Green Sports Alliance Co-Founder & President Allen Hershkowitz Recognized on SportsBusiness Journal’s "50 Most Influential" List

Hershkowitz makes the list of top executives moving needle in the preeminent sports industry trade publication

PORTLAND, ORE (December 9, 2015) – Released this week, the SportsBusiness Journal’s Annual 50 Most Influential People in Sports Business List recognizes Green Sports Alliance Co-Founder and President among those most influential executives who are determining the future direction taken by the sports business industry. Sharing the list with all of the top professional sports league commissioners, Allen Hershkowitz is recognized for his leadership ushering in the sports greening movement."Allen's influence in the environmental community is well-documented, as is his visionary approach to leveraging the tremendous power of sports to promote positive change," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We are grateful for Allen's continued support of our environmental sustainability platforms, which help keep the air clean and the ponds frozen for future generations, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition."Throughout his influential career, Hershkowitz, former Senior Scientist and Sports Program Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Co-Founder of the Green Sports Alliance, has led the movement to take environmental stewardship mainstream by collaborating with iconic organizations including professional sports leagues and major entertainment groups.“We are thrilled to see Allen receive this well-deserved honor and recognition,” said Scott Jenkins, Board Chair of the Green Sports Alliance and General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “Allen is a change agent who was instrumental in developing the very concept of sports greening. His presence on this list reflects his industry leadership, the significance of the sports greening movement, and the continued opportunity to help protect the environment and strengthen our communities by greening the sports industry.”Also making the list is Peter Guber, Golden State Warriors Owner and Green Sports Alliance Board Member.The Green Sports Alliance has grown rapidly since it was established five years ago, demonstrating the sports industry’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. The organization today works with over 300 teams, venues, events and universities from 20 different leagues, including MLB, MLS, NASCAR, the NBA, the NHL, the NLL, USTA, WNBA.As this recognition is announced, Hershkowitz is in Paris representing the Green Sports Alliance at COP21 where he is joined by sports industry representatives from throughout the world to showcase the sports industry’s collective concern and effort around the urgent need to address climate change. Click here to find out more about the Green Sports Alliance at COP21.Download the full press release.