Dan Helfrich Named Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Soccer
Former Deloitte Consulting LLP Chair and CEO Appointed into New COO Position to Guide Operational Excellence and Strategic Delivery Across the Federation
ATLANTA (Nov. 17, 2025) – The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Dan Helfrich, former Deloitte Consulting LLP Chair and CEO, as Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will join U.S. Soccer on Jan. 1, 2026, following his retirement from Deloitte in December. Helfrich, a seasoned leader with more than 27 years of experience driving transformational growth for Fortune 500 companies, will step into this newly created role to oversee the organization’s daily operations, with a focus on optimizing business processes and executing key strategic initiatives to drive accelerated growth for the Federation. Helfrich will be based in Atlanta and will report to JT Batson, CEO & General Secretary of U.S. Soccer.
“U.S. Soccer has more than doubled in last few years—and we know there is more work to do to reach our ambitious goals,” said Batson. “Dan brings a rare combination of deep operational expertise, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for the game. His leadership and commitment to excellence will help us move faster, work smarter, and continue building the foundation for soccer’s next chapter in the U.S.”
A recognized purpose-driven leader, Helfrich brings extensive experience in guiding complex organizations toward meaningful and sustainable impact. In his new role, he will oversee the delivery of U.S. Soccer’s In Service to Soccer strategy.
Most recently in a personal volunteer capacity, Helfrich chaired the Next Gen College Soccer Committee, which released its recommendations in October (https://www.ussoccer.com/collegesoccer). In this role, he collaborated with leaders from college athletics, USSF, MLS, NWSL, USL, and FIFA to chart a modern path forward for the college game.
“Soccer has been a defining part of my life for more than 40 years, as a player, fan, broadcaster, volunteer, and parent,” said Helfrich. “And now is the right time for me to focus my career here during this pivotal time for the sport in our country. I’m inspired by U.S. Soccer’s mission and excited to partner with JT, our staff, and our members to strengthen the game and ensure soccer is accessible to everyone, everywhere, for generations to come. This means delivering results on the field through our 27 national teams while also making sure every player, coach, referee, and fan feels a deep connection to US Soccer and their role in achieving our shared mission.”
As Deloitte Consulting LLP Chair and CEO, Helfrich led the organization during a period of record growth and profitability. Under his leadership, Deloitte was named by Forbes as the #1 Consulting Firm in the Americas for four consecutive years. Prior to serving as Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Chair and CEO, Helfrich held several executive positions within the organization, including leading its US Government and Public Services practice, serving as Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, managing several of Deloitte’s alliances with major technology companies, and running areas of Deloitte’s Human Capital practice.
Outside Deloitte, Helfrich focuses his nonprofit work at the intersection of sports and youth development, holding board and advisory roles with Grassroots Soccer, Street Soccer USA, and the Positive Coaching Alliance.
Helfrich holds three degrees from Georgetown University: a B.S. in International Economics from the School of Foreign Service, an MBA from the McDonough School of Business, and an Honorary Doctorate conferred when he served as the University’s Commencement Speaker in 2023. During his time at Georgetown, he captained the men’s soccer team and was recognized as an Academic All-American. Since 2005, Helfrich has also served as the play-by-play broadcaster for Georgetown Soccer, calling more than 250 matches alongside former teammate Tom Greaser.
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused on three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and pro leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.