The DeVos Family

The DeVos family purchased the Orlando Magic in September of 1991. Since then, the family has proudly served in its self-appointed role as the franchise’s “caretaker” while operating under the belief that the NBA franchise really belongs to the Central Florida community and the loyal Magic fans.

Orlando Magic Tenure

Since 1991, the franchise has won six division championships, two Eastern Conference titles and had seven 50-win seasons, including a franchise-record 60 victories in 1995-96. The Magic have advanced to the playoffs 16 times during that span, while finishing with a .500 record or better in 17 of the last 31 seasons.

The operation of the Magic has always been a passion and priority for the entire family – starting with the late Rich and Helen DeVos, and their four children and spouses. Today, Rich and Helen’s grandchildren, as the third generation of DeVos family members, are increasingly active with the team and affiliates as well.

Affiliates include the team’s NBA G League franchise, the Osceola Magic, which captured the NBA G League championship in 2020-21; the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning; and Magic Gaming, which competes in the NBA 2K League.

Philanthropy

The DeVos family is actively involved with philanthropic and community efforts in Central Florida and beyond – contributing more than $500 million in the last five years alone to nonprofit causes. Much of the family’s philanthropy supports efforts to come alongside underserved communities and support their work to enact meaningful change, remove barriers, and allow for all to achieve their full potential. One such effort is a partnership with the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), which seeks to positively impact nearly 100,000 youth each year through programs addressing education, the arts, homelessness, and health and wellness. The DeVos family covers all operating expenses for the OMYF so that each dollar raised can go to kids who will benefit from it.

Commitment to Orlando

The family played a key role in helping to secure the state-of-the-art Kia Center Center in Orlando. Opening in October 2010, the Kia Center is part of a public community venues program that also includes a new Performing Arts Center and a renovation of the Citrus Bowl Stadium. The Magic and the DeVos family also contributed $12.5 million toward construction of five community recreation centers throughout Orange County, Florida, as part of its commitment to build the new Kia Center.

DeVos family members were introduced to the Central Florida community during Orlando's drive to bring a Major League Baseball team to “The City Beautiful.” An ensuing relationship was formed between the DeVos family and the city of Orlando that culminated with the purchase of the team.

The family patriarch and Amway co-founder, Rich, understood the impact professional sports can have on the upcoming generation and inspired his family to remain committed to ensuring the team provides a positive, encouraging example for all.

RICH AND HELEN DeVOS COURT MEMORIAL

In 2019, the Orlando Magic permanently dedicated its home court at the Kia Center to honor its late Senior Chairman, Rich DeVos and his late wife, Helen DeVos. The court prominently features a “Rich and Helen DeVos Court” memorial insignia.

After purchasing the Magic in 1991, Rich and Helen’s vision was that the team and organization would serve as a platform to improve the Central Florida community. They led by example donating more than $2 million annually to the local community through grants, sponsorships of events, donated tickets and autographed merchandise. Their legacy lives on today through the Orlando Magic’s community and philanthropic contributions.

Dan DeVos, Chairman/Governor

Dan DeVos serves as chairman of the Orlando Magic and a member of the NBA Board of Governors. In this role, he focuses on long-term strategic planning for the organization and new business initiatives. He also represents ownership in business and public relations activities while working closely with the Magic’s CEO regarding business and basketball operations.

DeVos is chairman of RDV Sports which, in addition to the Orlando Magic, includes the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League, and Magic Gaming of the NBA 2K League. He also leads the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation as the organization’s chairman.

In addition to his commitment to the Magic, DeVos supports a number of sports, business and philanthropic endeavors. He is co-owner, CEO and governor of the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL) – the 2013 and 2017 Calder Cup Champions, and the top affiliate for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. DeVos serves as a member of the AHL’s executive committee as well.

In business, DeVos is chairman and CEO of DP Fox Ventures, LLC, a diversified business development and management company with interests in real estate, transportation and sports. DP Fox employs more than 1,800 professionals through companies including Fox Powersports and Fox Motor Group, a retail transportation group representing 46 manufacturers at 38 locations in Michigan and Chicago.

A member of the board of directors of Amway, the world’s largest direct selling company, DeVos also serves as president/CEO of Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. Additionally, DeVos is a partner in the Georgian Automotive Group, based in Barrie, Ontario, as well as a partner of CWD Real Estate Investment in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

DeVos is involved in a variety of philanthropic organizations including serving on the board of trustees for Hope Network Foundation, as past president of the board of the Grand Rapids Symphony, and as vice chair of the Grand Valley University Foundation. He also serves on the board of trustees for Northwood University, his alma mater.

His wife, Pamella, is president and creative director of PAMELLA ROLAND. They have two daughters and one son.

Alex Martins, Chief Executive Officer/Alternate Governor

Alex Martins, who has spent 36 years in professional sports management and rejoined the Magic in June 2005, was promoted to chief executive officer on December 7, 2011. He previously served as president for more than one year and was the team’s chief operating officer from 2006-10. Martins also serves as CEO of SED Development, LLC, an affiliate of the Magic which is currently planning an entertainment mixed use development across Church Street from the Kia Center. Martins represents the Magic as the team’s alternate governor to the NBA Board of Governors, as well as managing partner of the Osceola Magic, Orlando’s affiliate in the NBA G League, as well as having served on the NBA’s Season Restart Committee which has advised the league on the return to play from the COVID-19 hiatus. Martins also serves on the NBA G League Labor Relations Committee.

Martins, who served in various senior-level management capacities with the Magic between 1989-98 and as the organization’s executive vice president of marketing and franchise relations in 2005-06, oversees all operations of the club, as well as those of the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL and the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League.

During the past 17 years, Martins led the Magic in a transformation of its business operations, while overseeing a ticket sales, premium sales and corporate partnership effort which saw the most successful business year in the history of the franchise in the 2022-23 season. Additionally, under its previous most successful business year in 2010-11, the team received the recognition of the SportsBusiness Journal which named the Magic as a finalist for Professional Sports Team of the Year, the only NBA team to be named a finalist that year.

Similarly, Martins has spearheaded the transformation of the current Magic basketball operations department, with the hiring and management of the current basketball administration leadership. Martins also oversaw the development staff for the construction of the Magic’s new, 130,000-square-foot AdventHealth Training Center, which opened during the summer of 2022.

Included in the franchise’s success during his tenure, has been the largest season ticket base in franchise history in 2010-11 (14,200), the most successful corporate partnership sales effort in franchise history in 2021-22 and the highest group ticket sales in the NBA four of the last five years. Amongst these records is the largest increase in attendance in the NBA over the five-year period from 2010-15.

