Supporter Owner Board Member Candidates

The Chattahooligan Council asked all of the board member candidates additional questions to gain a better understanding of who they are. Hopefully this gives all of the CFC owners better insight into who they are voting to represent them on the board. Be sure to check out each candidates page via the link on their name or check out CFC’s full list at https://www.chattanoogafc.com/election-information/.

Philipe Aldahir – Chattanooga, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
I believe CFC is at the intersection of opportunity, grit, and passion. In my opinion, the opportunity is to lead change in American Soccer for the better, strategically and passionately impacting its followers, its structure, and its environment. I grew up in Brazil, where soccer is a verb, not a choice. It’s what you do – you play, you watch, you cheer, you befriend and you “de-friend”. Every school break, every street corner, every dirt patch. Just place a pair of havaianas down as goal posts, and find (or make) a ball, and play. Nearly 11 years after moving to the US, I realize now how hard it was for me to find a thriving soccer environment – a few people to talk soccer, or kick a ball around, find televised matches, or even spot someone wearing a jersey. That changed in 2015 when I moved to Chattanooga and started going to CFC games. I have never been this engaged in soccer since I moved to the US. At that point, I had changed my entire life to fit with my sports passion. Moved countries for it, got jobs in the sports industries, and carved out a one-of career that follows my passion to work in the sports industry. I believe in opportunity. However, nothing can be accomplished without grit. Both CFC and myself are in our 10th season here, and, based on my own, I don’t have to guess the challenges CFC had to face during this period. In fact, we are currently in the middle of a big challenge. Holding our Fort, becoming pro, putting together a world-class schedule, starting a new league. In my experience, I’ve been involved from the simplest goals such as mowing the grass, to the most complex in the design/build of professional stadiums – I had to learn how to deal with peers, subordinates, team staff, coaches, players, stakeholders, and team owners. And it is not always easy, it takes grit and it takes capable people. Lastly, it takes passion. To keep going, to learn new things, to become able to face new and bigger challenges, to get up and keep going after being knocked down. Maximizing results and outcomes can only be accomplished with passion, capability, and grit. And when a talented group of people come together under those principles, positive change happens, opportunity after opportunity. I believe that is what I bring: a heavy and long soccer background, coupled with nearly 11 years of experience in collegiate and professional sports, and the expertise to make a positive impact towards growing our Club, our community, and our sport.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
Supporters are the fuel of any sports organization. Without fuel, you can’t run the engine. All types of supporters matter, from the most fanatic to the most casual. I also believe the the relationship between club and supporter is symbiotic and they feed of of each other. Winning organizations attract and retain more supporters. Supporters like to win and engage more with the organization, that’s the cycle. In today’s world with many distractions, many efforts around professional sports organizations are related to fan engagement and game day experience. A good game day experience makes fans come back. “Regular” fans bring new fans and engage with the team so they feel a part of it and invest in the team’s mission. CFC has it all. Nearly 3,000 owners, 3,000+ avg. attendance a talented roster and staff, and effective community engagement. My goal is to help keep that tank full, with that supreme/unleaded fuel so CFC can continue to ignite and explode in the right direction.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
Personally, through ongoing interactions with the owners – we may have to start a forum or town hall to discuss ownership interests. I’d also propose that we put in place remote conferencing capabilities for the MANY owners outside the Chattanooga area. I’d propose leveraging our online presence (many of us follow each other on twitter) to look for a certain “collective mood”. Technology nowadays allows us to do data mining on posted key words and create alerts for a certain reoccurring theme. I would also propose leveraging the 423 podcast and similar communication vehicles – what a great avenue to talk about important topics and get the word out! In fact, podcast is one of my main personal entertainment tools. Lastly, and also on the personal side, reach out. I just realized I publicized my credentials with my contact information on it – so there you have it. Call me, text me, email me, blitz my residence (well, that’s a bit creepy). I want to make sure I use my passion to serve on behalf of all of us, owners.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
A few things come to my mind immediately. The first is to scavenge for synergies and connections with the wide range of professional sports organizations I come across in my day-to-day, which could lead to collaborative efforts such as clinics, workshops, cross-training, friendly matches, etc. Another idea that comes to mind is on the diversity and inclusion front. I would propose considering going beyond the the already well-established Prideraiser. I’d like to propose that we think about diversity and inclusion initiatives such as ongoing forums to candidly discuss topics related to “generational diversity”, “extroverts, introverts, and ambiverts”, “barriers to racial conversations”, “white males as diversity partners”, “unconscious bias”, etc. Having presided over a hispanic/latino associate resource group in my work has shown me that no one is ever “there” when it comes to cultural differences. Lastly, I would obviously discuss the betterment of CFC’s playing surfaces in the area from youth level to adult, and to the professional team. Each sport requires a certain type of field, a certain playability metric, as well as each level of competition may require a different pitch condition. I am well versed and experienced in the design and management of playing surfaces, new and old, and would like to generate discussion on the topic.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I absolutely agree. Soccer is a game of the people. EVERYONE attacks, EVERYONE defends, EVERYONE touches the ball, EVERYONE can score. In fact, my company sponsors the Ali Krieger Football Camps at the Ali Krieger Sports Complex in Arlingnton, VA. We also sponsor the Tampa Bay Rays with their youth baseball and softball days. I am certain there’s an opportunity for synergies that I commit to pursue to strengthen CFC’s women’s and youth program.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
I strongly believe CFC is currently a main driving force in changing US Soccer. Let’s be honest. It needs it. From promotion/relegation to league structure, diversity and inclusion, player development, and coaching, I think there’s a long road to make soccer become a verb in the US. But there are so many sparks. The work of the USWNT for the past decade or so that the USMNT hasn’t been able to follow suit. The increasing presence of American players in the world’s best leagues, and the organic growth of community driven soccer. CFC is the spark (and a big one), and has played a role in many efforts related to those: CFC Academy and Operation Get Active, the international exposure to great pro clubs (Comunicaciones FC, Real Betis, CSD Municipal……), and national and international strategic presence and leadership (Members Cup, LaLiga). CFC is on its way up the US Soccer mountain and I have a gut feeling the view is worth the climb.

