STATESBORO, Ga. — South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the departure of Senior Director of Business Operations Aaron Cranford, who also served as the club’s Director of Marketing from 2020-21 before being promoted to his current role within the organization. Cranford leaves South Georgia for Orlando, Florida, where he will serve as the Director of Digital for Major League Soccer’s Orlando City Soccer Club and NWSL’s Orlando Pride.
Current Manager of Sales & Marketing Alex Wagner, as well as Co-Owner & President Darin Van Tassell, will assume Tormenta FC’s Front Office operational duties and responsibilities on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. In addition, Senior Director of Soccer Operations Bryce Judy will assume Cranford’s game day duties and responsibilities on an interim basis.
“I want to thank Darin and Netra R. Van Tassell, as well as Jeff and Alaina Spencer, for trusting me in guiding South Georgia Tormenta FC during a significant time for the club and providing me with immeasurable support and guidance over the years,” Cranford said. “Leaving this organization is a time for reflection and gratitude. I’m thankful for the experiences, connections and opportunities it has provided me and am excited for the future of Tormenta FC.”
Cranford joined Tormenta FC in January of 2020 and has been an invaluable member of the Front Office ever since. His dedication, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled Tormenta FC business operations to new heights. His ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams has been instrumental in the club’s success. In his role as Senior Director of Business Operations, Cranford helped Tormenta FC with its transition into its new soccer-specific venue in Statesboro, Georgia, where the club won its first professional title in USL League One in November of 2022.
In addition, Cranford has also been the creative force behind many of the club’s digital and marketing initiatives. His innovative campaigns, market insights and branding strategies have significantly contributed to Tormenta FC’s brand recognition and growth across the region and around the country. Under his guidance, Cranford and the Tormenta FC Front Office were awarded “Best in Web” by peer club members in League One for the 2020 season and “Best in Digital” by peer club members in League One for the 2021 season.
“Tormenta FC wishes Aaron all the best in his future endeavors,” Darin Van Tassell said. “His departure is bittersweet, but the club is excited to see what the future holds for him.”
Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The club seeks to play an exciting brand of soccer featuring elite local, national and international players. In addition, Tormenta FC is also constructing a new state-of-the-art 5,300-seat soccer-specific stadium in Statesboro. Currently being built next to The Clubhouse on Old Register Road, the new venue will provide an exciting and authentic professional soccer experience for fans and players alike.
