VOL 27 ISSUE 9, March 2, 2026
Main caption: Pictured (left to right) during the awards ceremony at the 2026 Global Leadership Meeting are Jamie Obletz, executive vice president (EVP) and chief operating officer; Delaware North CEO Charlie Jacobs; Delaware North CEO Jeremy Jacobs Jr.; the Chairman’s Award recipient Chris Feeney, EVP and chief financial officer; Delaware North CEO Lou Jacobs; and Ana Rodriguez, EVP and chief human resources officer.
Delaware North recognized six leaders for their impact, integrity and innovation during the company’s 2026 Global Leadership Meeting, honoring individuals whose work is shaping the organization’s future while reflecting its core values.
The Chairman’s Award – named in honor of Delaware North Chairman Jeremy Jacobs – was presented to Chris Feeney, executive vice president and chief financial officer, by CEOs Jerry Jacobs Jr., Lou Jacobs and Charlie Jacobs.
“This award carries our dad’s name for a reason – it’s about leadership that changes the trajectory of this company while staying true to who we are,” Charlie Jacobs said.
Jerry Jacobs Jr. said the award represents trust earned through integrity, sound judgment and a commitment to doing what is right for the company.
“When we were discussing this with Dad, one name came up immediately,” Lou Jacobs said. “It was clear this person embodies everything this award stands for. It’s our honor to present the Chairman’s Award to Chris Feeney.”
Tom Barney, president of Sportservice, presented the Do Right Award to Casey Rapp, vice president of operations for Sportservice, citing his integrity, accessibility and consistency as a leader. Barney said Rapp brings the same level of care and thoughtfulness to every interaction and is widely respected by clients and colleagues.
The Think Guest Award was presented by Jason Gregorec, president of Gaming, to Jill Eden, vice president of marketing for Gaming, for leading the redesign of the Lucky North Rewards Program. Gregorec said Eden helped make a complex gaming loyalty program more intuitive, driving record engagement and membership growth.
Feeney presented the Stand Up Award to Beth MacDonald, senior vice president of strategic and operational finance, for her leadership on complex, enterprisewide initiatives. Feeney said MacDonald consistently steps forward to lead difficult conversations, bring clarity to ambiguity and help shape Delaware North’s long-term strategy.
The Come Together Award was presented by John Kolaski (JK), president of Patina Group, to Eric Babcook, general manager of PGA of America events for Patina Group, for building and strengthening Delaware North’s partnership with the PGA of America. JK said Babcook has brought teams together across the organization, helping set a gold standard for guest experience in pop-up live sports events.
Glen Thornborough, president of TD Garden and executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Boston Bruins, presented the Lean Forward Award to Leah Leahy, senior vice president of sales and service, for her role in driving innovative, revenue-generating initiatives at the Delaware North-owned TD Garden in Boston. Thornborough said Leahy has reimagined premium spaces at one of the company’s most iconic venues, transforming underused assets into high-performing experiences.