CHICAGO - Peter Wilt, the founding General Manager of the Chicago Fire, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee Professional Soccer, LLC. Wilt will guide Milwaukee Professional Soccer's efforts to develop a 20,000-seat stadium in downtown Milwaukee and secure a Major League Soccer (MLS) team for that city.
Wilt will begin to spearhead the MLS stadium and team project in Milwaukee immediately, but will continue his role as GM of the Chicago Fire through the end of the 2005 campaign.
"I wish Peter all the best in this new endeavor. I know he is passionate about soccer in Wisconsin and he is the perfect person to lead this project," said Chicago Fire President/CEO John Guppy. "I am also pleased that Peter will remain actively involved with the Fire through the reminder of the year. There is much to be done, and Peter's knowledge and energy will continue to be an important part of helping us accomplish our goal of winning the 2005 MLS Cup."
Wilt, 45, is currently the longest tenured general manager with the same team in MLS and the longest tenured general manager of a major league team in Chicago. Last April, Wilt stepped down from his administrative duties having served as head of the Fire since June of 1997, when he was appointed the team's first General Manager.
"The upcoming MLS transfer window and the trade and discovery deadlines (September 15) give John and me an opportunity to work together through an important period of the season," said Wilt. "After that, I will continue to work as a sounding board and consultant for John and [Fire Head Coach] Dave Sarachan to make sure the Fire takes advantage of every opportunity to compete for this year's MLS Cup."
