Todd Dunivant replaces Ben Gumpert as Sacramento Republic president

Sacramento Republic FC announced Monday the departure of president and chief operating officer Ben Gumpert after four years running the day-to-day operations at the club. Gumpert will continue on as an advisor at the club.

“I have agreed to stay on at this time as an Advisor to provide assistance in all areas to Kevin Nagle and ownership, the team, and City leadership. I am still confident that a first-class investor will emerge who recognizes the potential of this club and city, and that MLS remains in Sacramento’s future,” Gumpert wrote in a goodbye letter posted on the Sac Republic website.

The letter stated that Gumpert said he doesn’t know what he will do next. This departure also comes off the back of a bombshell on Friday, in which Sacramento MLS expansion lead investor Ron Burkle pulled out entirely, throwing Republic FC’s MLS expansion dreams in complete disarray, barring another wealthy investor or group of investors can be found in a hurry to replace Burkle.

With Gumpert departing, current team GM Todd Dunivant has been appointed club president, and will oversee both sporting and business operations.

“Ben Gumpert has been a terrific leader. We are also fortunate to have an extremely deep and talented bench to call on. I have gotten to know Todd Dunivant quite well and could not be more confident that the day-to-day operations of SRFC will be in excellent hands,” said Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle in a team statement. “Ben has been a champion since the moment he walked in my door and his love for this team and city are unmatched. While I have no doubt Ben will continue to find success in any challenge he attempts, I’m grateful that he will continue to advise me as we continue into this season and in our pursuit to MLS.”

Dunivant joined Sac Republic as general manager in 2018 after a successful playing career, which included five MLS Cup wins an an MLS Best XI selection. He was one of the most consistent fullbacks of his generation on the field.

“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Ben over the past three years, and witness his dedication and passion for this team and community. He has elevated this club to new heights around an unmatched culture of service and I’m looking forward to our next steps forward,” said Dunivant. “Our mission will not change, and we intend to be a league leader on and off the field, and remind the world why Sacramento is an incredible community that deserves to be at the pinnacle of American soccer. I look forward to continuing to team up with Kevin, Ben, our amazing staff and fans as we march toward the goal line.”

Obviously big news keeps dropping, we’ll keep you posted on more as we learn about it.

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