Richard Gunney is the first chief soccer officer of Atlanta City FC, an NWSL expansion team that will begin playing in 2028.
The team announced Gunney, who has 10 years of NWSL experience across three different teams, on Monday.
Gunney will report directly to Mauricio Culebro, the president of soccer for both Atlanta City FC and MLS' Atlanta United.
"As we began the search for a chief soccer officer, we set out to identify a leader with significant experience and a proven track record of success in the women's game," Culebro said in a statement.
"With a decade of experience in the NWSL across coaching, scouting, player recruitment and development, Richard is uniquely qualified to take on this role and develop a championship-caliber club for Atlanta."
Gunney will oversee short- and long-term strategy for Atlanta City FC and "the direct day-to-day management of all soccer operations," the club said in a statement.
Atlanta City used the search firm Sportsology to assist with hiring process, which the club called "a global search."
Gunney will begin the role on Nov. 1, departing Gotham FC prior to the postseason. Gotham is in first place and could clinch their first NWSL Shield in club history if they maintain that position in the final two games of the season.
They are the defending NWSL champions. Gunney has been the director of scouting and recruitment at Gotham FC since 2002.
Since then, the team won a pair of NWSL Championships and the inaugural Concacaf title in 2025. Gunney was previously an assistant coach with the Portland Thorns from 2017-2021 and with the San Diego Wave from 2021-2022.
He also won an NWSL Championship and an NWSL Shield during his time in Portland. Gunney's teams have made the NWSL playoffs in each of his seasons in the league.
"I am extremely excited to be joining Atlanta City FC as chief soccer officer," Gunney said in a statement.
"The opportunity to help build this club from the ground up is truly special, and I look forward to working closely with Mauricio and the entire organization.
"As an expansion club, we have a unique chance to establish a lasting identity, high-performance culture and clear soccer philosophy from day one. Our goal will be to create a team that reflects Atlanta's pride, passion and ambition on and off the field."
The announcement of Gunney's hiring comes less than a week after the other 2028 NWSL expansion team in Columbus announced Lucy Rushton as general manager.
Rushton also has prior NWSL experience and previously worked for Atlanta United.
