On Thursday, Atlanta United announced Chief Executive Officer, Garth Lagerwey, will be stepping away from the team indefinitely following a recent cancer diagnosis. According to an official release from the team, while the type of cancer Lagerwey has been diagnosed with has not been revealed, he has begun treatment and there is no timetable for his return at this time.
Lagerwey, who joined the club in 2022, has received support from United and club owner and chairman, Arthur Blank who issued the following statement. “On behalf of myself, Atlanta United, and the entire Blank Family of Businesses, we stand fully behind Garth and his family as they navigate this difficult challenge. Garth’s resilience and optimism are part of what makes him such an exceptional leader, and I know he’ll carry those strengths in the days ahead. I have complete confidence in our leadership team and players as we navigate this transition together. We all look forward to welcoming Garth back in the future and will be praying for him and his family’s continued strength, and a smooth recovery.”
In Lagerwey’s absence, Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson and Chief Business Officer Skate Noftsinger and Senior Vice President of Strategy Dimitrios Efstathiou will provide regular reports to Lagerwey and Chief Executive Officer of AMB Sports and Entertainment, Rich McKay in addition to their regular duties.