Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces 31 New Board Members For 2025

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced 31 incoming members to its Executive and Advisory Board of Directors, bringing the total to 137 board members. Incoming members will provide leadership, influence and counsel, and play a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission on behalf of the City of Orlando and Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.

“As Chairman, I am proud of this organization’s ongoing success in bringing together some of the most diverse, talented, and respected leaders from our community to serve on the board of directors,” said Caesar Lopez, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission board and Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, and Inter&Co Stadium. “We’re excited to welcome our new members and look forward to the invaluable contributions they will make as we work together in the years ahead.”

Executive Board:

• Adam Ball is the Vice President of ESPN Wide World of Sports, runDisney, & Disney Water Parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Adam joined The Walt Disney Company in 2006 and held a variety of roles in Finance and Revenue Planning across Walt Disney World before beginning his current role in 2023.  Ball is a recipient of the Walt Disney Legacy Award, which is Disney Experiences’ highest honor and recognizes exceptional individuals within the organization. Ball earned his B.A. degree from the University of Georgia and holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University. An avid sports fan, Ball and his wife have two children who love cheering on Orlando sports teams and playing a variety of youth sports.
• Anthony J. Davit is the Chief Operating Officer at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, overseeing the operational activities of GOAA and establishing and implementing an appropriate system of operational and administrative controls, policies, and procedures to accomplish GOAA’s strategic and tactical objectives and key initiatives. He is responsible for actively leading and supporting all areas of GOAA Operations at Orlando International Airport (MCO) & Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), Capital Programs, Planning, and Facilities. Prior to his current role, Davit was the Vice President of Attraction Development with Universal Creative. Prior to moving to Central Florida, Col (Ret) Davit served 26 years in the United States Air Force.
• Ultima Espino is the Senior Director of Sports Partnerships for Orlando Health. With Orlando Health for 10 years, she began with the sports medicine side of the organization and now oversees all 60+ partnerships for the Orlando Health enterprise spanning Central, Eastern and Western Florida. Her markets also reach into Alabama and Puerto Rico. Espino received her undergraduate from Florida State University with a B.S. in English and Master of Healthcare Administration from UCF where she received the only “Outstanding Student Award” in the Department of Health Management and Informatics program. Recently named to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame board of directors, Espino resides in Orlando with her husband and two boys.
• John Fremstad is the Director of Sustainability & Sales for OUC: The Reliable One. Prior to joining OUC, John spent 25+ years distinguishing himself as a successful entrepreneur and executive. He’s been instrumental in the launch of several successful companies with multiple appearances on the Inc. 500 list. John has held executive level positions with Fortune 250 companies in sales/business development, marketing, mission critical, management and government relations. Fremstad began his career as a guitarist and consultant, working with such artists as the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Van Halen, Double Duty, Scandal, Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen.
• Lisa Messina is the Chief Sales Officer for Visit Orlando, overseeing several departments including the meeting and convention sales and experience team, travel industry sales, membership, and supporting services. Messina’s career spans three decades in leadership roles at several of the meetings and events industry’s leading organizations. Prior to joining Visit Orlando, she served as the Chief Sales Officer for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, which also owns and operates the Las Vegas Convention Center. In 2023, she was named one of MPI’s 50 Most Influential Meeting Professionals and was inducted into Smart Meetings Hall of Fame. Messina holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from Cornell University.
• Jon “JP” Peterson serves as Park President for SeaWorld Orlando. With a career spanning over three decades in the United Parks & Resort family, Peterson’s journey reflects his lifelong love for animals and the water. He began his career at SeaWorld Ohio in 1992, working in operations. In 1993, Peterson followed his passion to become an animal trainer, marking the start of a fulfilling career focused on the care, conservation, and education of marine life. In 1997, he transitioned to SeaWorld Orlando, where he continued to rise through the ranks. In 2023, JP was named Park President of SeaWorld Orlando, where he now leads with a vision rooted in innovation, sustainability, and world-class guest experiences.

