Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) today named Stephen Rodriguez as the companies' Manager of Sports Communications. In his new position, Rodriguez will oversee all soccer information activities and serve as the primary point of contact for beat reporters covering the League's 12 teams.
"We are very pleased to have Stephen join Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing," MLS & SUM Director of Communications Will Kuhns said. "His public relations and marketing experience, combined with his knowledge of the game will make him an excellent addition to our organization."
Rodriguez, 27, brings six years of communications experience to Major League Soccer. For the past two and a half years, he worked for Jackson Spalding Communications, a public relations and marketing firm in Atlanta. He provided strategic counsel and media relations services for clients such as Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola and the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Prior to working for Jackson Spalding, Rodriguez served as Communications Manager for the Women's United Soccer Association's Atlanta Beat for three seasons. As Communications Manager for the club, Rodriguez oversaw press operations, handled day-to-day media relations activities, administered the team's Web site and managed the publication of game day programs and the team media guide.
Rodriguez earned a bachelor's degree in communications studies from Furman University in 2000. He also played four seasons and earned all-conference honors for Furman University's varsity soccer team. Rodriguez replaces Germán Sferra, who was recently named Director of Media Relations for FC Dallas.
Rodriguez can be reached via his direct phone line at 212-450-1227 or via e-mail at stephen.rodriguez@mlsnet.com.
