ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ted Leonsis – prominent venture capitalist, owner of three Washington, D.C. professional sports franchises and Verizon Center, philanthropist and former AOL executive – will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tech Council of Maryland (TCM), Maryland’s largest technology trade association. Leonsis will be presented with the award at TCM’s Lifetime Achievement Gala, April 8, 2014, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
The TCM Lifetime Achievement Award is given each year to a Marylander who has gone above and beyond to serve the technology and life science community over the course of his or her career. Recipients display commitment and leadership both in the field and within their company, fostering new ideas and encouraging creativity. The recipient also demonstrates generosity and compassion, making sure their work benefits others.
“In the past 20 years, I have witnessed tremendous growth in local start-ups and technology-based companies,” said Leonsis. “Our region has developed into a national leader for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. I’m humbled and appreciative of the honor the Tech Council of Maryland has bestowed upon me. While I have played a small role in our region’s growth, I plan to continue to contribute to the overall development of this expanding, vibrant community.”
“Mr. Leonsis exemplifies the true spirit of our award. His passion for technology, coupled with his philanthropic spirit, has greatly enhanced the landscape of education, sports and investing in the Washington, D.C. area. His work has benefited individuals and organizations around the region and beyond,” said Phil Schiff, TCM’s CEO. “He is a true entrepreneur with an indomitable spirit and an inspirational story that empowers technology leaders locally and around the world. We look forward to honoring Mr. Leonsis in April.”
Leonsis is the founder, chairman, majority owner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates three professional sports teams (Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics) and Verizon Center. He also serves on the board of governors for the NBA and NHL.
He is a cofounder and partner in the speed-up capital Revolution Growth Fund II, investing in people and ideas that can change the world. Leonsis is chairman of the board of directors of Groupon and serves on the board of directors at AddThis, American Express and Georgetown University, as well as Revolution Growth companies FedBid, Resonate, Optoro and CustomInk. He also serves on the charity boards of DC-CAP (District of Columbia College Access Program) and CSF-DC (College Success Foundation – District of Columbia).
In 2008, Leonsis founded SnagFilms, which enables online audiences to watch, share and support documentary films. SnagFilms grew out of his experience as a producer of award-winning documentary films, including “Nanking,” which won Peabody and Emmy awards. He also has produced “Kicking It” and “A Fighting Chance,” both of which aired on ESPN. Most recently he produced “Lost for Life.”
An author and daily blogger at TedsTake.com, Leonsis has published several books, including “The Business of Happiness,” which quickly became a bestseller. A committed philanthropist, he is actively involved with numerous charities through the work of the Leonsis Foundation. After a near 14-year career at AOL, he retired from active management in 2006 and retains the position of vice chairman emeritus.
Past recipients of the TCM Lifetime Achievement award include Dr. James Barrett, a general partner in venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates (NEA); Freeman Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); and Clifford M. Kendall, former chairman and CEO of Computer Data Systems Inc. (CDSI).
For more information about this event, or to join TCM in honoring Ted Leonsis on April 8, please visit the TCM website.
ABOUT THE TECH COUNCIL OF MARYLAND
The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade group serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. With more than 400 members employing over 200,000 in the region, TCM’s mission is to empower them, advocate for their interests, further the role these communities play in Maryland’s economy and nurture an environment where these companies can collaborate, grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com.
