Garth Lagerwey Steps Away for Health Reasons
Garth Lagerwey, the president and CEO of Atlanta United FC, has announced he will be stepping away indefinitely to focus on cancer treatment. The announcement, made on Thursday by the club’s officials, included a hopeful note regarding his recovery prospects, stating that the outlook for a full recovery is positive.
Support and Leadership Transition
Lagerwey, who has been in charge since November 2022, mentioned in his statement that he believes this decision is vital for effectively confronting his health challenges. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Arthur M. Blank, the team’s owner and chairman, for providing unwavering support during this difficult time. Blank remarked on Lagerwey’s positive spirit, emphasizing trust in the team’s leadership to smoothly manage operations in Lagerwey’s absence.
In the interim, the day-to-day functions will be overseen by Chris Henderson, the chief soccer officer, Skate Noftsinger, the chief business officer, and Dimitrios Efstathiou, the senior vice president of strategy. They will keep Lagerwey and Rich McKay, the CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment, updated on developments within their departments as they collectively navigate this transition.
Background and Future Outlook
Before joining Atlanta United, Lagerwey was the general manager and president of soccer for the Seattle Sounders for eight years. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains optimistic and looks forward to returning to the fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“I am fortunate to be part of such a wonderful organization,”
he stated, reassuring fans of his commitment to return.
This news comes as a reminder of the challenges faced by leaders in the sports community, as they balance personal health with professional responsibilities.
