Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States, today announced that Jim Messina, President & CEO of The Messina Group, has been appointed to its board of directors. Mr. Messina joins a board comprised of business and sports luminaries from former U.S. National Team players and Major League Soccer (MLS) executives to leaders in the world of business and government.
Widely known as the mastermind behind President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, Mr. Messina reinvented the modern presidential campaign and changed the face of campaign strategy.. After earning President Obama a second term in the White House, Mr. Messina took on the role of National Director for Organizing for Action – an issue advocacy organization that seeks to connect with, educate and galvanize “civically engaged community members across the country.” In 2013, Messina launched The Messina Group, where he currently serves as President & CEO. In addition to that role, he served as senior advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron’s successful 2015 re-election campaign.
“Jim is a pioneer in his field, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Foundation’s board of directors,” said Charles “Cully” Stimson, chairman of the board for the Foundation. “His strategic counsel and ability to advance our cause will help the Foundation immeasurably in the years ahead.”
Mr. Messina previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to President Obama, as well as the Director of Personnel for the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition. In addition, he served as the National Chief of Staff of Obama for America in 2008. Mr. Messina is from Boise, Idaho and is a graduate of the University of Montana.
“Jim is a powerful addition to our board,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “I am confident that his breadth of experience and vision will be instrumental in helping the Foundation reach the ambitious goals before us.”
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a recognized leader in sports-based youth development programs for children in underserved, urban communities. Since its founding in 1994, the organization has provided more than $100 million in funding to create and sustain innovative programs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Proven to deliver positive health and social outcomes, the Foundation’s affordable initiatives offer safe environments in which both boys and girls thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org to learn more.
Media Contact:
Krista Washington
U.S. Soccer Foundation
kwashington@ussoccerfoundation.org
202-872-6662
