Atlanta United today announced Paul McDonough as Director, Soccer Operations. McDonough will report to technical director Carlos Bocanegra and will be significantly involved in the club’s day-to-day soccer operational functions.

Prior to joining Atlanta United, McDonough served as Senior Vice President, Soccer Operations for Orlando City SC where he managed operations for the first team and development Academy programs, developed and implemented the club’s scouting network and managed player contract negotiations, transfer and loan agreements. As a key front office executive, McDonough helped lead Orlando City to a seventh place finish in the Eastern Conference in its first MLS season.

Previous to his time in Orlando, McDonough spent two years as Director, Global Soccer with Wasserman Media Group where he represented professional soccer players in MLS and abroad and began his career in collegiate coaching serving as assistant coach at Wake Forest University, University of South Carolina and University of Connecticut.

In his role with Atlanta United, McDonough will work with Bocanegra on player acquisitions, building the scouting network, player salary cap management and strategy and the club’s day-to-day player operations and management. McDonough will also manage the training ground design, construction and operations process.

“We’re very excited to have Paul on board as our Director of Soccer Operations,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “He not only brings valuable experience as a former coach and agent, his familiarity with MLS talent, rules and regulations and the expansion process will serve us well as we begin building our roster. ”

McDonough will officially join Atlanta United on January 4th, 2016.