Aaron Ausman – Los Angeles, CA

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?

Luis Calderon – Dalton, GA

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?

Kevin Collins – Ooltewah, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
I’ve managed people, projects, and events for the past 17 years. In that time, I’ve learned to thrive in times of high stress, deadline driven environments. Since I am relatively new (almost four years) to the area, I feel I may ask some new questions of the board that could result in positive progress.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
Paramount. I love the product we put on the field on Saturdays, but I also firmly believe the supporters in the stands bring an environment that is unquestionably unique and powerful to the equation. Growing the CFC family should be 1b to winning matches being 1a.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
I frequently do this as a manger of a large maintenance team. Sometimes group sentiment is easy to gauge. Sometimes, as leaders, we must ask the right questions to get the real answers. Staying in constant communication with owners and developing regional groups to summarize their thoughts and those of other owners will be necessary to ensure that NO decision is made without the club’s ownership group in its best interests.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
I believe a few mid-day friendlies in the spring or fall (or both) that target area schools’ field trips would be a huge success. Not only would you gain points for helping kids take a break from school, but we would expose kids to the game who otherwise may not care much for it. With enough schools on board, we could pack Finley with thousands of fans for a lunch date. I would also like a friendly against the red team. However, I do not believe either club wants to take that risk at this moment.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I absolutely agree that both a strong youth program and CFC women’s team are vital to the continued success of the club. I will do what is necessary to nail down the finances required to continue these great traditions. As I stated above, brand growth is key to CFC continued success. I will admit here that I do not know how these programs have been run in the past. But I do believe that developing a strong partnership with area schools to train volunteers will be key to a revitalized youth program.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
CFC is a well known juggernaut of amateur (and semi professional) soccer. Securing matches against MLS teams, bringing in teams like Real Betis from La Liga, etc proves that we are on the map of class soccer. I believe CFC has the opportunity year in and out to compete in the US Open cup. I’m a dreamer that prays the MLS would accept a flight system one day. I want to see the little guys get a chance under the lights of major futbol clubs. Even if this does not happen, I would like to see more than the Open cup bring together USL leagues with the like of the NPSL. I believe CFC is a brand and I believe hardcore soccer fans know our names. I hope you give me the opportunity to cement Chattanooga Football Club’s name in the national conversation. Thank you for the opportunity.
As always,
Onward, CFC.

