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The United Soccer League announces movement among senior executive team

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 05/08/23, 4:45PM EDT

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TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today several key promotions and appointments among the senior executive team.  

These moves have been made to continue to develop and execute the USL’s future strategy and position the league and its clubs for operational, sporting, and commercial success. 

Justin Papadakis has been named USL Deputy CEO, effective immediately, in addition to his current roles as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Real Estate Officer. As Deputy CEO, Papadakis will: 

  • expand his role in setting and implementing the USL’s overall strategic direction as the organization enters a new phase of rapid growth for the USL and for soccer in America. 

  • continue with his leadership role in building the enterprise business and financial health of the league and the clubs, including overseeing USL HQ’s commercial, expansion, business intelligence, legal, human resources, and other departments. 

  • continue to drive the USL’s stadium development efforts and oversee a new division at USL HQ to support stadium projects, training facility development, and other infrastructure initiatives. 

Paul McDonough, one of the most respected and qualified soccer executives in the United States, has been hired as USL President and Chief Soccer Officer. 

  • McDonough’s experience and knowledge of soccer in America and football abroad are unmatched as it relates to both the on-field product and the business of sports. He will assume a major role in taking the USL’s professional leagues to the next level. 

  • His astute business acumen and comprehensive expertise in the transfer market will greatly enhance the USL’s teams, academies, and player development pathways while bolstering the financial health of the clubs.  

  • In addition to his strategic business role, McDonough will lead the USL’s sporting department. 

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Dan Holman has been promoted to Deputy COO and tasked with boosting the USL’s ongoing expansion efforts and operational optimization. In his new role, Holman will manage a recently formed business intelligence unit, as well as internal groups focused on expansion, strategy, and digital products.  

Cory Bernstine has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Strategy. Since joining the USL in 2021, Bernstine has developed multiple broad-based business strategies that have driven increased relevance, fandom, competition, and revenue.   

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