Jason Siegel
Organization: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. He is currently in his sixth year as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports!).
Under his leadership, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (formerly the Central Florida Sports Commission) hosted more than 250 events, projected to drive more than $750 million in economic impact from 2016-2021. Anchored by marquee events such as the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, 2019 Monster Jam World Finals, 2019 and 2021 NCAA D1 Men's & Woman's Tennis Championships, 2017 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship First and Second-Rounds, Copa America Centenario, CONCACAF Gold Cup, 2017 and 2022 USMNT World Cup Qualifiers, and WrestleMania 33 & 36, GO Sports serves one of the largest sports tourism regions in the country and drives economic impact for the City of Orlando, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. In that time, the Commission’s Board of Directors has quadrupled in size as many of the public and private sector partners served by GO Sports have taken leadership positions within the organization. In addition, the Commission has grown its portfolio of regional corporate partners from 4 to more than 125.
Known as a highly creative relationship builder and business development executive, Siegel was named one of Orlando Business Journal's CEOs of the Year in 2017 and in 2018 he was asked to serve on Mayor Jerry Demings’ Orange County transition team. In 2019, i4 Magazine recognized Siegel as their Business Leader of the Year for Hospitality & Tourism and 96.9 The Game presented him with a Mikey Award as the 2019 Most Impactful Central Floridian for his work in sports tourism. In 2020, he was recognized as one of Winter Park Magazine’s Most Influential People. In 2021, Orlando Magazine named him one of Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful and he was recognized by Orlando Business Journal as one of 50 of Central Florida’s most influential individuals.
During Siegel’s tenure, the Sports Commission has helped secure millions of dollars in funding and subsequently landed marquee events including but not limited to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, the 2019 and 2022 Monster Jam World Finals, 2019 MLS All Star Game, the 2019, 2021, and 2023 D1 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis National Championships, 2020-2023 ECNL Boys and Girls Florida National Events, 2019 Florida Cup, 12 USMNT and USWNT soccer matches, 2021 Gold Cup matches, and the 2023 First and Second Rounds of NCAA D1 Men’s Basketball. On October 14, 2020, GO Sports led all cities across the nation, as Orlando was awarded a record 17 NCAA National Championship events from 2022-2026.
Prior to joining the Sports Commission, Siegel spent five years as Managing Partner and CEO of the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL). The organization was recognized by the League winning the 2013 ECHL Award of Excellence. Siegel was a finalist for Executive of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and served on the League’s Executive Board of Governors. He oversaw the organization's business and hockey operations while managing the team's relationship with its NHL (Toronto Maple Leafs/Minnesota Wild) and AHL (Toronto Marlies/Iowa Wild) affiliates.
Siegel currently serves on several local community Boards including the Special Olympics 2022 USA Games, American Diabetes Association (past Community Chairman 2018 & 2019), Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, and the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness. In addition, he and his wife Sarah Grafton founded and host the annual Winter Park Fashion Week and will co-chair the next Heart of Florida - United Way’s Chefs Gala.
Jason and his wife Sarah, both passionate about service to their community, reside in Maitland, FL, chasing after their four children, Stephanie (21), Ryder (13), Bobby (11), and Joseph (4).
Go Back