Thomas Coutu – Plymouth, MA (moving to Chattanooga, TN)

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
In a addition to being a lifelong soccer player in the US, with a keen understanding of the game, including playing in college and for Michelin Tire Corp in SC, I believe that I can help bring leadership skills from having operated at very high levels (VP and company officer) for several Nuclear Electric Utility companies

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
The supporters of any organization are an important aspect of any organization’s success. They can be the source of independent thinking with new ideas for continued success and improvement. Supporters, at all levels, are significant contributors to the success of the entities that they support.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
It is important to understand that the members of the BOD are not the only owners of the club. Strong, transparent communications are essential for interests to be properly shared. There are many options in today’s technological environment. However, it is just as important to have face to face communications to ensure that the passion, emotion and a clear understanding of of the constituents interests are not lost due to the impersonal nature of todays technological interfaces. To that end, focus groups and “town” meetings can be used as effective forums for open, honest and transparent communications to ensure a clear understanding of owners’ interests.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
I am moving back to Chattanooga on Sept 1, 2019. Since I have been away from Chattanooga for the last six years, I, honestly, do not have a good feel for what I would like for the board to take on and would rather hold my opinion on this question until I have a better feel for the club’s current status and any ongoing initiatives.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I absolutely agree that strong soccer programs, on all fronts, are essential to maintain and build interest in support of CFC. There are numerous options for promoting such initiatives. Again, however, I would like to gain a better understanding of all of the current initiatives in this area before suggesting any. I do not want to presume, at this point, that the board is not already doing some things that I would presume to suggest. It sounds like the Chattahooligans might have some ideas in this area and it would be important for them be engaged as I develop my thoughts in this area.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
As I understand it, CFC is currently a team in the 4th tier of the United States professional soccer league hierarchy. As such, the team should be viewed as a serious developmental opportunity for players who aspire to compete at higher levels. That being said, it is important to understand the goals of the club and to understand if they desire to move up in the US Professional league hierarchy. If that is long term goal then a plan and execution time frame should be developed to that goal into account.

Julio Hernandez – Ooltewah, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
With my passion for the team and the community. Usually you do not find many younger people wanting to step up to the plate with this opportunities. But I do. I want to show you that as young people we can be taken seriously. Sometimes we have a different way to look at things and I want to bring those perspectives to the board. I have been a leader for different projects and have held various leadership positions in college. I want to use that to be the best representative us as shareholders need. There are many ways to accomplish things and I like to look at all the ideas and all the options and come up with a solutions that is reasonable and is in the best interest up the people. You as a shareholder will be first on my priority list.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
Every role! Without supports there is no team. The CFC supporters are more than any other group of supporters.They give a reason for the players to give their best on the pitch every single game. They are with the team through thick and then. They don’t come when the team is winning and leave when the team is losing. Our supporters are there no matter what and that is what makes them special. Without our supporters always representing CFC anywhere they go our team would not have the success we have now.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
I want to create a relationship with the owners. Yes, all of the owners. And the key to any relationship is communication. I want to listen to each one of your interests. Yes, I know that sound like a lot but I am willing to talk on the phone, text, or email each one. I love listening to people and their stories and I know each one of you have a reason to being a CFC owner. I know that every interest or idea can not be taken to the board but I want to still hear it.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
I think a project that CFC should think about starting is one where we can take the way CFC is managed and turn into education/mentorship opportunities. What I mean by this is the following: CFC is unique because they way to program is ran and the programs it implements. Maybe we could take that and teach it young people that maybe want a career in sports management or coaching. They could take the foundation of CFC to other places and help American soccer even grow more in the right way.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I agree 100%! CFC really shows that soccer is for anyone no matter where you come from. I believe that we need to continue to empower both women and the youth of this community. We need to engage our supporter to give our women’s team the same support that we give the men. We also need to continue giving the youth the opportunities to grow in soccer. They are the future of American soccer and we need to show them a team that cares about their present and their future. We can create initiatives where we highlight the importance of the women’s team and the youth programs. We can also give supporters more opportunities for them to be involved in both programs.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
CFC is key component in American soccer. If other teams and cities would observe Chattanooga FC they would see it is huge part of the landscape in American soccer and in the community. American soccer is not where it can be and where it has to be to compete with other leagues. But I believe that CFC can be the correct voice and stand up for what is right.

