Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) today announced the promotion of Jessica O’Neill to Chief Operating Officer. In her role, O’Neill will oversee all business operations for the organization in conjunction with ownership and continue to serve as the Dash president. President of business operations John Walker stepped down from the organization in October.
“Jessica led the Dash to a record-breaking season on and off the field and has made an immediate impact in the community. We are thrilled to have her take a larger role within HDFC and build momentum going into 2023,” said owner Ted Segal. “I also want to thank John Walker for his years of loyal service to the Club. His contributions and leadership were pivotal as the organization navigated the pandemic and transitioned to a new ownership group.”
O’Neill was named the Dash president in early 2022 and began the role on March 7 with an immediate focus on growing revenue and improving the player experience. O’Neill spearheaded the search for the first-ever standalone general manager for the team and recruited sports executive and former player Alex Singer to oversee all soccer operations ahead of qualifying for the postseason for the first time in team history. Off the field, the club saw a 54 percent year-over-year increase in Dash regular season paid attendance and set a new attendance record on Oct. 16 when the team hosted 21,284 fans for the first Dash sellout at PNC Stadium.
"The energy around the Club is palpable, recently culminating in the Dash making their postseason debut in front of a sold-out crowd. I am ecstatic to work with our team, partners and fans to ensure that sustained success is achieved across all areas of our business,” O’Neill said. “Ted’s ambition and commitment has fostered a new culture within the Club and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this group as we look toward 2023.”
As Dash president, O’Neill will continue to drive strategy to grow the Dash fan base and support Singer in the efforts to elevate the Dash as a destination of choice for world-class players and staff.
