The San Jose Earthquakes added a new member to their technical staff on Monday, announcing that former MLS defender Chris Leitch has been named the club’s technical director.

The technical director for the Earthquakes Youth Development Academy since 2012, Leitch will now work closely with San Jose general manager John Doyle on all personnel matters while continuing to oversee the club’s academy.

"I have been lucky enough to be a part of this organization for the past seven years and am excited for this opportunity," Leitch said in a statement released by the club. "I would like to thank Dave Kaval and John Doyle and I am looking forward to working closely with them and our great coaching staff. In addition to building a strong first team, we are also committed to continuing to strengthen the connection between our first team and the academy."

Leitch spent 10 years in MLS, making 196 career appearances with Columbus Crew SC, the New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes organizations. The 36-year-old finished his career with the Quakes, making 58 appearances with the club from 2009-2011, winning the club’s defensive player of the year award in 2009 and helping the team to the Eastern Conference Final in 2010.

"Chris Leitch has been a key member of this organization for seven years both as a player and our academy technical director," Doyle said in the club statement. "He has a strong work ethic and a wealth of experience both at the youth and professional level. We are excited to have Chris increase his role in the club."