Martins was instrumental in helping to secure the state-of-the-art Kia Center in Orlando. The Kia Center is part of a public community venues program that also includes a new Performing Arts Center and a renovation of the Citrus Bowl Stadium. The new Kia Center opened in October 2010. The facility was named a finalist for the SportsBusiness Journal’s Sports Facility of the Year Award for two consecutive years and captured the award in 2012. Additionally, the Magic also contributed $20 million toward and constructed five community recreation centers throughout Orange County, Florida, as part of its commitment to build the new Kia Center. The Kia Center was also honored in 2013 with the Customer Experience Award during TheStadiumBusiness Awards presentation held in association with TheStadiumBusiness Summit in Manchester, England.

At the annual NBA Sales and Marketing Meetings, the Magic have regularly been recognized with several awards during the past decade including the “New Full Season Ticket Award” twice for being No. 1 in the NBA in new full season tickets sold, a “90 Percent Renewal Award” for being just one of five teams to achieve a 90 percent-or-higher season ticket renewal rate in 2007, a “Sponsorship Account Performance Award” for the extraordinary number of accounts secured by the global partnerships department and the “Retailer of the Year Award” twice, for the team’s retail sales performance. The team has also been awarded the NBA Sponsorship Retention Award in two of the last three seasons. The team was also recognized this past season as #1 in the NBA for customer experience by the NBA.

Martins originally joined the Magic as director of publicity/media relations in April 1989. In September of 1996, he was promoted to senior director of communications. He also previously served as the Chairman of the Board of the Magic Action Team Community Fund. The Magic Action Team Fund developed into the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, which has distributed more than $26 million to local nonprofit organizations during the last 31 years, including more than $1 million last season. Additionally, Martins served on the developmental board of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida. The program has been funded through a $9 million endowment by Rich and Helen DeVos and awards dual Masters degrees in Sport Management and Business Administration.

Martins also has served as the senior vice president of marketing and branding for the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets, vice president of communications and public affairs with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and vice president of sports ventures

with the Tavistock Group. At Tavistock, Martins served as tournament director of The Tavistock Cup, a PGA Tour-sanctioned event.

Martins started his career as a student assistant in the Villanova sports information department, assisted in the Philadelphia 76ers public relations department and was also the assistant sports information director at Georgetown University (1988-89).

Martins currently serves as the Chair of the UCF Board of Trustees. He previously served as Vice Chair, as well as Chair of the Educational Programs Committee and the Finance and Facilities Committee. Martins is also past chairman of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and The Central Florida Partnership, as well as past chairman of the Orlando Community Construction Corporation, the entity responsible for the construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. He also has served on the board of directors of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Central Florida Commission on Homeless. Martins also currently serves on the Central Florida board of directors for Seaside National Bank & Trust, and is the Chairman of the Governor’s Council of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

In April 2015, Martins received the James B. Greene Economic Development Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Orlando Economic Development Commission, and recognizes an individual whose work has contributed substantially to the economic prosperity of the region. In 2013, he was awarded the Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Leadership by the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. The award is CFHLA’s highest honor recognizing an individual’s achievements and contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry as well as the community at large. Martins was also named to Florida Trend’s Florida 500 list, as well as Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2022. In May 2023, he received the Chairman’s Award of Excellence from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, which honors a role model in the Central Florida region that has been a long-term contributor to both the GOSC and the local community.

Following the tragedy at Pulse nightclub in June 2016, Martins was chosen by the City of Orlando to Chair the board of directors for the largest fund for victims of the shooting, the city-sponsored OneOrlando fund.

Martins earned his MBA from the University of Central Florida, where he is a member of the College of Business Administration’s Hall of Fame and recipient of University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also serves on the Dean’s Executive Council for the College of Business Administration at UCF, and was honored with the opportunity to serve as Commencement Speaker at UCF in August 2008.

A native of Kearny, New Jersey, Martins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Villanova, where he graduated from in 1986. He resides in Winter Park, Fla. Martins and his wife, Juliet, have two daughters, Sophia (19) and Gabrielle (17).

Jeff Weltman, President of Basketball Operations

Jeff Weltman, who brings more than 32 years of experience in basketball operations in the NBA, was named president of basketball operations of the Orlando Magic on May 23, 2017. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the team’s basketball operations department.

Since joining Orlando, the Magic advanced to postseason play in back-to-back seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20 for the first time in eight years (since 2010-11 and 2011-12). During his second season in Orlando (2018-19), the Magic clinched a berth into the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2012 and captured the Southeast Division title, their first since 2009-10.

Orlando selected Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. He went on to capture the 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the third player in franchise history to ever win the award. Franz Wagner, the eighth overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, was named to the 2021-22 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Weltman came to Orlando after four seasons with the Toronto Raptors, including his final season as general manager (2016-17). He joined the Raptors as executive vice president, basketball operations in 2013.

Prior to joining Toronto, Weltman spent five seasons as assistant general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2008-13. During his tenure with Milwaukee, he assisted in all basketball, salary cap and administrative matters.

Weltman came to Milwaukee following one year as director of basketball administration in Detroit (2007-08) and five seasons as assistant general manager with the Denver Nuggets (2001-06).

During his time in Denver, Weltman helped engineer personnel moves that shifted the Nuggets from a struggling team with no salary cap flexibility to one of the up-and-coming teams in the NBA. The Nuggets won 49 games in 2004-05, the fourth-most since the franchise joined the NBA in 1976. In 2003-04, the Nuggets posted the sixth-biggest turnaround in NBA history, improving their win total by 26 games and reached the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

Weltman joined the Nuggets after spending 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he served as director of player personnel since 1994.

The New York native originally joined the Clippers as video coordinator in 1988 and was immediately elevated to a scouting position. During his last season in Los Angeles (2000-01), the Clippers improved their win total by 16 – the biggest turnaround in the league.

Weltman graduated in 1987 from Oberlin College in Ohio, where he earned two varsity letters in basketball. He and his wife, Alexis, have twin daughters, Lucy and JJ.

Anthony Parker, General Manager

Anthony Parker was named general manager of the Orlando Magic in July 2023.

Parker served as assistant general manager for two seasons (2021-23). He rejoined Orlando after spending four seasons (2017-21) as general manager of the Lakeland (now Osceola) Magic of the NBA G League. Under his leadership, Lakeland recorded 94 regular season victories since beginning play, tied for the most in the NBA G League during that span. They capped off the 2020-21 campaign by winning the NBA G League championship.

