SAN DIEGO - APRIL 20, 2026

GOVX to Serve aS Presenting Partner of the Hero of the Game Tribute During 2026 Chicago White Sox Home Games

“We’re proud to welcome GOVX as the presenting partner of our Hero of the Game tribute.”

-George McDoniel, White Sox senior director of corporate partnerships sales development

The Chicago White Sox and GOVX, the online shopping platform exclusively for current and former military, first responders, emergency medical professionals, educators and other government service personnel, announced today an official agreement recognizing GOVX as the Presenting Partner of the Hero of the Game tribute during each 2026 home game at Rate Field.

As part of the longstanding Hero of the Game tribute, the White Sox will honor a member of the military – active duty, retired or veteran during a designated half inning break at each home game. The chosen hero is then honored on the field and featured live on the centerfield videoboard as the Public Address Announcer reads a brief biography regarding his or her service to our country. Additionally, the hero will also receive four complimentary tickets plus parking courtesy of the White Sox.

“We’re proud to welcome GOVX as the presenting partner of our Hero of the Game tribute,” said George McDoniel, White Sox senior director of corporate partnerships sales development. “For years, this program has been one of the most meaningful moments of our gameday experience – an opportunity to recognize the service, sacrifice and bravery of our nation’s heroes. We’re thrilled to partner with the GOVX team who is committed to ensuring these individuals receive the appreciation they so greatly deserve.”


New for the 2026, eligible GOVX members can now receive up to 45% off tickets to White Sox home game all season long.


"At GOVX, honoring those who’ve served is at the heart of everything we do,” said GOVX Chief Brand Officer, Aaron Pelander. “Partnering with the historic Chicago White Sox to present the Hero of the Game tribute is a natural extension of that commitment. We are incredibly proud to help recognize these remarkable service members and veterans on the field and give White Sox fans the opportunity to join us in showing appreciation for their service.”


About GovX

GOVX is dedicated to serving those who serve our country and communities – military service members, first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency medical professionals, and other government service personnel. With a customizable suite of solutions, GOVX provides leading brands who share in this mission with a unique opportunity to support this deserving audience. Through the flagship marketplace, GOVX.com, brands can authentically reach a growing community of 12M+ members with their own storefront.


More than 2K trusted brands currently have a storefront on GOVX.com, offering unbeatable deals to those who serve. With the proprietary verification app, GOVX ID, brands can easily enable service member discounts within the checkout flow of their own sites. More than 5K brands currently utilize GOVX ID technology to honor service members. By leveraging GOVX marketing services solutions, brands can effectively amplify their products or services within an engaged and exclusive community and reinforce their support for Americans who make a difference. In addition to providing unmatched value to those who serve, GOVX also donates a portion of every order to non-profits who serve the military and first responder community. To date, over $3M has been donated through the GOVX Gives Back initiative. For more information, visit https://www.govx.com.


CHRIS BOHNERT - CPO

Chris joined GOVX in 2015, bringing more than 15 years of product, marketing and general management experience in the consumer internet space. As head of Product at GOVX, Chris leads product management, design and business intelligence for the entire product portfolio.


Chris began his career at Active Network in 2002 and helped grow the company from start-up to a successful IPO in 2011. During his time at Active Network, Chris managed several teams and product-lines, including the flagship media property, Active.com and the eCommerce division.


In 2012, Chris joined Takelessons, an online education marketplace matching students with qualified teachers. As VP of Product and Technology, he led a cross-functional team, including engineering, product management and design.


Chris earned a BA from the University of Arizona and an MBA from San Diego State University.

ADAM HOMZE - VP ENGINEERING

Adam joined GOVX in 2014 as the Vice President of Software Development and is responsible for leading the software development group, how our applications are built, and scaling the GOVX tech stack.


Since 2005, Adam has actively participated in the growth phase of several startups; holding multiple technical and leadership positions. Over that time, he has developed a wide range of skills to tackle the challenges inherent in building technology companies.


Adam earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego.

AARON PELANDER - CHIEF BRAND OFFICER

As the leader of the Brand Marketing team at GOVX, Aaron is responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive brand strategy that supports GOVX’s business goals and mission. Working closely with the wider marketing and creative teams, Aaron brings the GOVX identity to life through creative storytelling, consistent brand messaging, strategic marketing channel investments, impactful partnerships and sponsorships, and alignment with key non-profit organizations, all aimed at increasing GOVX brand awareness and recall.


Before joining GOVX in 2014, Aaron held senior marketing and management roles at the Active Network and Provide Commerce. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona and his MBA from San Diego State University.

CAROL SCHNUGG - CFO

Carol serves as Chief Financial Officer for GOVX and oversees all financial, accounting and administrative matters for the Company as well as negotiating and administrating Brand-Partners’ wholesale pricing. Prior to joining GOVX, she served as Controller for Billabong’s Sector 9 company, where she oversaw its acquisition by Billabong and was recruited to oversee all financial and accounting matters along with managing its e-commerce site.


Carol previously owned and operated her own accounting and tax practice and was an accountant with Deloitte & Touche.


Carol received a B.S. in finance from San Diego State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

ALAN COLE - CEO/PRESIDENT

Alan began his career as co-founder and President of DELTYME Corporation, a San Diego-based web services firm working with national clients including Target, Cisco Systems, Costco and Garden Fresh.


After stepping away from an operating role at DELTYME, Alan attended business school at the University of Texas with a focus on entrepreneurial management. During his time in Austin he took on due diligence responsibilities at Gefinor Ventures (an early stage venture firm) and worked in marketing and business development roles in several Austin-area startups including Convio and Metreos.


Alan ultimately moved back to San Diego to join Active Network, where he held executive responsibility for the company's $50M Media + Marketing division. After six years with Active Network, Alan moved on to serve as COO of TakeLessons, an online education marketplace connecting students with qualified teachers. In late 2016, Alan joined GOVX as CEO.

Alan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.