Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Retirement of CFO Gary Cohen, Welcomes Jeanine Scharpf as New Chief Financial Officer

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) today announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Gary Cohen after more than a decade of dedicated service. The organization also proudly welcomes Jeanine Scharpf as its new CFO, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning.

Gary Cohen has been a cornerstone of GO Sports’ financial operations since joining the organization in 2014, playing a critical role in its success over the past 11 years. An avid runner, Cohen has run over 120,000 lifetime miles and completed fifty marathons. His passion for running led him to create the GaryCohenRunning (GCR) website, which was recognized by the Track and Field Writers of America in 2017 with the Alan Jacobs Award for excellence in online journalism. Since 2012, he has been the Treasurer of the Lifeboat Project, where his wife Jill is the Founder and CEO. Cohen previously served as CFO of Florida Citrus Sports, CFO of Florida Eye Clinic and Laser Center, and also served as Director of Finance for the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

“It has been the capstone of my career as a CPA and CFO to serve as the Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s CFO for the past 11 years,” said Cohen. “How exciting it was to be in the midst of securing and managing incredible events for Greater Orlando. As an accomplished marathon runner, our hosting of the 2024 Olympic Marathon Team Trials was over the top. I have enjoyed being a part of Jason Siegel’s leadership team with Jennifer Lastik, Brent Nelson and Michael Kalinich, and working with so many other outstanding people on our team. The great Board Chairs who have guided us and our community collaboration are second to none. A new stage in life is ahead, but I look forward to continuing to serve our community as The Lifeboat Project’s Treasurer and a member of the GO Sports Advisory Board.”

“We want to wish Gary and Jill the best as he begins his well-earned retirement,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “Gary has played an essential role in our organization’s growth and stability over the past decade. His unwavering support of our mission has strengthened our foundation as we continue to elevate Orlando’s reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism on the global stage. On behalf of Chairman Caesar Lopez and the board of directors, regional stakeholders, and our staff, we thank Gary for his outstanding service and wish him the very best.”

Jeanine Scharpf brings a deep background in finance and strategy, having started her career in Manhattan’s financial district in fixed income trading before transitioning into financial analytics, operational management, and corporate board reporting. She later leveraged her expertise to help scale and sell several start-up ventures.

A Long Island, NY native who relocated to Florida in 2007, Jeanine pursued her passion for accounting and completed her CPA. Her son, Connor (20), is pursuing a nursing degree at Florida State University and was a student-athlete with the Winter Park High School Crew team, where Jeanine continues to hold a pivotal position managing the organizational finances.

“Thank you to Jason Siegel and the GO Sports team for this opportunity. I am thrilled to contribute to an organization that drives such meaningful impact through sports tourism,” said Scharpf. “I look forward to supporting the team as we continue to elevate Greater Orlando as the premier destination for sporting events.”

GO Sports looks forward to the continued growth and financial leadership of the organization under Jeanine’s direction as the team builds on its momentum following Orlando’s recognition as Sports Business Journal’s #1 Best Sports Business City for Attracting and Hosting Events.

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 1,700 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.86 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visitwww.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.