Atlanta United President and CEO Garth Lagerwey is taking an indefinite leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer. The announcement was made on Thursday, July 10, 2025, with the club stating that Lagerwey has already begun treatment. The team has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, nor have they provided a timeline for his return. However, the prognosis for a complete recovery is encouraging.
Lagerwey, 52, issued a statement expressing his gratitude to Arthur Blank, owner of Atlanta United, for his support. He also voiced his confidence in the team's leadership to continue the club's success in his absence. "I have made the difficult decision to step back from Atlanta United to tackle my cancer treatment head-on,” Lagerwey said. “I would like to express my profound gratitude to Arthur Blank for not only his support, but by doing everything in his power to make this process as painless as possible for me and my family. I could not possibly work for a better organization than AMBSE".
Arthur Blank also released a statement in support of Lagerwey, saying, “On behalf of myself, Atlanta United, and the entire Blank family of businesses, we stand fully behind Garth and his family as they navigate this difficult challenge,”. Blank added, “Garth's resilience and optimism are part of what makes him such an exceptional leader, and I know he'll carry those strengths in the days ahead".
During Lagerwey's absence, Director of Soccer Operations Chris Henderson, Vice President Sarah Kate “Skate” Noftsinger, and Senior Vice President of Strategy Dimitrios Efstathiou will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise. Lagerwey stated he has full confidence in their abilities to lead the club. Chris Henderson will manage the soccer side of the club, including transfers. Sarah Kate Noftsinger will lead the business operations. Javier Perez will continue his role as director of methodology, coordinating the academy teams and Atlanta United 2. Lagerwey and Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment, will receive regular reports from the leadership team.
Lagerwey was hired as President of Atlanta United in November 2022, after a successful tenure with Seattle Sounders FC, where he led the team to two MLS titles and a CONCACAF Champions League victory. Since joining Atlanta United, Lagerwey has overseen significant investments in the club, including a $23 million expansion of the training ground and a realignment of the front office.
Atlanta United failed to make the playoffs in 2023 but qualified in 2024 by defeating Montreal and Inter Miami. Their performance this season puts them on pace to miss the playoffs.
The news of Lagerwey's diagnosis has been met with an outpouring of support from the Atlanta United community and the broader MLS. The club and its fans are hoping for his swift and full recovery. "We all look forward to welcoming Garth back in the future and will be praying for him and his family's continued strength, and a smooth recovery,” Blank said.
