Hartford Athletic announce their first-ever COO

Donovan Powell will be an influential presence for Hartford Athletic.

Former general manager of National Premier Soccer League team Detroit City FC Donovan Powell has been named Chief Operating Officer of United Soccer League’s 2019 expansion team Hartford Athletic.

Powell has most recently held the position of general manager of sports properties for Learfield Sports at his alma mater, Drexel University. He has also previously worked as a sales representative for the Columbus Blue Jackets and national teams coordinator for USA Football.

Powell holds a strong financial track record, especially with the Blue Jackets and Detroit City FC, working with local businesses to boost ticket sales, raise attendance and increase overall revenue.

A press release from Hartford Athletic noted how, under Powell’s guidance, Detroit City FC’s average attendance grew to more than 6,000 per match and received attention on national media outlets, thanks to their all-around success.

Much like Detroit, Hartford carries a rich soccer culture where Powell could build the Athletic into an exciting expansion success, given the right circumstances. “I’m excited to be joining Hartford Athletic as we build the Club from the ground up,” said Powell in the club’s press release. “There is so much potential in the Hartford market, and I see a lot of similarities to the success we saw in Detroit.”

Hartford Athletics will join USL in the spring of 2019, playing at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, Connecticut. Fans in the Hartford area should take advantage of the season ticket deposits now, available to be purchased online.

Powell will report directly to owner Bruce Mandell, managing all business operations of the club. He holds an M.S. in sport management from Drexel University and served in the United States Marine Corps. from 2002 to 2008, being deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.