Orlando Magazine has published its 2026 list of 50 Most Powerful People in entertainment, sports and the arts, recognizing leaders whose organizations shape cultural programming, major sporting events and professional teams across Central Florida.
Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, leads the list. The downtown Orlando center is planning an expansion that would grow its campus from nine venues and creative spaces to 20, adding theaters, education studios, event space, dining, parking and improvements to the Walt Disney Theater.
The center currently welcomes more than 910,000 guests a year, according to the magazine. Its proposed expansion is expected to support 1.5 million annual guests, serve 80% more students and provide 1,000 free programs each year once completed.
Other honorees include Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission; Jennifer Evins, president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida; Mark Wilf, owner and chairman of Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride; and Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports.
The magazine said the International Olympic Committee selected Orlando to host the Olympic Q-Series in 2028. United Arts, meanwhile, invested $150,000 in 30 Central Florida artists in 2026 and supports more than 100 arts, science and history organizations and individual artists across four counties.
Orlando Magazine also cited the continued development of the city’s pro soccer organizations. The Orlando Pride won the NWSL Shield and championship in 2024 and reached another semifinal in 2025, while Orlando City SC and the Pride play at INTER&Co Stadium.
