Atlanta United President and CEO Garth Lagerwey has taken a leave of absence to concentrate fully on his ongoing cancer treatment and recovery, as announced by the club on Tuesday. While no specific timeline has been set for his return, Lagerwey expressed encouragement regarding his treatment progress and long-term outlook. Day-to-day operations will be managed by an experienced interim leadership trio: Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson, Vice President of Strategy Dimitrios Efstathiou, and Chief Business Officer Sarah Kate Noftsinger.
In a significant development for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Atlanta United, President and Chief Executive Officer Garth Lagerwey has announced he is taking a leave of absence. The decision, made public on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, allows Lagerwey to dedicate his full attention to his cancer treatment and subsequent recovery, underscoring a commitment to personal health over professional duties at a challenging time.
Lagerwey’s Statement: A Focus on Health and Optimism
In a statement released by the club, Lagerwey conveyed his perspective on the situation. “I am mindful that leadership of Atlanta United requires full-time attention, and right now I simply must focus on my health and ongoing cancer treatment,” he said. This candid acknowledgment highlights the demanding nature of his role and his understanding of the club’s operational needs.
Despite the seriousness of his health challenge, Lagerwey maintained a hopeful tone. He expressed appreciation for the club’s support during this period and, crucially, noted that he is “encouraged by my treatment progress and long-term outlook.” This positive update provides comfort to fans and stakeholders alike, signaling a strong belief in his eventual return and full recovery.
Continuity in Leadership: The Interim Management Team
To ensure seamless day-to-day operations during Lagerwey’s absence, Atlanta United has established an interim leadership structure. This experienced trio will collectively oversee the club’s functions, maintaining stability and strategic direction.
The interim leadership consists of:
- Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer
- Dimitrios Efstathiou, Vice President of Strategy
- Sarah Kate Noftsinger, Chief Business Officer
This team brings a wealth of experience across the critical facets of soccer operations, strategy, and business management, promising a steady hand at the helm during this transitional period. Their combined expertise will be vital in navigating the club through the remainder of its season and into future planning.
A Journey of Recovery: Following Previous Announcements
This formal leave of absence follows a previous announcement made in July, when Garth Lagerwey first disclosed he was taking an indefinite leave to focus on his treatment. At that time, the club had also indicated that “the prognosis of a complete recovery is encouraging.” The current announcement serves as an update, confirming his continued dedication to his health journey, with the core message of optimism remaining consistent.
The club has refrained from providing a specific timetable for Lagerwey’s return, respecting his privacy and the unpredictable nature of cancer treatment and recovery. This approach emphasizes patient well-being as the utmost priority.
The Lagerwey Legacy: A Builder of MLS Success
Garth Lagerwey assumed the role of President and CEO of Atlanta United in November 2022, bringing with him a formidable reputation as one of MLS’s most successful executives. His tenure was anticipated to usher in a new era of competitive excellence for the Five Stripes, aiming to recapture the glory of their early years.
Prior to joining Atlanta, Lagerwey spent eight highly successful years with the Seattle Sounders FC, serving as their General Manager and President of Soccer. During his time in Seattle, he was instrumental in building a perennial contender, leading the Sounders to multiple MLS Cup appearances and a championship title. His strategic vision and data-driven approach earned him widespread acclaim across the league, as noted by the Associated Press in their coverage of his career moves.
Lagerwey’s impact at both clubs has been characterized by an emphasis on sustainable success, shrewd player acquisitions, and a robust organizational structure. Fans often look to his track record as a benchmark for what can be achieved, and his absence leaves a significant void that the interim team will strive to fill while upholding his foundational principles.
Fan Community Perspectives and the Road Ahead
The news of Lagerwey’s leave has resonated deeply within the Atlanta United fan community and across the wider MLS landscape. Supporters have flooded social media and fan forums with messages of well wishes and support for his recovery, reflecting the strong bond between club executives and the fanbase.
While the focus remains squarely on Lagerwey’s health, discussions have also naturally shifted to the implications for Atlanta United. The interim leadership team faces the task of maintaining the club’s trajectory without its principal leader, a challenge that will test their collective experience and strategic alignment. The club’s performance in upcoming matches and during potential transfer windows will be closely scrutinized by fans keen on understanding the operational impact of this temporary change.
Major League Soccer executives often face intense pressure and demanding schedules, making a leave for health reasons a significant, yet necessary, step. The collective hope is for Garth Lagerwey to make a full and speedy recovery, returning to his pivotal role with renewed health and vigor.
Looking Forward: Stability and Support
Atlanta United’s swift action in establishing an interim leadership team demonstrates a clear commitment to continuity and stability during Lagerwey’s absence. This structured approach aims to minimize disruption and maintain the club’s objectives, both on and off the field. The club’s statement and Lagerwey’s own words project a unified front, prioritizing the well-being of its leader while assuring fans of continued dedication to the team’s success.
The entire MLS community, along with the passionate supporters of Atlanta United, stands united in wishing Garth Lagerwey strength and resilience in his fight against cancer. His journey serves as a reminder of the human element behind professional sports, and the enduring hope for his full recovery and eventual return to the game he has so significantly influenced. Further updates on his progress are expected to be shared by the club as appropriate, as reported by outlets such as MLSsoccer.com.