Advisory Board:

• Karim Arja is currently a Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at One Florida Bank in Orlando, focused on business development and client consultation working closely with family offices, real estate developers, and commercial clients to provide comprehensive financial solutions using his broad experience and long-term success in providing over $1 Billion in lending solutions. Arja is a trusted leader in the banking and corporate finance sectors with over 30 years of expertise in management accounting, treasury operations, and long term and working capital financing. A resident of Winter Park with his wife and two children, Arja is deeply committed to community involvement and volunteerism.
• Rebekah Arthur is the President & CEO of the Seminole County Chamber. She started at the Chamber in 2014 as director of events and held several roles before being named to her current position in January 2023. A proud native of Seminole County, Arthur graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s four-year program and the Institute for Organizational Management in 2022, and was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as part of the 2022 40 Under 40 Class. Arthur currently sits on the board of directors of Business Force, the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, and Leadership Seminole. In her personal time, Arthur, her husband, Jason, and their daughter Christine are often found on their boat enjoying Florida’s waterways.
• Dan Artone currently serves as Vice President & General Manager of Enterprise Mobility, overseeing 50+ locations in Central Florida for both car and truck operations, three retail car dealerships, Commute with Enterprise, and the administrative teams who support these operations. Artone grew up in a suburb north of Boston, graduated from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire in 1992, and began his career at Enterprise in December of 1992. After two years, Artone became a Branch Manager, four years an Area Manager, 10 years a Regional Manager, and 13 years a Regional Vice President – all in the Boston market. Overall, Artone’s career with Enterprise Mobility spans 32 years in four different markets nationwide.
• James Berry serves as President & Chief People Officer for COVENANT. Berry, a Michigan State University alumnus with a B.S. in Construction Management, has spent over 40 years shaping the construction industry across North America and the Caribbean. Today, he is celebrated for his transformative leadership and technical acumen, with a portfolio that includes leadership roles at leading companies like Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Darden Restaurants, and DR Horton. Licensed as a General Contractor in multiple states and holding a Florida Commercial Roofing license, Berry has become a trusted authority in the industry. In 2023, he joined Covenant, where he has already driven over $30 million in new revenue.
• Scott Cavanaugh serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Licensing for Travel + Leisure Co., where he is responsible for driving the company’s growth through strategic marketing initiatives, business partnerships, and licensing opportunities. In his role, Cavanaugh focuses on creating new owner opportunities, enhancing the owner value proposition, and generating revenue by leveraging the iconic Travel + Leisure brand to create unique travel offerings and experiences. Cavanaugh has earned recognition throughout his career for his leadership and impact on the business, including the Wyndham Chairman’s Award (2005), the Innovation Award (2011), and the ARDA ACE Employee of the Year Award (2024).
• Randy Chase is the Co-Owner and Chief Strategy Officer at Rocket Chimp, a dynamic marketing and advertising agency specializing in sports, entertainment, hospitality, and medical industries. At Rocket Chimp, he oversees strategy and business development, delivering tailored marketing solutions that drive growth and engagement for clients across multiple sectors. Before founding Rocket Chimp, Chase built a solid foundation in the industry through a successful 12+ year tenure at EA SPORTS. There, he excelled in roles focused on strategic planning, go-to-market execution, and partnership marketing. Outside of his professional endeavors, Chase is a devoted husband, a father of two kids, and the proud owner of three dogs.
• Lena Combs is a Partner at Withum and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Hospitality Services Group, specializing in providing accounting and audit services to clients in the hotel and lodging sector. With over 30 years of experience, Combs has a proven track record of enhancing guest experiences, optimizing operations, and driving revenue growth for some of the most prestigious hotel and resort brands in the world. Her service areas of expertise include agreed-upon procedures, business analysis, client-outsourced services, compliance and performance audits, internal control evaluation and operational and financial consulting. Combs was born and raised in the Orlando community and currently resides in Winter Park.
• Joel Dragan is the Executive Director of the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA), where he leads the 100,000+ member organization in its mission to develop and promote youth soccer across the state of Florida. Under his leadership, FYSA has made significant strides in enhancing the quality and safety of soccer for youth athletes at all levels, from recreational to elite competition. Furthering his commitment to athlete safety, Dragan currently serves as the chair of the US Youth Soccer National Participant Safeguarding Committee. In June 2024, Dragan and Florida Youth Soccer Association were successful in passing an amendment to the statue benefiting the entire youth sports landscape of Florida by extending the implementation window.
• Richard Ensor, Esq. is the Founder & CEO of Boardwalk Sports Event Management. Ensor founded Boardwalk Sports in 2023 after a distinguished 35-year tenure as Commissioner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Ensor played a pivotal role in elevating intercollegiate sports by securing events like the NCAA DI Wrestling and Frozen Four Championships, and he was instrumental in arranging for the MAAC to host the NCAA Division I Basketball Championships. His business acumen extended into managing basketball events with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), where he organized the inaugural WBCA Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.