Jonathan Hunter – Chattanooga, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
While I’m most noted as being a meteorologist, I work with Risk Management in a lot of spreadsheets and analytical problems outside the scope of weather. My approach is very adaptable to new systems. I’ve been curious person on the street, a Chattahooligan flag-bearer, and a rabble rouser on Reddit, and now I’m sitting in the family section, and make new friends everywhere I go.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
Supporters – and especially the Chattahooligans – are the backbone of CFC. Before the game, we’re friends and the welcoming committee. We forge relationships and turn fans into other supporters. During the game, the supporters section motivates players and provides the atmosphere where the crowd feels welcome to do the same. Off the field supporters still support players and charity causes of the community. You could watch soccer at any field in town, but you watch it at CFC because the supporters help make it special.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
My primary issue is execution of the vision. On critical issues, I’m in tune with social media – but I’m acutely aware that’s not the only driving opinion. While I’d like to be sure personal communications lines are open, I believe that I have a growing network of diverse people who can help identify club-level issues to bring to my (and therefore the Board’s) attention. There will need to be a survey strictly for owners in the off-season. This isn’t just a seat for me, and a number of people need to be in the fold. I will represent your interests above my own.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
Ownership goes two ways. You bought in. You believe. Now, let’s get you involved. Part of that will be through getting some regular reporting mechanisms in place – so you know what you’re working with. Part of that will be recruiting your time and efforts to do something more with your time and talent from all over.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I agree with both needing a Women’s Team and youth development. For the Women’s team, Chattanooga FC has stated that it’s their goal to ensure a women’s team is in place for 2020. The process for re-creating that team needs to be starting now for it to be in place to the quality expected from CFC. For youth soccer, the hiring of Steve Hirayama has shown the youth commitment that CFC needs not only to soccer but towards youth personal development. I have gathered that there is work needed in the Academy to rebuild trust from the ground up, and Sheldon has done a good job spearheading that effort. We must continue to integrate youth from programs like Chattanooga Sports Ministries and OGA closer into to the more formal academy.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
Everywhere. American soccer is going through its defining time right now and they need us. The game loves what we do. Other teams want to capture what we’ve got in a bottle. The ones in power in US Soccer want to have their cake and eat it too. We need to be sure we’re there for CFC.

Cesar Jaimes – Memphis, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
I may be the only person of Hispanic heritage. Currently, Liga MX is the most popular soccer league in the US. I believe that we can use some of Liga MX successes to create the ultimate experience to the city. Also, I’m very interested in trying to acquire new supporters who are just starting to watch soccer. I feel that many teams miss an opportunity to atrract these fans by coming across as elitist.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
Vital of course. If you look at the current successes in US soccer in places like Atlanta, LA, and Cincinnati, supporters are the key to their success. CFC took it a step further by allowing supporters to own a piece of the club. That will never had happened in MLS.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
By opening lines of communication. I also feel the game just like any other supporter so I feel like a lot of the sentiments and mood will be mutual.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
An academy with intention to create players to play at the highest level. Developing home grown talent. Great clubs have always had players who grew up in the area. I team owned by the supporters with talent produced in the city. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
100 %. I will also add community involvement programs like access to soccer for those who don’t have the means to play to play.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
If things are done correctly, CFC could be mentioned in the conversation as Atlanta United or LAFC as the teams who empower supporters and create the best soccer experiences in the country.

