Richard Gunney Named Chief Soccer Officer of Atlanta City FC

Following a global search, Atlanta City FC has hired Richard Gunney as Chief Soccer Officer. Reporting directly to President of Soccer, AMBSE Mauricio Culebro, Gunney will serve as a key strategic leader responsible for establishing and implementing a clear soccer philosophy that supports the club’s competitive vision and long-term ambitions. Gunney will begin his tenure with Atlanta City FC on Nov. 1.

Gunney brings 10 years of NWSL experience to Atlanta, having most recently served as director of scouting and recruitment for Gotham FC since 2022. With Gotham FC, Gunney was responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of player recruitment, developing a comprehensive player identification and evaluation system, and leading scouting networks and processes for the club. During his tenure, Gotham FC captured two NWSL Championships, the inaugural CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup in 2025 and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2026.

Prior to Gotham FC, Gunney served as an assistant head coach for the Portland Thorns (2017-21) and the San Diego Wave (2021-22) during San Diego’s inaugural season as an expansion club. As an assistant head coach, Gunney was tasked with leading a coaching program for an attacking style of play and played a key role in supporting the recruitment of domestic players.

As both an assistant head coach and a director of scouting and recruitment, Gunney has made the postseason in each of his 10 years in the NWSL.

“As we began the search for a Chief Soccer Officer, we set out to identify a leader with significant experience and a proven track record of success in the women’s game,” said Culebro. “With a decade of experience in the NWSL across coaching, scouting, player recruitment and development, Richard is uniquely qualified to take on this role and develop a championship-caliber club for Atlanta. We are thrilled to have Richard join Atlanta City FC. I would also like to thank our search committee, including the team at Sportsology, for their dedication and diligence throughout this process.”

As Chief Soccer Officer, Gunney will oversee the execution of Atlanta City FC’s short-, medium- and long-term soccer strategies, ensuring alignment between performance objectives, player development and roster planning. He is also tasked with leading the direct day-to-day management of all soccer operations, including continuous monitoring, evaluation and refinement of processes and performance standards across the club.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Atlanta City FC as Chief Soccer Officer,” said Gunney. “The opportunity to help build this club from the ground up is truly special, and I look forward to working closely with Mauricio and the entire organization. As an expansion club, we have a unique chance to establish a lasting identity, high-performance culture and clear soccer philosophy from day one. Our goal will be to create a team that reflects Atlanta’s pride, passion and ambition on and off the field.”

Gunney has spent more than 20 years in player development, youth development and coaching, including five years as the technical director at Fulham FC’s Girls Center for Excellence. Gunney also spent six years working with the Football Association of Wales as its Futsal Men’s National Team Head Coach.

A native of Cardiff, Wales, Gunney and his wife, Louise, have one daughter, Ava.