The New York Festivals Advertising Awards has unveiled the 2026 Sports Executive Jury, led by Jury Chair Shannon Washington, Partner at 11Ounces.
The panel includes representatives from sports, entertainment, brands, agencies, and platforms, working across sport, culture, creators, and community.
As the Sports category group in 2026 continues to evolve, it reflects a combination of storytelling, strategy, and cultural influence, recognizing work that engages audiences and shapes how sport is experienced, consumed, and connected globally.
The jury includes professionals in sports marketing and creative content. Their perspective is intended to ensure that work recognized reflects creative work and cultural impact.
“I’m energized by recognizing work that moves culture forward, not just reflects it, understands intimacy at scale, and puts athletes, teams, and fan communities at the center, not as props,” said Shannon Washington, CCO / Partner, 11Ounces.
“Sports is having this moment because it’s one of the last truly shared experiences we have. And the creative work that honors that authentically, that’s what I’m here to recognize.”
NYF introduces the 2026 Sports Executive Jury, a dynamic panel of top-tier creative leaders defining the future of sports storytelling, partnerships, and brand experiences.
2026 Sports Executive Jury
Jury Chair – Shannon Washington, CCO / Partner, 11Ounces
- Dan Arango, Global Creative Director, Grey
- Lindsei Barros, Group Creative Director, Translation
- Sari Brecher, Brands in Culture, Diageo
- Austin DeJong, Creative Director, FanDuel
- Andre Gray, Chief Creative Officer, Havas
- Surf Melendez, VP Content, Creative & Brand, Arizona Cardinals
- Ryan O’Keefe, Group Creative Director, R/GA
- Andrew Rhodes, Senior Vice President, DKC
- Giancarlo Rodas, Executive Creative Director, BBDO New York
- Maggie Walsh, Head of Strategy, GLOW
“This exceptional jury is deeply connected to the evolving world of sports marketing,” said Scott Rose, President, New York Festivals.
“Their combined expertise across storytelling, innovation, and brand engagement will ensure that only the most impactful and creatively distinctive work rises to the top.”
“Sports storytelling today moves at the speed of culture,” said Donny Gherardi, Director, New York Festivals. “This jury brings a focused understanding of how creativity connects with fans in real time, across every platform.”
For the 2026 season, New York Festivals continues to elevate its judging experience through an expanded in-person program developed in partnership with the 4A’s.
The deadline for entering the 2026 NYF Advertising Awards is April 23, 2026. To enter the 2026 NYF Advertising Awards or for more information on categories, rules, and regulations, visit here.
