Orlando City Taps Former USL President Tim Holt as Vice President of Development

The Orlando City front office just got even stronger.

An already talent-laden Lions staff added former USL president Tim Holt as the club's vice president of development. The move, announced today via press release, will take effect May 18.

Holt will oversee the expansion of the Orlando City brand throughout the state and beyond.

"An executive of Tim's caliber will instantly contribute to our further development as a club, a sports property and a global brand," said Orlando City President and Founder Phil Rawlins in today's release. "I have worked with Tim for years and his work ethic and dedication has led to the incredible success seen at USL. We look forward to his contributions to the future of our Club."

Holt served as USL president from 2009-15 after joining the league 10 years earlier, in 1999, and working in several capacities including executive vice president, chief operating officer and director of pro league operations. Under Holt's stewardship, the USL grew into North America's largest system of elite soccer leagues, with more than 100 franchises and hundreds of youth team members. He also helped develop the league's affiliation partnership with Major League Soccer.

A graduate from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in management, Holt has Florida ties, as he earned his master's degree in sport administration at Florida State University.

What does this mean for Orlando City?

Adding someone of Holt's stature can only be seen as a positive for the OCSC front office. He has long been recognized as a leading North American soccer executive. Holt was named one of Soccer America's 'Rising Stars' in 2006 recognizing the top American soccer executives under the age of 35, and was named one of "The 50 Most Powerful People in U.S. Soccer" by SI.com in 2013.

The addition of Holt will certainly make up for the recent front office loss of Brett Lashbrook.