Osceola Heritage Park General Manager Robb Larson and Assistant General Manager and Director of Finance Mary Burd have been named as finalists for the Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s 2023 “SPORTY” awards, which, “honor sports business professionals who excel in their field, and whose contributions and impact are vital in making Greater Orlando one of the country’s premier sports destinations.”
The awards will air on WKMG Channel 6 on Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m.
Larson has been nominated for Executive of the Year in a cast of 13 local sports executives who come from the area’s college and professional teams and sports-based companies. On his watch, OHP has hosted events such as the Special Olympics, Chelsea FC training and open practice and the Florida High School Athletic Association state wrestling Championships. The complex also is home to the training grounds for the Orlando City Soccer Club and home games for Orlando City B inside the now soccer-specific Osceola County Stadium. Last month, the Orlando Magic announced it’s moved its G-League development team from Lakeland and will rebrand as the Osceola Magic.
Annually, OHP also hosts the Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction, which set a record of $234 million in sales in 2023, and premier country music festival, Country Thunder, which hosted 50,000 weekend visitors last fall.
Burd, one of six nominees for Best in Business Operations, oversees the fiscal and financial operations of OHP.
“Burd is responsible for establishing strategies that provide the facility with financial stability, and making recommendations to increase business and operational efficiency. Her leadership has been critical for OHP’s long-term financial health and one of the reasons OHP continues to attract thousands of athletes across numerous sporting events each year,” an OHP release said.
OHP Director of Marketing and Public Relations Shawn LaDouceur said the complex is thrilled to have Larson and Burd named as SPORTY award finalists.
“Their commitment to excellence and their dedication to the success of Osceola Heritage Park has made it a leading destination for sports events of all kinds, including making it home to three professional athletic teams,” he said.
