The Portland Timbers have promoted Ned Grabavoy to technical director, the club announced Thursday. Grabavoy was previously director of scouting and recruitment.
Grabavoy will manage scouting, identification and evaluation of players, oversee pathways from the academy to T2 and the first team. He will also work with first-team technical staff and develop key markets for recruiting players.
“Ned has earned this opportunity through his tireless work ethic and commitment to the club,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer, in a media release. “His transition from player to technical director has been seamless, and his ability and eye for talent has been vital to our sustained success.
Grabavoy spent 13 years in MLS as a player before joining the Timbers' technical staff in 2017 upon his retirement from the playing field.
“I’m grateful to Merritt Paulson, Gavin Wilkinson, Giovanni Savarese and the entire coaching staff to have the support and opportunity to continue helping drive this club forward in a positive direction,” said Grabavoy. “The last two years have been an enjoyable transition and the success we have achieved together has been gratifying.”