Richard Johnson – Chattanooga, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?

Larry Minniear – Hixson, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
I have 40+ years of management experience with USPS and other employers. I have served on a number of organization boards. With USPS I was responsible for up to 1100 employees including all the human resource issues that involved; as well as a $38 million budget. For the past 3 years, I have been on the Board of Directors for Scenic Community Credit Union. At SCCU we make million dollar decisions regularly. In all these instances I remained customer service focused. Without customers, a business (regardless of type) has no reason to exist. Furthermore, I am very dedicated to my adopted community. The fact that I live here, work here, I am dedicated to Chattanooga and its success. Local board membership should be looked at as a plus. I n my 3 years with SCCU, I have never missed a board meeting (been there in person).

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
CFC supporters are some of the best I have ever seen. They are far more enthusiastic and loyal than any group supporting a sports team I have witnessed. This includes college, high school boosters, and professional teams. They bring a whole new dimension to the atmosphere at the stadium and across the community.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
I will make myself available via social media for input from any and all interested parties. Good communication is a key to success for any organization. I listen well and will be in a constant learning curve.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
Chattanooga will be a two team city for a long time if everyone plays their cards right. CFC made a very smart move by opening up ownership to all. By working together instead of against the other, both teams prosper and the city gains . Some may not agree, but it elevates the level of performance all around when there is more than one option. I saw that in April when both soccer teams and the baseball team were playing the same night. They all had large crowds. This is a sports city!

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I absolutely agree. I will push to tailor it after other successful programs that include these sectors. We have many women and youth fans. They want to see replicas of themselves in the soccer environment.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
It is the fastest growing sport around. I remember (way back) when I was in college, soccer was in its infancy in the U.S. Now it is a part of the fabric of this nation. If we keep making top notch team play available in all sizes of sports markets, it will spreads even further.

Taylor Newman – Apison, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
I am a high flying, out of the box thinking, business owner who can bring experience from my life (marketing, sales, customer loyalty, employee leadership) to the board for the betterment of CFC!

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
Supporters are key, with supporters CFC is unstoppable!

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
We have to establish some type of social media venue to engage the CFC owners that I will represent. Also I take phone calls, emails, and text daily and strive to answer each and every one before the end of the day!

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
I think there are multiple avenues to increase marketing, brand awareness and other market share initiatives that can be done. I’m open to exploring other’s ideas as well. I don’t have anything that is new and exciting to announce on my platform, but I listen first and react for what would be the best for the long term of the club. No idea needs to be a flash in the pan, but needs to be a consistent long lasting initiative for the CFC.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
Having a son playing with CFC Academy, the short answer is yes. CFC needs to dominate the market which includes men’s and women’s team and a youth program. CFC programs need to partner with every community in the area and every program in the area.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
CFC and especially the community ownership of CFC is what American sports in general should be striving for. There would be much more team support, if the community was invested in the program like here at CFC. This model needs to expand and be more central to sports in America. We also need leagues where the better teams (CFC of course) rise to the top and can be challenged by equivalent teams and as they rise they play stronger teams and markets.

Tripp Thurston – Apison, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
While not unique, I am a Chattanooga native that grew up playing soccer, among other sports, and love the area. That perspective, shared by the rest of our ownership provides a common foundation on which to see more players like Caleb Cole grow up in Stuart Heights and achieve a dream of playing professionally surrounded by fans, neighbors and friends.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
The supporters are the financial and cultural lifeblood of CFC. Simply put, without the supporters, who are a core part of the fan base, the business of the organization does not survive.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
I currently know many invested owners and look forward to meeting others. This is a great question and one I am not certain currently how we would best address it. I would love to hear your thoughts.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
CFC has several projects going on that I have had a long standing interest in. There is not an outside project I am looking to add to the agenda.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I agree. I know a number of people at different levels in the Greater Chattanooga soccer community and hope to bring them together to get this done.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
At the center of how to do it right.

