Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Promotions and New Hire for 2025

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission has announced a series of promotions and one new hire ahead of its 2025 calendar of events.

“We are thrilled to announce the well-earned promotions of our outstanding team members,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Siegel. “These individuals have shown remarkable dedication, leadership and skill, playing a key role in our organization’s achievements. Their promotions are a testament to their hard work and our commitment to supporting growth and celebrating excellence within our team. We look forward to seeing them thrive in their new roles and continue advancing our mission serving the residents of our community.”

Jennifer Lastik, who joined the Greater Orlando Sports Commission in February of 2007, has been promoted to chief operating officer. She oversees event logistics for a four-county region while managing business operations, the state grant program, event budgets and contracts. Lastik was named by Orlando Business Journal as Women Who Mean Business Honoree (2021) and 40 Under 40 Honoree (2014, 2018). Additionally, Lastik was inducted into the Inaugural Class of the Slippery Rock University Sport Management Hall of Fame. She currently serves on the board of directors for WISE Greater Orlando.

Brent Nelson will have a new title as executive vice president of business development and sports tourism. Nelson began his career with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission in 1995 after graduating from Florida State University and works with regional stakeholders, hoteliers, destination marketing organizations and venue managers in the four-county region. He has played a role in securing events that have driven more than $3.6 billion in economic impact during his time with the sports commission. Nelson previously served on the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) Board of Directors from 2018-2022.

Michael Kalinich is the executive vice president of corporate partnerships and oversees the revenue team and GO Sports corporate partnership network. In his seventh year with the company, Kalinich currently serves on the Florida Collegiate Summer League board of directors. He previously oversaw corporate partnerships for the Orlando Solar Bears served as an assistant athletic director for Binghamton University.

Kyle Sturley has been promoted to vice president of marketing, communications and special events in her 12th year with the comapny. Sturley leads the organization’s overall marketing, communications, social media and public relations efforts and will continue to manage marquee events that are hosted or co-hosted by GO Sports. She served as tournament director for the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship first- and second-round games hosted at Kia Center. She also oversees the annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon and SPORTYS Awards that are owned and operated by the sports commission.

Lindsey McBride will be the vice president of events, operations and business development. She first started with the organization in 2005 and returned to the sports commission in 2016. McBride manages events and business development for Lake and Osceola Counties where she oversees more than 20 events a year, in addition to her operational responsibilities. An Orlando native, McBride is currently part of Leadership Orlando Class 107 and previously served as the Membership Committee Chair for WISE Greater Orlando.

Elizabeth Caldarelli will be the director of business development and events. Caldarelli joined GO Sports in 2022 and oversees business development and events for Seminole County. She also manages the organization’s attraction ticket program. Caldarelli is an active member of the Junior League of Greater Orlando.

In addition, GO Sports has hired Jordan Henderson as corporate partnerships and events coordinator. Henderson spent the last eight months as a seasonal team member with Florida Citrus Sports on the corporate partnerships team contributing to the planning and execution of high-profile events, including college football bowl games and international soccer matches.