A former communications executive for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club is set to oversee business operations for the Birmingham Legion Football Club.

Doug Hicks, a 25-year professional sports communications, branding and marketing specialist, will serve as executive vice president and report directly to Jay Heaps, Birmingham Legion FC president and general manager, the football club announced on Wednesday.

"Our Legion FC family is proud to add such an accomplished communications professional to our expanding team," Heaps said in a statement. "Doug's impressive resume and long list of career highlights will be a great asset as we work to establish our club as a league contender."

The Birmingham-based United Soccer League (USL) team's inaugural season is in 2019. The team will play at the soon to be renovated stadium at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The team is owned by Birmingham business leaders John Harbert, Jack Bryant, Billy Harbert, Jim Rein, Jeff Logan, James Outland and Lee Styslinger III.

Cereal maker Post Consumer Brands was recently announced as the team's first corporate sponsor. Nike is the official supplier of merchandise.

"I've enjoyed getting to know Jay and the founders of Birmingham Legion FC," Hicks said in a statement. "Through their aspirations, I am inspired. My family and I are excited by this opportunity and look forward to joining the Birmingham community."

Hicks most recently led all media relations and broadcasting efforts, as well as digital and social media strategy, for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club (MLS). During his tenure, Hicks expanded media relationships, built league-recognized club digital and social media platforms and orchestrated targeted transition of broadcast properties. He also contributed to special projects resulting in local acquisition of 2016 Copa America matches and the 2017 MLS All-Star Game.

Prior to his role with the Fire, Hicks held multiple executive positions for D.C. United (MLS), including chief marketing officer, senior vice president of marketing communications and vice president of communications. United earned two league community relations honors under his supervision, and MLS honored Hicks for four consecutive years (2004-2007) with the Team Public Relations Award.

Hicks has also served as a communications consultant for the U.S. Soccer Federation, an adjunct professor in the Georgetown University Sports Industry Management program and in a communications capacity for both the Washington Capitals (NHL) and Washington Bullets (NBA). He is a graduate of George Mason University.

Hicks and his wife, Carrie, will soon relocate to Homewood with their sons, Jozy and Skyler.