Alton Byrd has been named as the new CEO of Chattanooga FC.
The Chattanooga Football Club announced the hiring of sports executive Alton Byrd as its new Chief Executive Officer Friday morning. The announcement brings to an end a months long search to replace former CEO Jeremy Alumbaugh, who left the club in late January.
Byrd, a former professional basketball player, brings over 30 years of experience in sports and marketing, all which should prove valuable as he takes on the mantle of being only the second ever CEO of Chattanooga FC.
He recalled his 20 years in the United Kingdom as the cultivator for his love of “football” and was quick to mention his passionate support of Liverpool FC or to jab at Manchester United, only further cementing his knowledge and love for the beautiful game amongst a host of passionate fans and media present for the announcement.
Among the attendees was City Mayor and former CFC chairman Tim Kelly. Mayor Kelly gave his stamp of approval for the club and this hiring, saying “This is Chattanooga’s team. I think [Byrd] is going to take this club to a whole new level.”.
Most recently, Byrd served as the senior vice president of growth properties and community relations for BSE Global, which owns the Brooklyn Nets among other major sports franchises in the New York City area. Known for his successful community engagement tactics and aggressive marketing deals, his appointment hopes to prove fruitful in an already league leading attendance market in Chattanooga.
Promoted as a move into an “aggressive new growth phase”, the hiring marks an important moment in the history of CFC and NISA. Byrd commented on his vision for the club and its continued success moving forward, pointing out a few focal points. “We want to grow our staff… to be the best at what we do.” Byrd said, “We have a brand, so how do we build on that brand?”.
Outside of his business model, Byrd focused heavily on community impact. “We want to really think about how we can be additive to people’s lives.”.
He spoke of his immediate love for the city of Chattanooga and what he hopes to do here. “My wife and I haven’t been anywhere in Chattanooga where there hasn’t been joy, good food, good conversation. You have something here.” Byrd said, “we’re going to do the best we can to build on top of that.”. He again pointed back to his experience with the Premier League and its commitment to growing roots in the community as his blueprint for CFC.
Byrd steps into one the most successful seasons in Chattanooga FC’s 15-year history. The Blues are undefeated through the first half of the season and firmly in first place, with a seven-point lead in the NISA table. When asked if he was nervous he would rock the boat on such a successful season, he laughed and said, “I’m not jinxing it… I’m just here observing. I want our coaching staff and players to know, ‘keep going.’”
CFC take on AC Houston Sur in the Independent Cup Championship Saturday at Finley Stadium. Byrd made sure to promote the match and ask the fans to come out and support Chattanooga in his first official match as CEO.