Washington, D.C., January 25, 2013 – The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States, today announced that Leighton Welch, co-chairman of the Foundation’s New York Leadership Council and president of Welch Capital Partners, has been appointed to its board of directors. Mr. Welch joins a board comprised of business and sports luminaries from former U.S. National Team players, to International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and Major League Soccer (MLS) executives, to leaders in the world of business and government.
Mr. Welch founded Welch Capital Partners, LLC more than 15 years ago and currently serves as president and senior portfolio manager. Previously, he was employed as a portfolio manager with Eagle Capital Management, where he managed more than $120 million in assets while providing industry expertise in the healthcare, technology and business services sectors. Prior to joining Eagle Capital, Mr. Welch worked as an associate for Boston Ventures and as an analyst for T.A. Associates. Mr. Welch is currently chairman of the Lawrence Hospital Investment Committee and a member of the Board of Governors of the Lawrence Hospital. Previously, he was a board member of the Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe. Mr. Welch earned a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Business Administration degrees from Harvard University. He also served as head coach for the Eastchester Youth Soccer League for 12 years.
“The addition of Leighton to our team will further diversify and strengthen the outstanding talents and wide-ranging experience that our directors already bring to the Foundation,” said Charles Marshall, chairman of the board for the Foundation. “He is a widely respected and deeply experienced business leader who will provide our board and management team with new insights and perspectives relating to the Foundation’s mission.”
“Leighton is a highly regarded and influential financier who brings broad market perspective, strong financial acumen, a wealth of non-profit experience and a keen focus on long-term performance. He will undoubtedly help us continue to develop a transformative business model, build our brand and drive sustained growth and expansion,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation.
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 $57 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 www.ussoccerfoundation.org to learn more.
Editor Note: For your understanding, we are a separate entity from USSF/US/U.S. Soccer. When referring to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, please refer to it by its proper name.
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