Prior to joining Lakeland, Parker spent five seasons (2012-17) as a scout with the Orlando Magic.

Originally selected in the first round (21st overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft by New Jersey, Parker played in 494 career NBA regular season games (423 starts) during nine seasons (1997-2000, 2006-12) with Philadelphia, Orlando, Toronto and Cleveland, averaging 9.1 ppg., 3.2 rpg. and 2.3 apg. in 27.8 minpg., while shooting .404 (596-1,474) from three-point range. He also appeared and started in 22 career NBA playoff contests, averaging 10.9 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 1.4 apg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 34.9 minpg., while shooting .407 (33-81) from three-point range.

Parker also spent six seasons (2000-06) playing professionally in Europe – five seasons in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv and one in Italy with Lottomatica Roma. While with Maccabi, he helped them capture five Israeli Super League national championships, five Israeli National Cups and three European titles (two EuroLeague championships and one FIBA SuproLeague championship). Parker was named EuroLeague MVP in both 2003-04 and 2004-05.

Parker played at Bradley University for four seasons from 1993-97. He completed his collegiate career as one of only two players in school history (joining Hersey Hawkins) to finish in the school’s top 10 all-time lists in scoring (1,683 points, eighth), assists (355, ninth), steals (159, seventh) and blocked shots (78, fifth). Parker was named Most Valuable Player of the Missouri Valley Conference following his junior season (1995-96) and was honored as one of 15 players named to Bradley’s All-Century basketball team in 2003.

Parker also excelled academically while at Bradley. As a chemistry major, Parker was a two-time recipient of the Major Robert H. Lawrence Jr. Scholarship, given annually to an African-American student who does outstanding work in the field of chemistry. He switched his major during his senior year to liberal arts and science.

Parker and his wife, Tamy, have two sons, Alonso and Julian.

Pete D’Alessandro, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations

Pete D’Alessandro was promoted to executive vice president of basketball operations in July 2023. He joined Orlando as assistant general manager in June 2017 and was promoted to associate general manager in August 2022.

D’Alessandro came to the Magic after spending two seasons (2015-17) as senior vice president of business and team operations with the Denver Nuggets. It was his second stop in Denver, after spending 2013-15 as general manager of the Sacramento Kings. Previously, he spent three seasons in Denver, beginning in 2010 as advisor to the executive vice president of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri. In 2012-13, he was promoted to vice president of basketball operations, playing an instrumental role in assisting Ujiri with the crafting of a roster that resulted in a 57-win season; a win total that remains the team’s best regular season record since joining the NBA in 1976.

From 2004-08, D’Alessandro worked for the Golden State Warriors. Hired by Hall of Famer and head of basketball operations Chris Mullin, D’Alessandro initially served as director of basketball operations. He was soon promoted to assistant general manager. During his time at Golden State, he was part of the management team that resuscitated the organization from a 12-year playoff drought by assembling the 2006-07 “We Believe” squad. The Warriors went on to beat the Dallas Mavericks during the First Round, becoming the first #8 seed in NBA history to defeat a #1 seed in a seven-game playoff series.

Prior to working on the team side of the business, D’Alessandro spent seven years working as a vice president at a Washington, D.C.-based sports agency which represented both NBA and international basketball players.

D’Alessandro began his basketball career in 1986 as a student at St. John’s University. He served as video coordinator for the men’s basketball team from 1986-1990 under Hall of Fame Coach Lou Carnesecca. He later graduated from Nova Southeastern University School of Law in May of 1994 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1995.

D’Alessandro and his wife, Leah, have a daughter, Kate (14) and a son, Ben (11).

David Bencs, Assistant General Manager

David Bencs begins his 14th season with the organization and was promoted to assistant general manager in July 2022.

Bencs supports all areas of basketball operations, including serving as the leader of the basketball analytics department, contributing to strategic planning and player personnel decisions, and assisting coaching, player development and high performance departments with their data, process and analytics initiatives.

Bencs served as director of basketball analytics for five seasons (2017-22), where he oversaw the organization’s significant growth in investing in basketball analytics. Before joining basketball operations in 2014, he was a founding member of the Magic’s business strategy department, where he spearheaded novel analytical approaches in ticket pricing, product development and fan behavior modeling. Bencs also assisted in the planning and development of a best-in-class business data warehouse and technology stack.

Prior to joining the Magic, Bencs was a Research Analyst at TNS in Cincinnati, Oh., where he conducted product and marketing research for a Fortune 100 CPG company.

A native of Hungary, Bencs earned a BS and MS degrees in economics from the University of Pecs. He also holds MBA and Master’s degrees in sports administration from Ohio University. He and his wife, Katinka, reside in Orlando, Fla., with their daughter, Zoe (8).

Adetunji Adedipe, Vice President of Player Personnel

Adetunji Adedipe enters his ninth season with the Orlando Magic and second as vice president of player personnel. In this role, Adedipe is responsible for overseeing the Magic’s scouting department.

Adedipe began his career as a basketball operations assistant for the Erie BayHawks of the NBA D League during the 2013-14 season. He joined IMG Academy as a camp coach during the summer of 2014 before being named head coach of the Ascenders’ junior varsity team. Adedipe later served as a basketball operations intern with the Philadelphia 76ers during the summer of 2015. He would join the Orlando Magic organization in September 2015 as a basketball operations associate. Adedipe spent the 2015-2016 season as the basketball operations coordinator with the Erie BayHawks, whom the Orlando Magic had acquired prior to the season.

In August 2017, Adedipe was named assistant general manager of the Lakeland (now Osceola) Magic and spent one season (2021-22) as general manager of the Lakeland Magic/scout for the Orlando Magic. During his tenure with Lakeland, Adedipe helped construct teams that recorded 105 regular season victories since beginning play, tied for the third-most in the NBA G League during that span, and culminated with the 2021 NBA G League championship.

A native of Cleveland, Oh., Adedipe graduated with both his bachelors and masters degrees from Ohio University. Adedipe was a three-year letterman and former captain of the Ohio University men’s basketball team.

Stephen Mervis, Vice President of Basketball Strategy and Evaluation

Stephen Mervis enters his 10th season with the Orlando Magic and second as vice president of basketball strategy and evaluation. In this role, Mervis assists with all facets of basketball operations, with an emphasis on salary cap management, strategic planning, and collective bargaining agreement matters. Additionally, Mervis helps identify and implement best practices, and manages components within the Magic’s scouting department, including amateur and professional evaluation processes.

