SAN DIEGO (July 1, 2024) – San Diego Wave FC announced today that Shannon Mac Millan has been promoted as the first Chief Impact Officer (CIO) for the club. Mac Millan has been a driving force to expand the community impact of the Wave with over four years in the San Diego philanthropic community through professional sports.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chief Impact Officer for San Diego Wave FC,” said Mac Millan. “This opportunity allows me to further my commitment to serving the San Diego community and to build on the incredible work we’ve already accomplished at Wave FC. I am excited to lead our efforts in making a lasting, positive impact and to continue fostering strong, meaningful connections within our community. This club has been fully embraced by this community and we will strive to give back and elevate our social responsibility initiatives and create a brighter future for all.”
As Chief Impact Officer, Mac Millan will play a key role in driving the Wave’s commitment to creating positive change in the lives of the San Diego community. Mac Millan is responsible for leading and managing all corporate social responsibility initiatives of the Wave including community programs and the Wave’s Impact Fund efforts. In her new and expanded role, she will continue to oversee the Wave’s community sector, while now leading operations, facilities, and fan engagement to ensure the Wave’s organization achieves its mission of building a stronger community both on and off the field.
“Shannon’s promotion to Chief Impact Officer is a testament to her unwavering dedication and profound impact on our community,” said San Diego Wave FC President Jill Ellis. “Her expertise and passion for the San Diego community have been instrumental in our growth, and this new role will allow her to further drive our mission of positive community engagement and impact. Her dedication to service is exactly what the Wave needs as we continue to push boundaries of what it means to be a socially responsible sports organization.”
Mac Millan joined the club in September 2023 and has since logged over 700 volunteer hours in the community, during which she helped establish relationships with the club’s key community partners including Humble Design, Chicano Federation, ASYMCA, Junior Achievement, YMCA, SD Pride and the Ronald McDonald House. Prior to joining the club, she held the same role with the San Diego Loyal.
Mac Millan, a former U.S. Women’s National Team player, was a member of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning team and holds three Olympic medals. She played three seasons (2001-2003) for her hometown team, San Diego Spirit, in the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), the world’s first women’s soccer league in which all players were paid as professionals.
