OFFICIAL: Atlanta United names Chris Henderson Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director

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Atlanta United made the news official on Monday as it announced that Chris Henderson is the new Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director of the club.

Garth Lagerwey had this to say via press release upon confirmation of reuniting with Henderson in Atlanta:

“Chris has experience building consistent, winning teams in this league and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the club as our new Sporting Director,” Atlanta United President and CEO Garth Lagerwey said. “His illustrious career and vast experience was something we valued in this hiring process and he was someone who immediately rose to the top of our search. He understands all the nuances that MLS roster building brings and I’m excited to see him play a pivotal role in helping us bring that consistent winner to Atlanta.”

As first reported by Tom Bogert, the Five Stripes sent over a second round 2026 MLS SuperDraft pick to Inter Miami, where Henderson had spent the last four seasons building their roster.

The two-time MLS Cup-winning executive had this to say in his first comments after joining the club.

“I want to thank Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for giving me the opportunity to come to Atlanta and I’m excited to begin this new journey in my career,” Henderson said. “I’ve followed this club for a while now and the ambitions of the club, both on and off the pitch, are clear and that’s to compete for trophies every single season. I’m excited to get to work with Garth and to play a role in helping Atlanta United build on its history of success.”

The 17’s will get to hear more from the newest hire as he will be officially introduced to the media on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. ET. You can watch that via live stream at www.atlutd.com/live