Mervis joined the Magic in 2014 as the special assistant to the general manager. He was then promoted to assistant director of basketball strategy and later named director of basketball strategy. Prior to joining Orlando, Mervis was a basketball operations intern with the Indiana Pacers during their run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2013-14 season.

A native of Winter Haven, Fla., Mervis earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University School of Law. He was admitted into the Florida Bar in 2014.

Charles Freeman, President of Business Operations

Charles Freeman is entering his 28th season with the Orlando Magic and was promoted to president of business operations in June 2018. Freeman’s responsibilities include oversight and management of ticket sales, premium sales, client services, ticket operations, global partnerships, premium services, marketing, arena operations, retail, philanthropy and social responsibility.

Freeman started with the Magic in 1996 as a market research analyst for corporate sponsorship and broadcast sales. He was responsible for all research and strategic planning for the department. In 1997, Freeman was promoted to business manager of sales and was in charge of developing and implementing new business strategies for the sales division.

In the spring of 1999, as business development manager, Freeman began working with ownership on a variety of strategic projects. In the summer of 2001, he was promoted to director of business development and focused on the growth and expansion of RDV Sports, as well as new business ventures for the DeVos family.

In July 2005, Freeman was promoted to vice president of business development and strategy, and then was promoted to senior vice president of business development in August 2007, after helping to oversee the team’s efforts to obtain the necessary approvals for the Kia Center. He was responsible for the design, construction, and development of the Kia Center which opened in October 2010. In October 2012, Freeman was promoted to chief revenue officer and in July 2015 was named Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, Freeman oversaw all sales and marketing efforts for the organization. For all of his efforts, he was selected to the SportsBusiness Journal’s Forty Under 40, a recognition that spotlights the nation’s top young sports executives under the age of 40. Freeman also serves as the Sports Business Executive in Residence for High Point University.

Freeman graduated from Rollins College with a major in economics and minor in business administration. He and his wife, Pam, live in Orlando, Fla. They have two children, Charlie (19) and Addison (17).

Jim Fritz, Chief Financial Officer

Jim Fritz, who has 36 years of experience in management, including the last 29 years with the Orlando Magic, was promoted to chief financial officer in May 2006. Fritz’s responsibilities include executive management of the organization’s financial affairs, as well as information technology, legal services, risk management and aviation.

In his role, Fritz oversees the accounting, financial reporting, debt financing and treasury management functions. In addition, he serves the business on strategic planning and business development initiatives. Fritz has previously held the Magic's controller, director and vice president of finance positions during the previous 11 years.

Prior to joining the Magic, Fritz worked for five years in the audit practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers and for two years at Hotel Management Associates where he served as Corporate Controller. Fritz received his master’s and undergraduate degrees in accounting from Florida State University and he is a Certified Public Accountant. Fritz serves on the Board of Directors for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation as its Treasurer, and he also serves on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Audit & Finance Committee of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

A native of Central Florida, Fritz resides in Orlando, Fla., with his wife, Donna. They have a son, Zachary and daughter, Nicole.

Michael Forde, Chief Sales Officer

Michael Forde is entering his 20th season with the Orlando Magic and was promoted to chief sales officer in August 2017.

Forde has executive leadership responsibilities for the global partnerships, ticket, premium and retail sales units of the organization. His responsibilities include the oversight for all sales including tickets, hospitality, ICON suite membership, tourism and retail for both the Orlando Magic and Kia Center.

His global partnerships team is instrumental in developing marketing solutions for local, regional and national companies seeking an affiliation with the Orlando Magic brand and the Kia Center.

Forde also overseas ticket sales, premium sales, global partnerships sales and activation, and retail departments.

In addition to his current responsibilities, Forde provides strategic sales support for Orlando Solar Bears, Osceola Magic, Magic Gaming and the Sports & Entertainment District.

Forde began with the Magic as a partnership development manager and was later promoted to assistant director of corporate partnerships during the summer of 2008. He was then promoted to director of corporate partnerships in August 2009, vice president of corporate partnership sales in July 2012 and senior vice president of corporate partnerships and premium sales in March 2014.

Forde serves on the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, where he is past chair. He formerly served as the Chair of the Local Organizing committee of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in 2017.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Forde earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. He and his wife, Vivian, reside in Lake Mary, Fla. and have three children and three grandchildren.

Joel Glass, Chief Communications Officer

Joel Glass, who joined the Orlando Magic in October 1995, was promoted to chief communications officer in June 2015.

Glass is responsible for directing communication and media/public relations efforts related to the Magic. He is responsible for media operations, strategic communications, media releases, publications and statistical material, while also coordinating media interviews with players, coaching staff members and front office personnel. Glass also oversees the team’s digital news content team and the team’s television and radio broadcasting department.

Glass joined the Magic as the assistant director of basketball publicity/media relations in October 1995. He was promoted to director of team media relations in 1998, then promoted to vice president of communications in July 2006. Glass was later promoted to senior vice president of public relations in July 2012.

Glass arrived in Orlando from the University of Florida sports information department, where he worked for more than nine years. While at UF, Glass spearheaded media/public relations for basketball, while also assisting with football and the men’s spring sports program. While with the Gators, Glass was the winner of 23 national publication and writing honors, as awarded by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

A 1986 graduate of the University of Iowa and a native of Wilmette, Ill. (north of Chicago), Glass spent three summers working in the Chicago White Sox public/media relations department while in college. At Iowa, he served as a writer for The Daily Iowan, covering football, basketball, baseball, golf and wrestling.

In 2022, Glass was recognized by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission with the SPORTY award for Best in Communications and Public Relations. The SPORTYS honors sports business professionals whose contributions and impact have been vital in making Greater Orlando one of the country’s premier sports destinations.

In the community, Glass has been involved with Teach-In, a community-based program where professionals share their experiences at area schools, and has served as a youth basketball and baseball coach. He is also a certified High School, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball umpire and has worked games in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, as well as three Atlanta Braves minor league extended spring training games. Glass formerly served as a Heart of Florida United Way board member, and is currently on the advisory committee for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, as well as a City Year board member.

Glass and his wife, Robyn, reside in Apopka, Fla. They have four children between them, Max, Madeline, Erika and Nicolas.

Esu Ma'at, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Esu Ma'at begins his fourth season with the Orlando Magic, being named chief diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) officer in November 2020.

