[AYSO] Kim Roberts Hedgpeth, who spent seven years as the national executive director of the Los Angeles-based AmericanFederation of Television and Radio Artists, has been named the American Youth Soccer Organization’s new National Executive Director. She is the first African-American woman to be named chiefexecutive of a major national U.S. soccer organization and will begin her new role on April 1.
“We see Kim as the ideal person to support the change management of the AYSOStrategic Plan,” said AYSO President Paula Berriz, in making the announcement. “We believe that Kim’s diverse and successful backgroundbrings many talents and unique capabilities that will impact our organization in many new and exciting ways as we approach our 50 year anniversary. Kim is a proven leader for our national staffand is a very welcome and important addition to our organization.”
Hedgpeth helped negotiate and implement the 2012 merger of AFTRA and the Screen Actors Guild. Uponcompletion of the merger of the two unions, she chose to step down from her executive role to pursue personal projects.
“I am honored to become associated with AYSO’s 50-yeartradition of providing fun, safe and inclusive soccer for children of all ages and abilities,” said Hedgpeth in accepting the new assignment. “ I look forward to working with the dedicatedcoaches, referees, volunteers, staff and parents in expanding its excellent programs for players across the U.S. and the Caribbean, as AYSO celebrates the start of its next 50 years of greatsoccer.”
Hedgpeth replaces Tom Tobin who retired in December.
Uh-oh – they said she was the first – Luis? Ric?