Carter was an executive at MLS at its inception in ‘94 as well as with AEG and ISL U.S.GETTY IMAGES
Soccer United Marketing President KATHY CARTER has left her position at the organization to pursue new career opportunities. Carter was an executive at MLS at its inception in ‘94 as well as with AEG and ISL U.S. before being named to this position in ’10. Carter had taken a leave of absence in December to run for U.S. Soccer President, where she finished runner up to CARLOS CORDEIRO. An immediate replacement was not named. SUM is overseen by CEO and MLS Commissioner DON GARBER, as well as MLS Business Ventures President & Managing Dir GARY STEVENSON. Carter’s last day at SUM is Friday (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer). Carter said, "I feel pretty good with the body of work I have here at MLS and at SUM. And it was just the right time before I really got re-engaged back in the business coming back off the election to take a minute and determine if this is where I went to spend the next number of years or is it time for me to go and take swings at some other things." She added, "While I've been working incredibly hard here, there is so much more to do." Carter on her future plans said, "I'm wide open, but I'd say this game is my passion" (ESPN.com, 4/9). SOCCER AMERICA's Paul Kennedy wrote SUM's success "symbolizes the legitimacy soccer in general -- and MLS in particular -- has developed in the U.S. business community since Carter first starting selling the sport." But SUM also became a "lightning rod for those critical of MLS's power on the U.S. landscape" (SOCCERAMERICA.com, 4/9).