Ma'at's role with the team will be multi-dimensional, with a focus on integrating DE&I strategy with the Magic's business goals, along with the team's values and key performance indicators; attracting, engaging and retaining diverse talent; owning accountability for driving equity and belonging; and enhancing organizational culture, brand reputation and social impact.

Ma’at is a trans-disciplinary thought leader who has a distinguished track record of success, driving a 21st century vision for diversity, equity and inclusion. He works closely with the Magic's executive leadership team and entire staff to drive a holistic and impactful DE&I strategy that contributes to the goal of ensuring that the Magic workforce reflects the demographics of Central Florida, that the team is successful growing a diverse fan base and that all internal and external stakeholders enjoy a legendary belonging experience. To date, diversity initiatives have earned the team the 2022 SPORTY Award for Sponsorship Activation of the Year (Magic Diversity Game Changers Powered by Florida Blue), the 2023 Orlando Business Journal Diversity in Business Award and the 2023 African-American Chamber of Commerce Corporate Recognition Award.

Prior to joining the Magic, Ma'at created and led the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Eastern, Diversity and Inclusion department. He serves as an advisory board member for the All-In Diversity Project, a London-based, non-profit organization focused on DEI indexing and worldwide standards. He served as the Class Chair for Leadership Orlando Class 101, he is a member of the Coalition for the Homeless and Central Florida Community Arts Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Citrus Club Board of Governors.

Ma’at attended North Carolina Central University for two years before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a master of science degree in sports management from Columbia University. He also completed his D&I training at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Audra Romao, Chief People Officer

Audra Romao, SPHR is entering her 25th season with the Orlando Magic and was promoted to chief people officer in June 2015. She oversees the people team and office services for the “team behind the team.”

Romao started with the Magic as the assistant director of human resources in May 1999. She was promoted to director of human resources in October 2005, then to vice president of human resources and administrative services in May 2007 and later to senior vice president of human resources and administrative services in July 2012.

Prior to 1999, Romao worked as an HR Generalist for Gambro Healthcare, an international medical manufacturing company with offices in Central Florida. Romao began her HR career in 1994 when she spearheaded the start-up of a human resources department for First Atlantic Federal Credit Union in Long Branch, N.J.

Romao earned a BS degree in human resources management from Cabrini College, a liberal arts university in Radnor, Pa. She received her MA degree in human resources management from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. Romao holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation, a professional certification through the Society for Human Resource Management.

Romao serves on the board of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida (https://www.mhacf.org) and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (https://orlandophil.org). She recently joined the board of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (https://www.feedhopenow.org). She is also a member of the Leadership Business Advisory Board for Crummer Graduate School of Business and an active mentor for their Mentorship program.

Romao and her husband, Lou, reside in Orlando, Fla. with their beloved English bulldogs, Noah and Louna.

Chris D'Orso, Executive Vice President of Sales and Operations

Chris D’Orso enters his 35th season with the Orlando Magic and serves as executive vice president of sales and operations. His responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of sales for the Kia Center including season, premium, suites, hospitality, partial, group and tourism sales as well as retail, and ticket operations for both the Orlando Magic and Kia Center.

A mainstay in the organization since the team’s inception, D’Orso joined the Magic in 1989 as the promotions/publicity coordinator. After two seasons in that capacity, he moved into the sponsorship sales department as a corporate account manager for the next three years. In 1994, D’Orso was promoted to the assistant director of marketing position, and in 1998 was promoted to director of marketing. He served as director of ticket sales and marketing from 1999 and was promoted to vice president of marketing and sales in 2002, a position he held for seven years. In 2012, he was named senior vice president of sales and operations and most recently was promoted to executive vice president of sales and operations in 2023.

D’Orso graduated in 1988 from Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He actively works with the Dr. Phillips and Central Florida YMCA and the Make a Wish Foundation.

D’Orso and his wife, Christine, reside in Windermere, Fla., and have two sons, Harrison and Alex.

Jeff Lutes, Executive Vice President of Technology

Jeff Lutes was promoted to executive vice president of technology in June 2022. In this role, he oversees the information technology and broadcast technologies and services departments, which in turn are responsible for the technology strategy and execution for the Orlando Magic, Osceola Magic, Magic Gaming, Orlando Solar Bears and the Kia Center.

Prior to joining the Magic, Lutes worked as the vice president of technology for an international manufacturing company in Central Florida. He spent ten years with CNL Financial Group, located in Central Florida, where he served as CIO of the Shared Services Organization and vice president of business systems for CNL Hotel and Resorts.

Lutes served on the board of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida from 2014-2022, acting as board chair the final two years, and actively volunteers his time for the cause. He is active on several advisory councils for other entities.

Lutes earned a BS degree in computer information services in 1988 from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. He and his wife, Sherry, reside in Winter Garden, Fla., have two sons, Kyle and Connor, and a daughter, Mariel.

Katie Stocz Miller, Executive Vice President of Premium and Client Services, Fan Experience and Operations

Katie Stocz Miller is in her 18th season with the Orlando Magic, where she has grown her career from sales executive to executive vice president of premium and client services, fan experience and operations. She is responsible for leading the Magic’s premium and client services teams and customer service initiatives, while implementing short and long-term retention strategies that increase fan affinity, maximize revenue and continue to strengthen the Orlando Magic brand.

Miller started with the Magic in December 2006 season as a ticket sales representative. She was promoted to ticket sales manager in April 2007, and later to assistant director of ticket sales in July 2010. After being named director of client services in August 2011, Miller was later promoted to senior director of client services in 2014, vice president in 2016 and senior vice president in June 2019. She was promoted to her current position in July 2023.

Prior to joining the Magic, Miller spent three years in minor league baseball as the director of client services and sales for the Savannah Sand Gnats. She has also spent time with WATH/WXTQ radio in Athens, Oh., the Cleveland Browns and the Southern Ohio Copperheads.

Miller is the president for WISE Greater Orlando (Women in Sports and Events). Miller is passionate about her involvement in the Central Florida community, and has previously served on the board for Central Florida Community Arts, the Adult Literacy League, and as a member of the Ohio University Alumni chapter. Miller also mentors young professionals in collegiate sport business programs, including the University of Central Florida.

A native of Cortland, Oh., Miller earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in psychology from Ohio University. She and her husband, Steve, reside in Altamonte Springs, Fla., with their daughter, Maya (10) and son, Cole (7).

