May 29, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
JERSEY CITY, NJ – NJ/NY Gotham FC, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions, continues to enhance its front office leadership with the hiring of industry executive Liz Montanão as Chief Operating Officer and the continued role of Ryan Dillon to formally become Chief Business Officer.
Montanão will lead functions such as Data & Analytics, Finance, People & Culture, and Legal, focused on driving organizational excellence and continuing Gotham FC’s growth. Elevate Talent assisted with the search.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Liz join the club,” said Gotham FC Governor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. “She is one of the most highly regarded sports operators around and a phenomenal leader who will help us create one of the best places to work. Her experience utilizing data and analytics to build world-class teams and organizations will be critical to our mission of becoming an iconic global sports franchise.”
A 15-year sports and entertainment industry veteran, Montanão is believed to be the first ever Latina Chief Operating Officer in the history of the National Hockley League. She served as the Chief Strategy Officer (2021-2022) and Chief Operating Officer (2022-2024) for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, where she oversaw the Coyotes’ day-to-day business operations and revenue growth strategies. During her time with the organization, Montanão spearheaded the franchise’s successful relocation to Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, helped increase ticketing revenue, created a more engaging fan experience, and fostered significant innovative media and technology partnerships.
“I’m thrilled to join Gotham FC and be a part of the NWSL’s rapid growth,” said Montanão. “After speaking with ownership and various members of the club, we are all very aligned on building an iconic franchise and elevating women’s soccer in the world’s largest and most diverse market. I look forward to uniting our community through sport and leading an inclusive organization that empowers individuals to embrace their distinctive perspectives.”
Montanão also served as the Vice President of Finance and Strategic Planning at both Panavision and Maya Cinemas/Entertainment, as well as several years at the venture capital firm Syncom Venture Partners. She has an undergraduate degree in economics from Eastern Kentucky University and earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa…