WASHINGTON, D.C. - Year-end honors for D.C. United Vice Presidents Doug Hicks and Jamie O'Connor, as well as Athletic Trainer Brian Goodstein, were announced Monday by Major League Soccer. O'Connor was named Marketing Executive of the Year, while Hicks and the D.C. United communications department received the Public Relations Team Award. Goodstein, who was honored as the Athletic Trainer of the Year, along with Hicks and O'Connor will be recognized at the MLS Gala Awards Party at the Universal Studios Globe Theater on Saturday, November 13th.
"D.C. United is very proud of the accomplishments of our three award winners," said Stephen Zack, Senior Vice President. "To be recognized by your peers for hard work and a job well done is a great achievement for each of them, and a testament to their continued success."
The winners were chosen in a voting process comprising team General Managers, the league office and their peers within the respective departments. Members of the media also voted for the Public Relations Award. The three individual awards were the league best, with the Los Angeles Galaxy being the only other team to receive multiple accolades.
Athletic Trainer of the Year: Brian Goodstein (D.C. United)
Brian Goodstein has been the key driver in the recovery of several United players who have suffered serious injuries in the past year, including forwards Jaime Moreno, Thiago Martins, Santino Quaranta, and goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Moreno has fully recovered from career-threatening back surgery to become a serious candidate for MVP of the league while Rimando played a full match exactly five months from ACL surgery. Goodstein has also been instrumental in the recovery programs for Santino Quaranta (long-term groin problems) and Thiago Martins (ACL).
Public Relations Team Award: D.C. United
Vice President of Communication Doug Hicks oversaw a department that successfully managed a demanding media schedule for the team which included the scheduling, coordinating and planning of Freddy Adu's many media requests, sponsor obligations and public appearances as well as the construction of a media plan in response to Major League Baseball's relocation efforts. In addition to routinely developing quality content-based collaterals in English and Spanish, United's public relations department was involved in a host of valuable community relations properties and the development of business plans for every area of the club's organization.
Marketing Executive of the Year: Jaime O'Connor (D.C. United)
With D.C. United since 1996, Jamie O'Connor was responsible for United's many marketing promotions, including the Community Soccer Series, the Youth Fan Club and the Coaches' Association as well as the launch of the D.C. United Academy while effectively promoting Freddy Adu and other United players. He also oversaw the formation and placement of the club's advertising campaign, "We Are United, Now and Forever". As well, he oversees the client services area for the club and was involved in taking on the local marketing initiatives of the 2004 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game.
