UNICO National, the largest Italian American Service Organization in America, held its 99th Annual Convention July 27-30 at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN & Sports Content, received the Special Achievement Award, which was presented by Sal Paolantonio, ESPN national correspondent at the Gala.

UNICO National Gala Awards Dinner celebrates the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans in the United States. James Pitaro was named Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content in 2020. In 2018, he was named ESPN president and co-chair, Disney Media Networks after serving eight years as a top Disney executive.