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WASHINGTON — Longtime Richmond Region Tourism President Jack Berry will receive the 2026 A-10 Women’s Basketball Contribution Award, bestowed to an outstanding individual who has contributed to the promotion and advancement of Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball.

Berry oversaw record-setting growth in Richmond’s tourism industry, leading the organization for more than three decades. He played a crucial role in the surge of popularity and accessibility for women’s basketball in the area, forming a robust alliance with the Atlantic 10 in the process.

“Jack has had an incredible influence on the growth and presence of sports in the Richmond region during his tenure,” said Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “He has been consistent and an impactful presence in bringing the A-10 Women’s Basketball Championship to Richmond and supporting the event – first at the Coliseum and now at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. It is an honor to present this award to Jack Berry, who has brought prestige, community support, and fans to our championship.”

Instrumental in securing Richmond as the site of the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship from 2014-18, Berry provided visible enthusiasm while supporting the surge in the sport. Presenting at several Atlantic 10 Legends Induction Ceremonies, in-game recognitions, and special celebrations, he also helped pave the way for the league’s first in-person women’s basketball media day festivities at the Richmond Coliseum.

At the time of the 2014 championship, the A-10 was one of just eight conferences with standalone conference women’s basketball tournaments at a neutral-site location. Fordham won the 2014 title at the Richmond Coliseum, before George Washington won three of the next four A-10 Championships at the iconic venue.

The Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship returned to Richmond in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taking place at the Siegel Center. Berry continued to prioritize the sport’s influence in the Richmond area, helping facilitate the A-10’s long-term partnership with Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority to make the Henrico Sports & Events Center the site of the championship through 2029.

“This award is such an honor for me to receive,” Berry said. “I am so grateful for the Atlantic 10 and all that it has done to put our region on the women’s sports map. The women’s basketball championship has grown so significantly under the leadership of Bernadette V. McGlade, who I have admired over all these years, and salute her on her well-deserved upcoming retirement. It has been a true privilege to work with her and her outstanding team over the years. Thank you, Atlantic 10, and thank you, Bernadette, for the wonderful recognition.”

The A-10 Women’s Basketball Championship has brought premiere recognition to both the A-10 and Richmond region, televising the competition to a national audience. Through 2026, all four quarterfinal games will continue to air on USA Network with both semifinal matchups televised on CBS Sports Network. Sunday’s championship final will air on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. ET.

Berry provided support for the Richmond School Day Program, an initiative aimed at increasing attendance for the women’s basketball championship through field trip programs. He helped connect the A-10 with Richmond city school administration, giving thousands of children the opportunity to see high-level basketball in-person.

Berry, who retired from Richmond Region Tourism in 2024, will be honored with the Contribution Award during the semifinal round of the 2026 A-10 Women’s Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 7. Tickets to the five-day, action-packed event can be purchased here.