Minnesota Aurora FC President and Chief Operating Officer Jessica Poole Recognized as Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal Women In Business Honoree

[St Paul, MN] [March 19, 2024] – Jessica Poole, President and Chief Operating Officer for Minnesota Aurora FC, has been recognized as an honoree in Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s Women In Business Awards for 2024.

Poole joined Aurora in 2023 after spending time leading the Athletic Department for Chicago State University, developing strategy, HR, DEI, facilities, and more. She has also held leadership positions with athletic departments at Florida Atlantic University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Mississippi. 

Poole is the first President and Chief Operating Officer for Minnesota Aurora FC, and the only person of color holding the highest leadership position in a Minnesota professional or semi-professional sports team. Poole has professionalized the club’s front office, hiring an all-female front office leadership team, formalizing staff benefits and policies, and implementing a strategic approach to scheduling and ticketing to maximize the team’s development and profitability.

“I’m honored to be on this list alongside so many incredible women,” said Poole. “The Twin Cities is a place where so many women are having a meaningful impact on business, and at Aurora we are committed to creating pathways for the amazing women in this community.”

The editorial team at MSPBJ reviewed hundreds of nominations and selected Twin Cities women leaders to celebrate their professional contributions, their community involvement and their commitment to leadership and mentorship. 

Women In Business honorees will be profiled in the May 17 Women in Business special publication, as well as online. They will also be celebrated at an awards event and business expo in May.