Jay Riola, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Innovation

Jay Riola is entering his 18th season with the Orlando Magic. He was promoted to executive vice president of strategy & innovation in June 2022. Riola oversees the Magic’s business strategy and innovation efforts including data engineering, strategy and analytics, mobile strategy, CRM, digital marketing and marketing technology, as well as other strategic initiatives and special projects. Riola also serves as the executive in charge of Magic Gaming, the Magic’s professional esports franchise participating in the NBA 2K League.

Riola started with the Magic as an intern in 2006 and worked as part of the Magic’s internal team overseeing the design and construction of the Kia Center, which opened in 2010. Since 2010, he has worked in several roles to grow the Magic’s data and analytics program from a small, startup effort into a department that is regarded by sports industry professionals as a best-in-class team. Riola has also helped lead the Magic’s mobile strategy and digital technology efforts, including advancement of the team’s mobile app and development of new and innovative digital ticketing solutions. In 2016, he helped lead the process to bring the Orlando Magic’s G League team, the Osceola Magic, to Florida.

In May 2022, Riola was selected to the SportsBusiness Journal’s Forty Under 40, a recognition that spotlights the nation’s top young sports executives under the age of 40.

In addition to his role with the Magic, Riola is an adjunct instructor with the DeVos Sport Business Management Graduate Program at the University of Central Florida and at Linfield University’s School of Business, where he teaches sport business analytics courses. He is active in the broader sports business industry serving on several boards and advisory committees, including currently serving as chair for UCF’s DeVos Sports Business Management Program’s Advisory Board, Baylor University’s Center for Sports Strategy and Sales (S3), KORE Software’s Customer Advisory Board, and the NBA’s Team Innovation Advisory Council (TIAC).

Riola received his bachelor's degree in business administration with concentrations in finance and marketing from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas in 2006, where he played on the men’s basketball team. He received his MBA from the University of Florida in 2011.

Riola currently resides in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood with his wife, Julia. They have a daughter, Madeline, and a son, Mason.

Shelly Wilkes, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Social Responsibility

Shelly Wilkes was promoted to executive vice president of marketing and social responsibility in June 2022. She rejoined the Orlando Magic in July 2020 as senior vice president of marketing and social responsibility. In her role, she oversees overall brand strategy, fan and community engagement, and the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.

Prior to rejoining Orlando, Wilkes served as team president of the Lakeland Magic (now Osceola), G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, for more than three years (December 2016-July 2020). She was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business operations of the team and was the first female team president in G League history.

Wilkes spearheaded naming rights deals, arena renovations, corporate partner signings, and innovation in ticket sales. Specifically, she was instrumental in leading the charge to bring professional basketball to the Lakeland community for the first time in 2017-18. Wilkes led several of the G League team’s most significant accomplishments, including the naming rights deal with the City of Lakeland to rebrand the former Lakeland Center to the RP Funding Center. She also oversaw the opening of a new practice facility in 2020, partnering with the City of Winter Haven and Polk County.

Prior to the Lakeland Magic, Wilkes spent 13 seasons with the Orlando Magic and started as a game-night staff member in the marketing department during the 2003-04 season, before being hired full-time in August 2004 as group sales coordinator. She held multiple positions within the sales and marketing areas of the company focused on fan engagement and live entertainment.

In February 2020, Wilkes was selected to the SportsBusiness Journal’s Forty Under 40, a recognition that spotlights the nation’s top young sports executives under the age of 40.

Wilkes received her bachelor’s degree in general business from the University of Central Florida in 2002 and was a member of the women’s volleyball team. She later graduated from the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at UCF in 2004 and earned master’s degrees in both business administration and sport business management.

Wilkes lives in Orlando with her husband, Dallas, and daughters, Quinn and Addison.

Jeff Bissey, Senior Vice President of Finance

Jeff Bissey begins his 29th season with the Orlando Magic. As the senior vice president of finance, he oversees the daily accounting and financial operations of the Magic and its affiliates, including financial analysis and reporting, audit and tax return preparation, budgeting, and cash management.

Bissey joined the Magic in October 1994 as an intern in the basketball operations department. He was hired as a staff accountant in the finance department in July 1995 and held the position of accounting manager and controller before being promoted to vice president in 2015. Bissey was promoted to his current position in 2023.

Bissey received his bachelor’s of science degree in finance from Kansas State University in 1991. He later graduated from Wichita State University with a master’s of education in sports administration in 1995. Bissey is on the board of directors for the Foundation of Foster Children.

He resides in Longwood, Fla., has a son, Brett, and a daughter, Leah.

J.T. McWalters, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships

J.T. McWalters begins his 18th season with the Orlando Magic. As senior vice president of global partnerships, McWalters oversees all areas of the department, which includes new and retention sales efforts, activation and fulfillment of all partnership agreements, and building strategic marketing strategies for all Orlando Magic partners.

McWalters started as a corporate partnership account specialist in April 2006 and was promoted to corporate partnership account manager in August 2008. He was subsequently promoted to assistant director of partnership activation in January 2012, and director of corporate partnership activation in 2013. In those roles, he managed the day-to-day activation and retention of several partner brands, playing a role in growing the overall corporate partnership revenue for the organization each season. During the construction of the Kia Center which opened in 2010, McWalters managed the development of several sponsor entitlement spaces. He was named vice president of partnership strategy in November 2018 and later vice president of partnership activation & strategy in June 2019, leading the vertical of the department responsible for activation, retention sales and strategy development of partnership assets and partnership measurement. McWalters was named vice president of global partnerships in July 2020 to lead the overall department. He was promoted to senior vice president in June 2022.

Prior to joining the Magic, McWalters spent time as an account executive with both Silverman Media & Marketing Group in Westbury, N.Y., and For Sport Enterprises in New York, N.Y. He started his career working in the front office of the TD Waterhouse Cup, an ATP sanctioned and US Open Series men’s professional tennis tournament in Commack, N.Y.

A native of Long Island, N.Y., McWalters received his bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in sports journalism from Springfield College, MA. He and his wife, Gwen, reside in Winter Garden, Fla. with their daughter, Emmeline (11), and sons Jack (8) and James (4).

Nyea Sturman, Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Nyea Sturman is entering her 19th season with the Orlando Magic and was named senior vice president and general counsel in June 2022. Prior to this role, she held the roles of vice president and general counsel, general counsel, assistant director of legal services, and spent seven years in the Magic’s corporate partnerships department, most recently as the partnership business manager, focusing on strategic planning, budgeting, market research, contract negotiation, and sweepstakes compliance.

In her current role as senior vice president and general counsel, Sturman is responsible for overseeing the legal services department and providing counsel to the Orlando Magic (NBA), Osceola Magic (NBA G League), Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) and Magic Gaming (NBA 2K League).

