Sola Winley joined MLS in February 2021 as Executive Vice President, Commissioner’s Office & Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
In this role, Winley leads the league’s efforts to increase representation, advancement and retention of underrepresented groups in the front offices of the league and clubs, as well as the technical and coaching staffs with the teams.
He also oversees MLS’ initiatives to drive access, exposure, opportunity and participation in soccer in underserved communities, and develops strategies to increase diversity among the league’s vendors and partners.
Soon after his arrival, Winley enacted several programs and policies to make real and lasting change. In 2021, MLS unveiled a series of updates and enhancements to its Diversity Hiring Policy for sporting positions with the clubs.
Winley is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In 2016 and 2017, he was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Minority Leaders in Cable by Cablefax.
Winley has a B.A. degree from the University of Connecticut, an M.A. degree from Adelphi University, an MSW from New York University, and an MBA from Fordham’s Graduate School of Business.
