What are your most important goals in your current role? 

To name a few, staff growth and retention, revenue generation, operational execution, and efficiency. However, ensuring my team is learning, growing, and pushing the envelope is my top priority – I’ve found that if you’re focused and intentional in that space, everything else sort of takes care of itself.

Share a professional accomplishment that you are extremely proud of: 

I’m really proud that each year I’ve been at D.C. United, we’ve increased our revenues and have built a fun but challenging culture internally. We have a lot of work to do, but we’ve built a business that we’re proud of.

What is your favorite part about working in MLS and for D.C. United?

My favorite part of working at D.C. United and in MLS is the fact that we get to be involved in so many areas of our business, and wear a variety of different hats, so to speak. It allows our team exposure and visibility into so many elements of our industry.

What is one skill you wish you had learned earlier in your career and why? 

Oh, there are so many. First, details matter. I was taught this early on in my career, and it shows the level of care that you place in your quality of work, preparation, interactions with others, etc. If you are intentional about ensuring details are buttoned up, you won’t make many mistakes, which then allows more proactive efforts, rather than reactive. Second, listen more and know that you don’t know everything.

What advice would you share with young professionals who want to work in the sports industry? 

When we’re hiring for roles, the non-negotiables we look for are: a positive attitude, enthusiasm, communication, and a willingness to collaborate. Our culture is paramount, and if you can be additive to a team’s/club’s culture, trust that they’ll be able to teach you the necessary skills and strategies that position you for success.

What is your favorite part about working with Zoomph? 

I mean, my favorite part is obviously Amir 🙂.

In all actuality, being able to automate the flow of social data into our data warehouse for real-time insight into how our digital strategy is being received by our fan base.

Give a shout-out! Share a sports brand that deserves some extra recognition: 

FBIN (Football Business Insider Network) is a global football (soccer) business network, connecting bright minds from all over the globe, related to the commercial and operational elements of running soccer clubs. I’m fortunate to serve as a Network Leader for the FBIN Executive program, which brings together high-level executives and key decision-makers within rights holders in the football business.

Outside of D.C. United, what is your favorite sports team? Feel free to share how you became a fan/how long you have been a fan, why you are a fan, and any special memories/moments.

Los Angeles Lakers. I’ve been a fan since I was 2 years old (and have a photo to prove it!). My entire life, Kobe was my idol, and I have always valued his disciplined approach, mental toughness, and drive to be the best. Special memories…seeing six (6) NBA titles in my lifetime!