Sacramento, Calif. – Earlier today, Ben Gumpert announced that he will step down as Republic FC President & Chief Operating Officer. Chairman Kevin Nagle released the following statement and has selected Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant to serve as the team’s next president. He will continue to oversee the team’s soccer operations, in addition to leading the front office. Ben Gumpert will assist with the transition and remain with the club as an advisor to Kevin Nagle.
“Ben Gumpert has been a terrific leader. We are also fortunate to have an extremely deep and talented bench to call on. I have gotten to know Todd Dunivant quite well and could not be more confident that the day-to-day operations of SRFC will be in excellent hands,” said Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle. “Ben has been a champion since the moment he walked in my door and his love for this team and city are unmatched. While I have no doubt Ben will continue to find success in any challenge he attempts, I’m grateful that he will continue to advise me as we continue into this season and in our pursuit to MLS.”
“This experience has unequivocally been both the most challenging and fulfilling of my career. As a Sacramento native, I never would’ve dreamt I could play a role in the SRFC story, which still has so much left to develop. I am excited to continue as an advisor to team owner Kevin Nagle, and look forward to the day when I’m standing on the pitch with the best fans in the world welcoming MLS to Sacramento, as it should be,” said Ben Gumpert. “I’m also incredibly happy for Todd, who I have known for over two decades and have had the pleasure of working with him up close over the last three years. His character and leadership are top class, and his drive and approach are exactly what the club needs to continue its growth this season and into the future.”
“I want to thank Ben Gumpert for his extraordinary service to our city and region as leader of Sacramento Republic FC. He has built a team, a winning culture and a fan base that is truly worthy of Major League Soccer, and he has been a great partner as we seek to cement our future in the league by finding the right lead investor,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “I look forward to the day when we can sit in the stands together and watch the first MLS game played in our new stadium in the downtown Railyards.”
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Ben over the past three years, and witness his dedication and passion for this team and community. He has elevated this club to new heights around an unmatched culture of service and I’m looking forward to our next steps forward,” said General Manager and newly appointed President Todd Dunivant. “Our mission will not change, and we intend to be a league leader on and off the field, and remind the world why Sacramento is an incredible community that deserves to be at the pinnacle of American soccer. I look forward to continuing to team up with Kevin, Ben, our amazing staff and fans as we march toward the goal line.”
Following a decorated Major League Soccer career, Todd Dunivant joined Republic FC in 2018 as general manager, overseeing the club’s soccer operations including oversight of the club’s technical staff, scouting, recruitment, player contract negotiations and the youth development academy. Before joining Republic FC, Dunivant spearheaded the soccer operation for the 2017 NASL Champion San Francisco Deltas in the organization’s inaugural season.
Before joining the executive ranks of American soccer, Todd was a standout at Stanford University from 1999 to 2002, including back-to-back Final Four appearances in 2001 and 2002. In his senior season, he was the only player in the nation to be selected as a First Team All-American and First Team Academic All-American.
He was selected sixth overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. In thirteen seasons, Todd appeared in over 300 matches for the Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC, spending the bulk of his career with the Galaxy. He is one of the most decorated players in MLS history having won five MLS Cups, two Supporters’ Shields and a U.S. Open Cup trophy, as well as an MLS Best XI selection in 2011. Off the field, his contributions to the game have been equally profound. Todd’s impact on the league includes serving as a member of the MLSPA executive board, and working on multiple collective bargaining agreements throughout his career. He has been honored as a US Soccer Foundation / MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year, as well as a club humanitarian of the year three times (San Jose, Toronto, Los Angeles.) Before the pandemic, Todd was a regular fixture at Republic FC’s matches at Folsom State Prison and youth clinics at futsal court renovations.
Republic FC will host open tryouts this Saturday, March 6. Interested players can register at www.sacrepublicfc.com/player-tryouts. The team will begin training camp in two weeks in preparation for the 2021 season to begin in May.
Read the full letter from Ben Gumpert.
