Common Goal announces US Board

Common Goal USA welcome three new members to Board of Directors

Common Goal USA are delighted to welcome three new additions to its Board of Directors in Dr. Christopher Busey, Travis Dezendorf and Isabella Echeverri. 

They join Common Goal co-founders Vladimir Borkovic and Jürgen Griesbeck as well as Lara Metcalf of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to lead the organisation into a new development phase ahead of some of the most important events in global soccer taking place in the Americas within the next few years. 

Together, their deep expertise in Common Goal's key impact areas of social inclusion, climate action and gender equity will help to shape a strategy that leverages the power of the soccer to create society-wide change and address urgent issues facing humanity. 

Isabella Echeverri is a former professional soccer player turned broadcaster who helped to co-found SOMOS Equidad, one of the biggest gender equity movements in Latin America. 

Speaking about her passion for creating gender equity through her work, Isabella said: "Soccer has the power to change lives—that’s something I truly realized in 2019 when we first started dreaming about SOMOS Equidad in a small room in Bogotá.” 

"From day one, we set out to create an environment where everyone—regardless of gender—has access to the same opportunities.” 

"I’ve come to understand the power of my platform as a player and the unique ability of soccer to help young people—especially girls—develop into confident individuals who step onto the pitch with self-assurance and navigate life with pride, purpose, and belief in a better future.” 

"Gender Equity isn’t something we achieve alone—it requires allies.” 

"This is a collective effort, one that calls on all of us to work together as a team, embracing inclusivity and ensuring that soccer can truly be the driver of change to a world where everyone is welcomed and celebrated." 

Travis brings experience addressing complex, strategic challenges through his work for clients as a Managing Director and Partner at the Boston Consulting Group in addition to his on-the-ground experience at Soccer Without Borders Uganda.  

He believes in the strength of soccer's platform in educating and mobilizing people towards action in facing some of the toughest societal and environmental challenges ahead.  

"I’ll never forget the individual stories of kids and families I worked with during my time at Soccer Without Borders," he reflected.  

"They all showed incredible resilience in some of the most extreme circumstances imaginable.”  

"Using soccer's platform should be a key part of what’s done to address some of the toughest global challenges.  

"Supporting adaptation investments to sustain access to the sport in all communities, and raising awareness on broader issues to fans, coaches and players, are some ways global soccer can engage.  

"Stepping up into a role serving an organization with the reach and impact of Common Goal is so exciting.  

"I’m looking forward to being a part of this team and mission." 

Chris has dedicated his career to advancing system change and creating more inclusive spaces within and through sports, leading League Advancement and Development Strategy at the United Soccer League. 

His direct experience with Common Goal through both Switch the Pitch, an initiative designed to advance racial justice in grassroots soccer and beyond, and Play Proud, which is shaping soccer to be safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ communities, will be invaluable insights to our impact programming going forward. 

“Soccer-for-good is more than goodwill, it is also a commitment to doing the hard work to empower communities and organizations to lead from a place of inclusion,” he stated. 

“I look forward to leveraging my expertise in impact strategy to collectively multiply Common Goal's imprint across the global football landscape. 

“In particular, the commitment to gender equity across the US and Latin America along with broader efforts to ensure access to the game in a manner that is responsible to the community are what I look forward to the most as a board member.” 

Common Goal USA is a U.S. 501c3 that brings the global Common Goal mission to life across North America and the Caribbean. 

As North America prepares to host the largest ever Men’s World Cup, Common Goal USA’s role in advancing positive social impact across the region will be pivotal. With leadership from Isabella, Chris, Travis and the full Board, the Common Goal USA team is now more equipped than ever to meet the moment.