Sturman graduated from Cornell University (B.S., Industrial and Labor Relations), the University of Oregon (M.B.A., Sports Business) and Marquette University Law School (J.D., Certificate in Sports Law), during which time she completed internships with the National Football League, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Pettit National Ice Center. During her time at Marquette University Law School, Sturman served as the executive editor of the Marquette Sports Law Review and the president of the Sports Law Society. She is admitted to practice in Florida, New York, and Wisconsin, is a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel, serves on the Advisory Board for the National Sports Law Institute, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Sports Lawyers Association, The Gift of Swimming, the Florida Sports Foundation, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, and the Foundation for Seminole State College.

Sturman resides in Longwood, Fla.

Ryan DeVos, Vice President of Shareholder Engagement

Ryan DeVos begins his third season as vice president of shareholder engagement for the Orlando Magic.

DeVos’ responsibilities include taking a primary leadership role in ownership engagement, chairing a Third Generation Leadership Team, which will also partner with Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos. In this role, he will continue to provide valuable business insights and explore how the third generation of the DeVos family will engage with the team long term.

Prior to his new role, DeVos spent four seasons as director of Magic Gaming, overseeing all aspects of the Magic's NBA 2K League team. His primary responsibilities included overall management of the day-to-day basketball and business operations.

DeVos spent two years at the NBA office in New York in the Global Marketing Partnerships group. He handled the marketing relationships for companies such as SAP, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

DeVos volunteers his time in the community with the Magic’s various community initiatives including board service on the AdventHealth Hospital for Children Foundation. He also supports the Orlando Science Center and Charity: Water, a nonprofit organization that provides drinking water to people in developing nations, benefiting more than 8.2 million globally.

DeVos is also among the owners leading the Orlando Squeeze of Major League Pickleball, joining the league in 2023. Major League Pickleball is the premier team league and standard-bearer for the fastest-growing sport in the United States.

DeVos graduated from Rollins College with a degree in international business. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Orlando, Fla. with their four children, Kyler, Hudson, Lincoln and Beckett.

Tye Eastham, Vice President of Broadcasting

Tye Eastham begins his 28th season with the organization and was promoted to vice president of broadcasting in June 2022. He oversees the team’s local television and radio broadcasts, and produces all Magic game broadcasts on Bally Sports Florida.

Eastham joined the Magic in 1993 as an in-arena video production crewmember and freelance editor/videographer. In 1996, he joined the organization full-time and during the next five seasons, served in various broadcasting roles for the Orlando Magic, the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League, and the WNBA’s Orlando Miracle. His duties included producing features, commercials, and other video elements for the teams. He also produced and directed in-arena video productions, as well as Solar Bears game broadcasts on Sun Sports. Eastham was promoted to director of broadcasting for the Magic in July 2013. In 2001, he began producing local game broadcasts for the Magic and now enters his 23rd season in that role.

Eastham earned his bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from Indiana University in 1993, with minors in business and Spanish. He and his wife, Tiffany, reside in Apopka, Fla., and have two sons, Tyler and Zackary, and two grandchildren, Tanner and Riley.

George Galante, Vice President of Communications and Alumni Relations

George Galante begins his 29th season with the organization and was promoted to vice president of communications and alumni relations in July 2023.

Galante supports all areas of the communications department, including serving as managing editor of all media guides, compiling game notes, coordinating interview requests with players and front office personnel, writing press releases, maintaining statistical information and traveling on the road with the team.

Galante also helps to oversee the Orlando Magic Alumni Network, which enhances the organization’s relationship with former players, while re-engaging them in the community through appearances at games, camps, fundraisers and other events.

In addition, Galante serves as co-host of the team’s official podcast, The Orlando Magic Pod Squad. He was co-host of Magic Overtime with Dante and Galante, the team’s weekly television show that profiled Magic players and personalities, from 2008-12, as well as various other programs which were found on the Orlando Magic’s social media accounts.

Following an internship with the Magic during their run to the 1995 NBA Finals, Galante joined the organization full-time in August of 1995, spending four seasons as public relations manager for the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League (1995-99). While with the Solar Bears, he also served as chairman of the IHL’s Public Relations Advisory Board. Galante was named assistant director of communications for the Magic in 1999, promoted to director of communications in 2007, then named senior director of communications in 2019.

Galante earned a bachelor’s degree in sports administration from Stetson University in 1996, where he was a student assistant in the sports information department. He assumed SID duties for women’s soccer and cross country and also spent one summer as assistant director of public relations for Daytona Beach of the United States Basketball League.

A native of Staten Island, N.Y., Galante and his wife, Laura, reside in Apopka, Fla. with their sons, John (18) and Jim (16), and daughter, Kate (14).

Pat Gallagher, Vice President of the Sports and Entertainment District

Pat Gallagher is currently in his 21st season with the organization and was promoted to vice president of the Sports and Entertainment District (SED) in July 2023. In this role, he oversees the development of the SED, the mixed-use project planned to be built adjacent to the Kia Center.

Gallagher began his career with the Magic in 2003 as an intern in the business strategy department. He was hired full-time in 2004 to launch the Magic’s tourism sales department. In 2005, he was promoted to business strategy manager, where he was responsible for assisting with the strategic planning for, and the execution of, renovation projects within the Magic’s former arena, including a new courtside club, a suite level club, and a reconfigured courtside seating plan. He also executed the arena name change from TD Waterhouse Centre to Amway Arena.

In 2007, Gallagher was promoted to business development and strategy manager and oversaw the design and build-out of the Magic’s experience center for the new arena. He also was a key member of the new arena project team, working on all aspects of the development, design and construction of the Kia Center. Upon completion of the Kia Center project closeout process in 2012, he was promoted to assistant director of legal services and subsequently to general counsel. In this role, Gallagher and his co-counsel established the Magic’s in-house legal department. In 2014, Gallagher added SED oversight to his role when he was promoted to general counsel and project director. In 2015, he was promoted to director of the SED.

Gallagher graduated from West Chester University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies in 2000 and received his JD from Tulane Law School in 2003. He is a member of the Florida Bar.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Gallagher and his wife, Barb, reside in Orlando, Fla.

Brenda Hayslett, Vice President of People

Brenda Hayslett, SPHR is entering her 17th season with the Orlando Magic and was promoted to vice president of people in July 2019. She oversees benefits, compensation, employee relations, employee engagement and human resources administration for the Orlando Magic, Magic Gaming, Osceola Magic and the Orlando Solar Bears.