Claire Tuley – Chattanooga, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
I’ve been a CFC fan for 6 seasons now; I’ve seen how the club has changed from a fan (and owner’s) perspective.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
I think the supporters are everything; it doesn’t matter how well the players do if there’s no one there cheering them on. The fan experience is what makes CFC unique, and I think we have to nurture that while also adapting to new changes.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
I’m lucky to know a variety of owners; people my age, people with kids, people who don’t really care about soccer but care about Chattanooga. I can use my network to get different perspectives.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
I think my focus would be less on what CFC isn’t doing, but widening the scope of what it already is doing. I love programs like Operation Get Active and CSM, but where are the rooms for growth or change. And as stated below, I’m passionate about getting the women’s team. That has to become an integral part of the Chattanooga soccer landscape.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I absolutely agree. I defer to the board members and owners who have worked with youth teams on the latter, but I know we have a lot to do regarding the women’s team. I’m guilty of not paying enough attention, and I’m not alone in that. Women’s soccer has an uphill battle everywhere in the world, not just Chattanooga. I would have to learn more about the different tiers of women’s soccer in the US before I can suggest concrete steps, but I’m confident we can make positive changes to grow the women’s game here.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
It grows fans of soccer; going to games in person creates a connection that watching games on TV doesn’t. CFC gives people who may not care about soccer a chance to experience the game.

Jeff Underwood – Chattanooga, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?
I have been a supporter of this team for a long time. I feel that a supporter’s perspective would be welcome on the board, especially with the changes that are coming to the NPSL and competing leagues. I want this team to continue to grow in stature without taking any backward steps.

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?
I feel that the supporters are absolutely central to the success that the team has become accustomed to, and that they are simply required for any success to continue. We must create a union between the supporters and the ownership in order for this experiment to succeed. With the Ownership drive, the Club has begun the process, and it is up to us as owners to choose someone who represents our unique values. I feel that I am a logical choice.

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?
I have been giving this some thought. Although I have my own ideas for how things ought be, I would certainly need input from my fellow owners. An obvious choice would be a sort of quarterly local town hall meeting that could be broadcast to the rest of the owners across the world. It is important to keep all of the owners apprised as much as possible.

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?
I do not know that I can adequately answer this question without more knowledge. I would like to investigate what would be needed for creating a viable womens’ team. I would like to see more partnerships with more of our local sports teams. I would also like to see if there are any further opportunities for partnership between CFC, OGA, and Hamilton County Schools.

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?
I believe that the academy and a functioning womens’ team is absolutely vital to the growth of the club. CFC Academy is still thriving to a large extent, although improvements can still be made, just like any organization. As for a womens’ team, I feel that if nothing else, fielding a womens’ team should be a cost of doing business. While I understand that there are financial concerns, I feel that with the right choice of league, game dates, and halftime entertainment, that some success can be had.

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?
If ever there was an American team that deserved to be promoted, it is CFC. I feel we are or have been as competitive as many USL1 clubs. In my opinion, that would place us firmly within the 3rd Tier. In years past, it has felt as though we have been playing down a league simply because there is nowhere for us to go. That being said, we are clearly a unique Club, with over 3200 owners and a strong desire to remain independent. Nothing is worth alienating that many owners for a short term gain, nor would it be worthwhile to lose our independence just to make entry to a league.

Christopher Ward – Chattanooga, TN

How will you bring a unique perspective to the board?

What role do you think the supporters play in the success of CFC?

On critical issues, how will you get a feel for the mood of other owners so that you can effectively represent their interests?

What is a project that you’d like the board to take on, spearheaded by you, that CFC isn’t currently doing?

Many owners believe that the long-term health of CFC requires a women’s team and a strong youth soccer program. Do you agree, and if so, how will you work to promote these initiatives on the board?

Where does CFC fit in the American soccer landscape?