Atlanta United has filled the newly created position of Vice President and Chief Business Officer at the club, but the new hire is no stranger to the Stripes.
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Sports in the ATL has learned that Sarah Kate “Skate” Noftsinger has been selected for the position. She previously worked for Atlanta United from 2015-20, leading the club’s marketing and fan engagement efforts. After she left Atlanta United, she joined Adidas as Head of Sports Marketing for Soccer in North America, where she played an integral role in the shoemaker’s partnership with Major League Soccer.
According to the club, Noftsinger will be stewarding recent gifts to U. S. Soccer from club owner Arthur Blank ahead of the federation’s planned relocation from Chicago to Atlanta, as one of her duties.
The Wake Forrest grad has an athletic history of her own. She was named an All-American while playing for the Demon Deacons. She played professionally for the Washington Freedom, a Women’s United Soccer Association franchise. She worked as an assistant coach at Stanford University for five years and helped the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer For Success program.
“Atlanta United will always have a special place in my heart and I couldn’t be more excited to re-join the club,” said Noftsinger, in a statement. “This is truly an exciting time for soccer in our region and a massive opportunity to grow the game alongside U.S. Soccer’s relocation to Atlanta and the 2016 FIFA World Cup coming to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I want to thank Arthur Blank, Steve Cannon [Vice Chairman, AMB Sports and Entertainment], and Garth Lagerwey [Atlanta United President and CEO] for entrusting me with this position.”
“As Atlanta United and Major League Soccer continue to grow at an accelerated rate, and with the generational opportunity our organization has in the international soccer business over the next few years, we collectively made a decision to create a new position to lead strategy for our evolving soccer businesses,” said Lagerwey, whom Noftsinger will report to. “Skate has an extensive background in elevating the game throughout her entire career, and knows our organization well, making her the perfect candidate for the role. We’re excited for her to return to the organization and look forward to welcoming her, and her family, back to Atlanta.”
Noftsinger will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day business strategies for Atlanta United, including marketing, sales, sponsorships, and ticketing. She starts November 6th.
by Brian Allen, founding editor
Image credits: Atlanta United