• Joe Ferst is the Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Central Florida region of Hotwire, where he oversees all regional operations and drives growth initiatives throughout the market. His strategic approach to market development includes identifying key growth opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and leveraging innovative technology solutions to meet the evolving needs of both residential and commercial clients. With more than a decade of business development and high growth experience in the telecom industry, Ferst’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding Hotwire’s network both regionally and beyond. He was recently announced as an honoree for Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class of 2025.
• Shannon Fraser is the Vice President of Sales at iHeartMedia Orlando, where she leads strategic sales initiatives across a wide array of media platforms, including radio, digital, and event sponsorships. With over 20 years of experience in the media sales industry, Fraser brings a deep understanding of both traditional and digital advertising. In her role, Fraser oversees a diverse portfolio of clients, ranging from local businesses to national advertisers, providing them with tailored marketing solutions that meet their unique goals. Fraser is also an advocate for mentorship and professional development, dedicating time to coaching emerging sales professionals and encouraging diversity within the industry.
• Kolleen Hogan is an experienced Business Development and Account Manager with NextPath Career Partners, a respected and local staffing agency. A proud graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree, Hogan brings a deep understanding of both business and community dynamics to her work. Born and raised in Orlando, Hogan is an advocate for youth development, sports, and individuals with disabilities, channeling her passion into making a positive impact in the community. As a mother of three active boys and the wife of a dedicated lacrosse organizer who manages leagues and large-scale events throughout Central Florida, Hogan is well-versed in the power of sports to build connections and inspire growth.
• Stephanie Howell is the Senior Director of Community Affairs and Economic Development for Valencia College, responsible for strategic implementation of the college’s community engagement efforts. She works with the faculty, students and the college team to further the strategic goals of the college with community, business and non-profit organizations, and helps to direct and coordinate the college’s economic development initiatives in the community. A lawyer by education, Howell served as Legal Counsel to the Orange County Clerk of Courts and was an associate with an Orlando insurance defense firm. She has been chosen as an Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree and has served as a Leadership Steward for Leadership Orlando.
• Willie Johnson serves as Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Economic Development for VyStar Credit Union. During his tenure with VyStar Credit Union, he has led projects that have strengthened a diverse candidate pipeline with many external partners such as the US Army and National Guard, the League of Southern Credit Unions and helped establish VyStar Credit Union as a destination employer with several HBCU’s. Also serving as Vice President of the National Minority Supplier Development Council Affiliate, Johnson wrote and trained certification staffers on the certification protocol which fosters the development and contractual commitment to diverse businesses, while continuing to keep the bid process competitive.
• John Lyon was appointed General Manager at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Orlando in December 2024 by Vista Hospitality Management. His career spans over 25+ years as an award-winning leader in the Hospitality industry, having the opportunity to work for Brands like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, his hospitality career began in a 5-Diamond JW Marriott hotel, and the journey has since taken him and his family across the United States. Prior to his new role, Lyon served in a General Manager role in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he spent years working with Marriott and Hilton as a Lead GM for the State of Texas. Lyon enjoys his time off by riding his motorcycle and being with his fiancé Amy, son John Jr. and daughter Aaliyah.
• Suneera Madhani is the Founder of Worth, Stax Payments, and host of the top 100 podcast CEO School. As the founder of Stax Payments, she built one of America’s top 10 fastest-growing fintech companies, scaling it from an idea to over $140 million in recurring revenue and successfully exiting at a valuation north of $1 billion. Madhani was the first female CEO to lead a unicorn out of Florida and has received numerous accolades, including Fortune’s 40 Under 40, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women, and Inc.’s 100 Female Founders, just to name a few. Now, Madhani building her next unicorn with Worth – a groundbreaking fintech company creating the first-ever business credit score and helping financial institutions onboard small businesses faster and more efficiently.
• Erik Nilsen is the Team President for the Orlando Valkyries (Pro Volleyball Federation), recently stepping into the role in January 2025. With a rich background in sports management and team leadership, Nilsen is poised to drive the team’s competitive edge and community engagement. He will oversee strategic operations, player development, and marketing initiatives to elevate the team’s profile and expand its fan base. His leadership aims to cement the Valkyries as a dominant force in professional volleyball, focusing on team culture and performance excellence. Outside of his new role, Nilsen is committed to community service, actively participating in initiatives that promote sports among youth and support local charities.
