Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Corporate Responsibility in the Sports Industry: Featuring Co-owner of the New York Islanders, Jon Ledecky and Gene McCarthy

In an era where consumers, employees, and communities expect more from the organizations that shape our world, corporate social responsibility has become a defining pillar of modern leadership. This dynamic, moderated conversation brings together two influential business figures—Jon Ledecky, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-owner of the New York Islanders, and Gene McCarthy, renowned footwear executive and former President & CEO of ASICS Americas and Merrell—for a candid and forward-looking discussion on the evolving role of purpose in business.

From building values-driven cultures to integrating social impact into strategy, Ledecky and McCarthy will explore how leaders can move beyond “checking the box” to authentically embed responsibility into the DNA of an organization. Drawing on decades of experience across sports, global retail, and brand transformation, they’ll examine the intersection of profitability and purpose, the imperative of ethical leadership, and the expectations of the next generation of consumers and workers.

All are welcome to attend a reception following the discussion; registration is required.

This event is sponsored by the Hagedorn Lectureship on Corporate and Social Responsibility. For more information, please contact events@adelphi.edu. 

About the Speakers

Gene McCarthy

Moderator

Chairman, Board Member, CEO, and Author

Gene McCarthy has had a distinguished career spanning executive roles in the athletic and outdoor industries at iconic brands like ASICS, Under Armour, Nike, and Reebok. As the former President and CEO of ASICS America, Gene brings a wealth of experience and insights.

Currently, Gene is the Founder & CEO of Top League Advisory. He also has served on various boards and has authored a book titled “Chasing Four. A Personal History of Work and Play.”

Jon Ledecky

Speaker

Owner, New York Islanders

Jon Ledecky is co-owner of the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League and the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League. Jon’s partnership also owns the award-winning UBS Arena.

Jon founded U.S. Office Products in 1994, and by 1998 the company had become the fastest entrant ever in the history of the Fortune 500. U.S. Office Products owned Mail Boxes, Etc. (now the UPS Store) and several other national brands. Jon has been the founder, co-founder or early stage investor in over 20 companies that eventually became publicly traded.

Jon Ledecky’s first foray into professional sports ownership occurred in 1999 when, with partner Ted Leonsis, he bought the Washington Capitals and an interest in the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association. Jon later sold his partnership interest and started a foundation that dedicated itself to the education of children in Boston, New York and Washington. Jon continues this work today in the greater New York metropolitan area through the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation.

Jon Ledecky is an honors graduate of Harvard College and also graduated from Harvard Business School. He received an Honorary Doctoral Degree from George Washington University. He has been a director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Commission on Entrepreneurship. Jon is also the proud uncle of record-setting swimmer Katie Ledecky, the most decorated American female Olympian of all time with 14 medals.