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D.Smolenski Head Shot.JPG

HI, I'M DON.

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Don Smolenski, now in his 28th season with the organization, was named team president in 2012 after originally joining the team in 1998 as chief financial officer. He served as senior vice president, chief financial officer  from 2001-10 and then as the team’s chief operating officer from 2010-12. As president, Smolenski directs the club’s business and strategic efforts,  including sales, marketing, communications, and operations. He has played a key role in significant projects from the construction of Lincoln Financial Field to the club’s internationally recognized environmental and philanthropic programs.
Smolenski has infused energy and creativity throughout the organization with his engaging leadership style. In 2024, he was recognized by the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Top Workplaces program in the special awards category for leadership and, in 2015, was named to the Most Admired CEOs list by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Under his direction, the Eagles have been a Top Workplace in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024. Smolenski and the Eagles have celebrated two Super Bowl victories during his time as team president. The Eagles captured their first Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII, followed by a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX.
In his first year as president, Smolenski spearheaded a two-year, $125 million Lincoln Financial Field revitalization project that added 1,600 seats, HD video boards, and graphics paying tribute to the team’s history. In 2019, Smolenski’s leadership was instrumental to the Lincoln Financial naming rights extension, which stands as one of the longest stadium naming rights relationships in the NFL. Over the years, Lincoln Financial Field has hosted high-profile events, including sold-out concerts, national and international soccer matches, the NCAA Lacrosse Championships, the Army-Navy Game, the NHL Stadium Series, WrestleMania, Monster Jam, Temple University 
football, and more. In June 2022, Lincoln Financial Field was selected as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host venue, becoming one of 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico to earn the prestigious honor.
Smolenski plays an important role in the team’s environmental initiatives. As a result of their Go Green program, which features the NFL’s largest solar array with 10,456 panels, the Eagles have emerged as a leader in environmental 
stewardship. Lincoln Financial Field is LEED Platinum certified and the Eagles are the first professional sports team to earn ISO 20121 certification. In 2018, Smolenski helped launch the Eagles Autism Challenge, a oneday bike ride and family-friendly 5K run/walk dedicated to raising funds for cutting-edge autism research and care programs. In 2019, the team’s signature fundraising event expanded and led to the formation of the Eagles Autism Foundation, a new charitable endeavor that unified the team’s various autism activities into one organization. Through its mission to turn autism awareness into action, the Eagles became one of the first sports franchises to build a state-of-the-art sensory room in its home stadium, have partnered  with organizations to help combat the unemployment rate in the autism community, and have even leveraged home games and open practices to drive critical funds. The Eagles Autism Challenge celebrated a record-breaking year in 2025, raising more than $10 million for the cause and bringing the total 
raised to $40 million-plus since 2018.
As an extension of the team’s ongoing inclusion efforts, the Eagles launched the state’s first girls’ high school flag football league in 2022. The program, which started with 16 schools and now features 1,600 participants throughout the eastern side of Pennsylvania, contributed to the PIAA’s decision to designate girls’ flag football as an emerging sport in Pennsylvania. In September 2024, history was made when the PIAA declared high school girls’ flag football an officially sanctioned sport in the Commonwealth. Building on Smolenski and the team’s support around young female  athletes, the Eagles forged a partnership with Operation Warm to address the 
lack of access to essential sports equipment for girls. It led to the formation of  a new sports bra line called FLY:FWD, ensuring girls of all ages and backgrounds are properly outfitted for competition.
In 2013, Smolenski helped launch the Eagles Care initiative, which has fostered strategic partnerships with 30 area-based nonprofits in an effort to help strengthen the core work of each charitable organization.

In addition to his leadership roles within the Eagles organization, Smolenski serves as the PHL Sports Advisory Board Chair, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Corporate Council co-Chair, is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Board and FM Global Advisory Board, and is involved in the city’s FIFA World Cup planning efforts as a member of the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Board.
Smolenski serves as the vice president and treasurer of the Eagles Autism Foundation, as well as treasurer of the Eagles Charitable Foundation, which provides area-based children with greater access to vision care.Before joining the Eagles, Smolenski served as chief financial officer for the International Hockey League, where he oversaw all league financial matters and played an integral role in growing the league from 12 to 19 teams. Smolenski began his career as a public accountant with Arthur Andersen.
An outdoor enthusiast, Smolenski has completed the Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Boston Marathons. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Amherst College and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Hartford.
Don and his wife, Karen, have two sons, Jake and Shane

The Essence of  True Leadership -
One with the Team

Wednesday, April 8, 1:15 PM

This session explores the crucial elements and benefits of effective teamwork and collaboration, on the court and in the back office. Join us as five national pro teams USA TODAY Top Workplace winners share how they enhance their teams' collaborative efforts and achieve success.  

Key Topics Covered:  

  • Define what teamwork truly means and its significance in achieving realistic collective goals. 

  • Explore the advantages of strong collaboration, creative problem-solving and innovative solutions, when the team is “on board.”   

 

True leadership goes beyond managing tasks and delegating responsibilities. It is about building genuine connections, fostering trust, and creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard. When leaders are truly integrated with their teams, they can inspire and motivate individuals to reach their full potential and achieve collective success. 

Being one with the team means actively participating in the day-to-day activities, understanding the challenges and triumphs, and providing support whenever needed. It involves listening to ideas, encouraging innovation, and recognizing the unique contributions of each team member. By doing so, leaders can cultivate a sense of unity and shared purpose that drives performance and enhances overall job satisfaction. 

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USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2026 Conference Policy

​​All cancellation request must be submitted in writing via email to justin.libak@usatoday.com.

 

Confirmed registrants may cancel and receive a full refund minus a $150 cancellation fee for general attendees through February 27, 2026. Cancellation request received from February 28, 2026 through March 20, 2026 are nonrefundable but can be transferred to another member within your organization. Cancellations on or after March 21, 2026 are nonrefundable and transfers are not permitted.    

 

Attendees who do not attend the event and/or do not contact USA TODAY Co. via written correspondence by the dates above will be responsible for the full attendee registration fee. If the conference is cancelled, USA TODAY Co. is not responsible for any penalty incurred by purchasing a nonrefundable airline ticket or related costs.  


Notice of Filming statement: 

By entering this event and by your presence here, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2026 Conference.  You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent given by you by entering this area. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter this area. Holder releases and waives each of  USA TODAY Co., Inc. the facility, vendors and participants, and their respective affiliates and representatives from any and all loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by Holder or damage to any of his/her property, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, or otherwise, while attending and/or participating in the Event, or while in, on or upon the premises where the Event is being conducted. HOLDER VOLUNTARILY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RISKS OF LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, that may be sustained by Holder, or any loss or damage of property owned by Holder, as a result of participating in the Event, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.

​

*Policy subject to change

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