Hayslett started with the Magic in July 2007 and previously served in the roles of human resources manager, assistant director of human resources, director of human resources and senior director of people.

Prior to 2007, Hayslett worked as a paralegal before joining Invacare Corporation, an international medical manufacturing company, where she worked for 17 years. Hayslett began her HR career in 1999 as a recruiter before relocating to Central Florida.

Hayslett earned a BS degree in paralegalism from Dyke College, a private business college in Cleveland, Ohio. She received her MA degree in business and human resources management from the University of Central Florida. Hayslett holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation, a professional certification through the Society for Human Resource Management.

In 2018, Hayslett joined the board of directors for A Gift for Teaching (www.AGiftFor Teaching.org), whose mission is to improve education by providing resources and surplus materials free to teachers for their students in need.

Hayslett resides in Winter Springs, Fla. with her husband, Scott.

Geoff Krohmer, Vice President of Live Entertainment and Production

Geoff Krohmer enters his 19th season with the Orlando Magic and was promoted to vice president of live entertainment and production in July 2022. His responsibilities include overseeing game presentation, content and graphic production, as well as social media strategy and engagement for the Orlando Magic.

Krohmer originally joined the Magic in 2005 as a broadcasting intern and joined the organization full-time in July 2006 as an associate producer. During his three seasons in that role, he supported the telecasts and in-arena video production. While opening Kia Center in 2010, Krohmer was responsible for management of all postproduction work as the coordinating producer until then being named assistant director of broadcast production in 2014. In 2016, he was named director of live entertainment and production and served in that role until being promoted to vice president in 2022.

Krohmer graduated in 2004 from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla. where he earned a bachelor’s degree in entertainment business and an associate degree in film and television production.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., Krohmer and his wife, Leigh Ann, reside in Winter Garden, Fla. with their daughter, Taylor, and son, Oliver.

Chuck Lichty, Vice President of Premium, Season and Plan Sales

Chuck Lichty enters his 11th season with the Orlando Magic and was promoted to vice president of premium, season and plan sales in June 2022. His responsibilities include overseeing sales for the Kia Center including new season tickets, new premium suites, partial plans and hospitality for both the Orlando Magic and Kia Center.

When Lichty started with the Magic in 2013, he was hired as ticket sales manager, overseeing the entry level sales program. After a year and a half, he was promoted to senior manager of season and plan sales. In 2016, Lichty was promoted to assistant director of season and plan sales. He was promoted to director of season and plan sales in 2017. In 2020, Lichty began to oversee all premium inventory and was promoted to director of premium, season and plan sales.

Prior to joining the Magic in 2013, Lichty worked in Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a new business development executive.

Lichty graduated in 2011 from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in sport management and received a minor in business. He and his wife, Anne, reside in Apopka, Fla., and have two children, Leo and Mia.

Maritza Martinez-Guerrero, Vice President of External Affairs and Philanthropy

Maritza Martinez-Guerrero was named as vice president of external affairs and philanthropy for the Orlando Magic in February 2023. She joined the organization after serving in various roles at the University of Central Florida for 22 years, most recently as the associate vice president for division of government and community relations, and director at the office of community relations and economic development.

Her role includes oversight of social responsibility, philanthropy and government affairs for the Magic, while also managing the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. She will work in the marketing and social responsibility departments.

While at UCF, Martinez-Guerrero was a senior level advisor to the president, vice presidents and senior administrators as it related to the university’s external standing and reputation, oversaw the university’s community relations initiatives and strategies, and advanced the university’s economic development pursuits. She also supported UCF’s legislative efforts with local, state and federal officials.

In addition to her work at UCF, Martinez-Guerrero served on nine boards in the Central Florida area including Heart of Florida United Way, National Center for Simulation, National Entrepreneur Center, Orlando Shakes and the Winter Park Health Foundation, to name a few. She is a graduate of Leadership Orlando, Leadership Winter Park and Leadership West Orange. Martinez-Guerrero has been recognized by multiple publications for her community work and impact: Orange Appeal Woman of the Year, Onyx Magazine Woman on the Move, Vision Magazine Most Influential Hispanic and Orlando Business Journal Woman to Watch.

Martinez-Guerrero earned her bachelor of arts in general studies, her master of arts in higher education and her master of business administration degrees all from UCF.

She resides in Orlando, Fla. with her husband of 23 years, Julio E. Guerrero, and their two daughters, Juliana and Mariana.

Paul Moletteire, Vice President of Ticket Operations

Paul Moletteire is currently in his 31st season with the Orlando Magic. He was promoted to vice president of ticket operations in July 2017. Moletteire is responsible for managing the ticket operations of both the Orlando Magic and Kia Center.

Moletteire started as a media relations intern in August 1991 and was hired full-time in September 1992 as a box office representative. He was subsequently promoted to ticket services manager in January 1999 and to assistant director of fan relations in December 2004. In July 2006, he was promoted to director of season ticket services and operations. In August 2009, his role was changed in preparation of the opening of the Kia Center in 2010. His current focus is on ticket operations for the team, in addition to providing leadership for the day-to-day activities of the Kia Center’s ticket operations and box office.

Moletteire received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida in 1989. He is currently on the grant review committee for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.

Moletteire and his wife, Vicki, reside in Oviedo, Fla., and have a son, Jack and a daughter, Kara.

Larry Thompson, Vice President of Security

Larry Thompson is entering his seventh season with the Orlando Magic and was promoted to vice president of security in July 2022.

Thompson is responsible for the leadership and management of all Magic security strategies, and for all matters related to security for the organization. He develops and implements security policies, procedures, programs and methodologies for the Magic, working to provide for the protection of Magic personnel, guests and visitors to Magic properties and spaces, and the organization’s physical assets.

Thompson began with the Magic as the director of security in September 2017, with primary responsibility for team and team travel protection.

Prior to joining the Magic, Thompson was the assistant sergeant at arms for Police Services and Law Enforcement in the Office of the House Sergeant At Arms for the U.S. House of Representatives. Preceding that he served as the missions director of New Life Church, in La Plata, Md., coordinating humanitarian efforts to Haiti, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. Prior to that, Thompson was a member of the United States Capitol Police in Washington, DC, for 28 years, where he carried out the responsibilities of a deputy chief.

A native of Marshall, Mo., Thompson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri and his master’s degree from Liberty University. He and his wife, Lori, reside in Orlando, Fla., and have three children and two grandchildren.