Jennifer Evins is working to ensure Central Florida’s rapid growth is matched by investment in the artists and cultural organizations shaping its identity.
Evins leads United Arts of Central Florida, overseeing an $18 million budget and supporting more than 100 arts, science and history organizations and individual artists across four counties.
In 2026, United Arts invested $150,000 in 30 Central Florida artists, expanding direct support for the people creating the region’s cultural experiences. Evins is also advancing the Canvas Cultural Plan, adopted by Orlando and Orange County as a roadmap for strengthening facilities, public art, creative careers and cultural access.
“Our region has established a shared vision to be a Global Creative Capital by 2045,” Evins said.
Her influence extends beyond grantmaking. Through cultural tourism, advocacy and public-private partnerships, Evins is positioning the arts as an economic engine and essential component of a thriving region.
4. Mark Wilf | Owner & Chairman, Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride
Mark Wilf continues to elevate Orlando’s professional soccer organizations while investing in the long-term growth of the women’s game.
Under the Wilf family’s ownership, the Orlando Pride have evolved into a perennial contender, following their 2024 NWSL Shield and championship with another semifinal appearance in 2025.
In 2026, Wilf appointed Caitlin Carducci as the Pride’s vice president of soccer operations and general manager. Her arrival signaled the organization’s determination to sustain a championship-caliber roster and ambitious club culture.
“The Pride are a vital part of our soccer family,” Wilf said. “We are dedicated to giving these world-class athletes the platform and support they deserve.”
Wilf’s influence also extends through Orlando City SC and INTER&Co Stadium, which has become a prominent destination for domestic and international soccer. His leadership emphasizes competitive success, organizational stability and stronger connections with supporters throughout Central Florida.
As soccer’s profile continues to rise nationally, Wilf has positioned Orlando to benefit from growing enthusiasm for both the men’s and women’s games. His continued investment in players, leadership, facilities and the fan experience has positioned both clubs to represent Orlando on an increasingly global stage.
5. Steve Hogan | CEO, Florida Citrus Sports
Steve Hogan delivered one of Orlando’s most consequential sports victories of 2026: securing the Jacksonville Jaguars for the entire 2027 NFL season.
NFL owners approved Camping World Stadium as the Jaguars’ temporary home while their Jacksonville stadium undergoes reconstruction. The agreement will bring regular-season NFL football to Orlando and place the region on a national stage.
Hogan is simultaneously helping guide a $400 million transformation of Camping World Stadium.
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the project will expand concourses and amenities, redesign the exterior and add a multipurpose event center.
The venue continues operating during construction, hosting the Citrus Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl and Florida Classic in 2026. Florida Citrus Sports also brought national teams from Brazil, Colombia and Croatia to Orlando for World Cup warmup matches.
For Hogan, the challenge now is maximizing those investments and ensuring the upgraded stadium delivers major events, economic impact and lasting benefits for Central Florida.
6. Charlie Freeman | Orlando Magic
For Charlie Freeman, the power of sports begins with the people in the stands and extends well beyond the arena.
The Orlando Magic leader sees Central Florida’s next opportunity in attracting major sporting events through investments in venues and partnerships among government, tourism organizations, universities and local businesses. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ planned 2027 stay at Camping World Stadium illustrates what that cooperation can accomplish.
Freeman takes equal pride in the Magic’s work with local nonprofits. During the 2025-26 season, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation committed $1.6 million in grants for organizations serving at-risk youth across Central Florida, adding professional development opportunities to help those partners strengthen their programs.
His motivation remains the fans whose hometown appears on the team’s jerseys. Their pride, he says, carries a responsibility to represent Orlando well.
“Sports is the great connector,” Freeman says. “It can bring people and a community together, truly transcending all barriers.”
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