Atlanta United announced today that President and CEO Garth Lagerwey will take an immediate and indefinite leave of absence from the club to focus on his ongoing medical treatment and recovery. The decision comes with the full support of the organization and AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE).
Day-to-day operations will continue under the club’s executive leadership team:
- Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson
- SVP of Strategy Dimitrios Efstathiou
- Chief Business Officer Sarah Kate Noftsinger
All three will continue reporting to AMBSE CEO Rich McKay, ensuring organizational continuity during Lagerwey’s absence.
Lagerwey Focused on Health, Encouraged by Treatment Progress
In a statement released by the club, Lagerwey expressed gratitude for the organization’s support and confidence in his colleagues during his treatment period.
“I am mindful that leadership of Atlanta United requires full-time attention, and right now I simply must focus on my health and ongoing cancer treatment,” Lagerwey said. “I am appreciative of the club considering my health needs during such a challenging time, and I am also encouraged by my treatment progress and long-term outlook.”
Lagerwey’s statement struck a balance of resolve and optimism — hallmarks of his leadership since joining Atlanta United in late 2022.
Steady Leadership to Guide the Club Forward
Atlanta United and AMBSE emphasized that the club’s operations and soccer strategy will continue seamlessly under the guidance of Henderson, Efstathiou, and Noftsinger, three respected leaders who have worked closely with Lagerwey to steer the club’s vision on and off the field.
The trio has been instrumental in shaping the team’s strategic direction, roster development, and business growth, ensuring that Atlanta United remains a model MLS franchise both competitively and commercially.
A Legacy of Vision and Growth
Since joining Atlanta United, Garth Lagerwey has overseen major transitions in both the first-team roster and front-office infrastructure, continuing his legacy as one of MLS’s most accomplished executives.
Before arriving in Atlanta, Lagerwey led Seattle Sounders FC to two MLS Cups and a CONCACAF Champions League title — accomplishments that cemented his reputation as one of American soccer’s most forward-thinking leaders.
His tenure in Atlanta has been defined by efforts to strengthen the club’s developmental pipeline, expand global scouting, and reinforce connections with Atlanta United 2 and the academy system.
As the organization noted, those plans will continue without interruption.
Community and Club Rally Behind Him
Messages of support from fans, players, and the wider MLS community have poured in since the announcement. Supporters, who have long admired Lagerwey’s transparency and leadership style, have taken to social media to share well wishes under the hashtag #StayStrongGarth.
Atlanta United supporters’ groups — including The Faction, Footie Mob, and Resurgence — are expected to organize special tributes in upcoming home matches, reflecting the club’s tight-knit community spirit.
What This Means for Atlanta United
While Lagerwey’s temporary absence is a significant change, Atlanta United remains structurally sound and strategically focused. The leadership team’s depth and alignment with AMBSE ensure the club continues its mission to compete at the highest level and serve as a pillar of soccer growth in the Southeast.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon and Mercedes-Benz Stadium among the host venues, Atlanta United’s role in shaping American soccer’s next chapter remains vital — a vision that Lagerwey has helped to build and will surely return to continue guiding.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.
