PAUL MCDONOUGH

PRESIDENT & CEO, UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE, TAMPA

Founded in 1986, the USL is the largest soccer organization in the U.S. Employing more than 125 people, it's built around independent, community-rooted clubs, entertaining more than 200 communities across 45 states. It's preparing for the launch of USL Premier, which will serve as its cream-of-the-crop professional league. McDonough was named CEO in June. Formerly the USL's chief soccer officer, he brings more than 20 years of experience across the soccer industry.

EDUCATION: University of South Carolina (BS)

NOTABLE TREND: Soccer has never had more momentum in the U.S., driven by rising participation, investment and the World Cup spotlight. With the launch of USL Premier, a new top-tier men's league, the USL will introduce promotion and relegation, where teams move up or down based on performance, aligning American soccer more closely with the global game.

NEXT BIG FOCUS: Launching USL Premier and implementing promotion and relegation — a first for professional sports in the U.S. — across our men's leagues. It's the biggest structural change in American soccer in generations, and it's an opportunity to bring the American game more in line with the rest of the world.

NEXT GEN ADVICE: Show up early. Stretch yourself. Ask questions. Don't limit yourself to one lane or one job description. The more you learn about different parts of the business, the more valuable you'll become as a leader.

FOOD FIX: A good steak!

DAILY RITUAL
“I'm an early riser and like to get to the office by 7:30 a.m., before everyone else. That quiet time gives me a chance to think and get ahead of the day before the meetings start.”