• Jeff O’Brien is currently the CEO of the Institute for Sports & Social Justice, following seven years as its Vice President. With over 20 years of dedication, Dr. O’Brien focuses on empowering high school, college, and professional athletes through personal growth and leadership. Creator of the “Huddle Up” educational program, Dr. O’Brien addresses gender violence, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging (DEIB), and leadership. He previously directed the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) National Partnership, North America’s largest gender violence prevention initiative in sports. Since 2014, Dr. O’Brien has served as the NCAA’s lead consultant in leadership development, creating and facilitating training for the NCAA Leadership Forum and Leadership Academy Workshops.
• Eddie Serrano proudly serves as Vice President of Empire Coach Lines. Starting in the bus business at the age of 18, Serrano has built an extensive career focused on providing reliable and innovative transportation solutions. As a driving force behind Empire Coach Line, Serrano has been instrumental in growing the company into a trusted provider of charter and shuttle services in Florida and across the United States. His commitment to safety, combined with his focus on building a dedicated team, has positioned the company as a leader in the industry, ensuring it continues to adapt and thrive in a dynamic market. Outside of work, Serrano is a proud father of three boys who share a passion for basketball.
• Darrell “DK” Taylor is the Founder and CEO of Brand Name Athletes (BNA) Sports Organization and the BNA Foundation. With a deep-seated passion for sports and youth development, Taylor has dedicated his career to creating meaningful and transformative experiences in youth sports. His organization is committed to offering the ultimate youth sports experience, focusing on building character, fostering teamwork, and promoting excellence on and off the field. The BNA Foundation, a nonprofit extension of BNA Sports, focuses on community outreach and providing resources and opportunities for underserved youth to engage in sports through scholarships, education initiatives, mentoring programs, and community events.
• Rod Thompson is the CEO of FASTSIGNS North-Orlando and a dynamic leader with a passion for innovative design and creative marketing. What started as a side business designing flyers quickly evolved into a thriving career in signs and graphics, establishing himself as the go-to person for growing businesses through unique design and marketing strategies. After eight successful years in the digital printing industry, Thompson took a leap of faith and purchased a small wide format machine and approached his father to discuss the opportunity of joining the renowned FASTSIGNS brand. Both father and son recognized the industry leadership and reputation of FASTSIGNS, making it an easy decision to become a part of the team.
• John Troutt is the General Sales Manager for Stadium Club, a one-of-a-kind sports bar located inside Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando that opened in January 2024. Troutt boasts a diverse background in sports, hospitality and media at the highest levels, starting his career in 1986 at TBS Sports and CNN Sports and finishing his 15-year sports journey at Golf Channel in 2003. Troutt later started Exclusive Golf Services, an independent golf wholesale/tour-operator business, providing resorts and hotels with “golf available” solutions and packages. In 2019, Troutt co-founded Celebration Soccer School in Celebration, FL. On February 28th, 2020, Celebration Soccer School became Orlando City Soccer Club’s flagship and first official youth soccer school.
• Justin Williams is the General Manager of The Alfond Inn and brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, having held leadership roles at renowned properties such as the Grand Bohemian Orlando, Westin Verasa Napa, Twelve Hotel Atlantic Station, and the Marriott Pere Marquette. Prior to joining The Alfond Inn, Williams served as Managing Director of Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort, The Inn at Stone Mountain Park, and Stone Mountain Park Golf Club. His leadership is grounded in operational excellence and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. He also volunteers at Evans High School in Orlando, Florida, dedicating his time to mentoring students and helping shape the next generation of leaders.
• Vered Yakovee is the Founder of Yakovee Law and a sports law veteran. Before founding Yakovee Law, she served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel for the Miami Heat and Kaseya Center (then American Airlines Arena), and as Associate Team Counsel for the Boston Celtics. Yakovee earned her J.D. from USC Gould School of Law and her B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California San Diego. She taught Sports Law at Boston College Law School, ISDE in Madrid, Spain, and her alma mater USC Gould School of Law, where she also served as the founding faculty advisor for the USC Sports Law Society and taught the inaugural undergraduate Sports Law course. She currently serves as a board member for the Sports Lawyers Association.
• Chelsea Zirpola serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Central Florida, Jacksonville and Tampa for Renewal by Andersen, the replacement window and door division of Andersen Corporation. With a strong focus on driving brand growth and revenue, Zirpola oversees the company’s marketing strategy, integrating traditional and digital campaigns. Under her guidance, the company has expanded its market presence across key regions, leveraging innovative lead-generation strategies, data-driven decision-making, and impactful branding initiatives. Outside of work, Zirpola is a strong advocate for sustainability and enjoys contributing to initiatives that align with Renewal by Andersen’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.

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 1,660 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.3 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visitGreaterOrlandoSports.com.