January 12, 2021
Meet The First Black Woman To Become President of a Major League Soccer Team
Major league soccer is growing within the United States. This week, the D.C. United team announced it will appoint Danita Johnson as their new President of Operations. This move would make Johnson the first Black woman to become president of a major league soccer team in the country.
Prior to entering the soccer world, Johnson worked in the WNBA as the president and chief operating officer for the Los Angeles Sparks. She says it was her experience that made her ready for an opportunity like this, marking a huge milestone in her carer.
“I’ve learned a lot from my time with the WNBA, especially the Los Angeles Sparks organization, and I’ll be forever grateful to the league for how it has lifted me up, both personally and professionally. I look forward to bringing my versatile background and leadership experience from my time working for various organizations for other professional sports leagues across the country to Major League Soccer,” said Danita Johnson in a press statement.
“It is my belief that establishing a winning culture off the field impacts every aspect of the business, from fan interactions to community engagement, and I am committed to doing just this for one of the most storied and decorated clubs in American soccer history.”
Johnson is the third woman ever in the league to serve in the role and will be kicking off her new duties this month. “After conducting a thorough search process, we are confident that Danita Johnson is the right person to lead our business and help take our club to new heights,” said Jason Levien, co-chairman and CEO of D.C. United in the statement.
“Throughout her career, Danita has demonstrated the ability to develop a positive and inspiring work culture, and she has done a tremendous job connecting with the communities in which she has lived and worked. We are thrilled that she has agreed to join us at this critical moment in D.C. United’s trajectory.”
View this post on Instagram