NORTHWEST ARKANSAS – USL Arkansas is thrilled to announce Wes Harris as its first official employee, taking on the vital role of Managing Director. A long-time resident and esteemed business executive in the region, Wes’s extensive leadership experience and passion for soccer are perfectly aligned with the club’s vision and values.
Since moving to Northwest Arkansas in 2011, Wes has embraced the community, recognizing it as the ideal place to raise his family and call home. His profound love for the area, coupled with his deep understanding of what professional soccer clubs can do for communities, fuels his excitement to bring pro soccer to the region.
Raised in Annapolis, MD, and a diehard Liverpool FC supporter, Wes’s connection to soccer runs deep. From co-founding the Men’s Club Soccer team at Saint Joseph’s University to leading a globally recognized media outlet, Business of Soccer, Wes’s expertise and love for the “beautiful game” is well known.
Wes’s professional journey includes over 15 years of leadership experience in the consumer goods industry and consulting roles at firms like Johnson & Johnson and HARIBO. As Managing Director of USL Arkansas, he will be tasked with building the club from the ground up, focusing on community engagement, public relations, system and process development, fundraising, and more.
Warren Smith, Co-founder of USL Arkansas, remarked, “Wes’s passion for soccer, coupled with his strong leadership background, aligns perfectly with our vision for USL Arkansas. His shared commitment to creating a team that truly represents Northwest Arkansas makes him the ideal choice to lead our club. We’re excited to see how he will shape the future of our club.”
Chris Martinovic, Co-founder of USL Arkansas, added, “Wes’s broad expertise and vision for a soccer culture that resonates with our community is exactly what we were looking for in a Managing Director. His understanding of how to foster a team that embodies the spirit of Northwest Arkansas will surely make him a significant figure in the local sports community.”
Wes himself expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Joining USL Arkansas is the fulfillment of a lifelong passion. I’m honored to take on this role and am committed to creating a vibrant soccer culture that resonates with our community.”