Appointment deepens more than a decade of collaboration between MSE and the trailblazing nonprofit
Washington, D.C. (July 2, 2025) – DC Central Kitchen (DCCK), a nationally recognized nonprofit and pioneering force in effective programming to fight against hunger and poverty, this week announced the appointment of Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), to its Board of Directors. This two-year appointment began July 1, 2025.
“Monumental Sports & Entertainment has been a steadfast supporter of our work at DC Central Kitchen for many years, and Zach’s personal commitment as a regular hands-on volunteer and champion for our mission speaks volumes,” said DCCK CEO Mike Curtin Jr. “We are delighted that Zach has chosen to bring his time, talent, and passion for the Washington, DC community to our leadership team as we work together to provide the good food, economic opportunities, and sense of unity our city needs.”
Leonsis joins a distinguished group of civic leaders, social entrepreneurs, and industry executives who help steer DCCK’s mission to use food access as a catalyst for both nourishment and economic opportunity. A proven innovator and strategic leader, Leonsis brings to the Board a powerful blend of media expertise, business acumen, and deep-rooted commitment to social impact, particularly across the Greater Washington region.
“DC Central Kitchen’s model exemplifies a powerful combination of service, empowerment, and sustainable impact in the District,” said Leonsis. “It’s an honor to join a board so aligned with my belief in creating platforms that unlock opportunity and equity. I look forward to supporting DCCK’s incredible work across our region.”
Leonsis’ appointment marks the next chapter in a long-standing partnership between Monumental Sports & Entertainment and DC Central Kitchen. Since 2018, MSE—through its foundation, team engagement, corporate partnerships, and advocacy—has contributed more than $1.3 million to support DCCK’s programs. The relationship exemplifies a shared vision: leveraging visibility, resources, and influence to drive scalable, community-centered change.
Notable initiatives include:
Launching & Elevating Social Enterprise Cafes: MSE was a founding partner in the launch of the first DC Central Kitchen Cafe and remains a steadfast supporter of “Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen,” located near Capital One Arena. MSE is also the presenting partner of the organization’s annual Cafe Day celebration.
Empowering Culinary Job Training (CJT) Students: MSE has provided headshots, arena experiences, and career exploration opportunities for DCCK’s CJT program participants—helping prepare the next generation of culinary and hospitality talent.
Volunteering as a Team: The first Thursday of each month, MSE staff and Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) volunteers lend their time at DCCK’s headquarters. The MSE Foundation also facilitates additional volunteer days for athletes and their families.
Driving Resources and Awareness: MSE has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through fan-driven campaigns, corporate donations, and strategic fundraising events—all in direct support of DCCK’s mission.
About Zach Leonsis
Zach Leonsis serves as President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, where he leads the company’s media strategy, oversees Monumental Sports Network, and spearheads new ventures across sports, technology, and entertainment. Under his leadership, Monumental Sports Network has evolved into a fully owned and operated regional media platform delivering live games, original content, and exclusive access for fans across the DMV.
Leonsis also leads Monumental’s esports division and investment initiatives, representing the company on the boards of Team Liquid and CLLCT, and previously served on the NBA 2K League Executive Committee. He’s been recognized as a Sports Business Journal “RSN Power Player,” a Washington Business Journal and SBJ “Forty Under 40” honoree, and was inducted into the SBJ Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame.
In addition to his recent appointment to the DCCK Board, Leonsis serves on the Advisory Board for Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and the Governor of Virginia’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism, reflecting his deep commitment to civic leadership and community impact across the region.
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment company and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
About DC Central Kitchen
DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate fast-casual cafes that also provide on-the-job training for our culinary students. Visit dccentralkitchen.org for more information.
