Front Office

Jay Heaps | Chief Executive Officer

Jay Heaps came to Birmingham in 2018 after spending six seasons as the head coach of the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer. They qualified for MLS Cup Playoffs in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and in 2014, the Revs were crowned Eastern Conference Champions and made it to MLS Cup.

Heaps played in MLS for eleven seasons, spending 1999 and 2000 with the Miami Fusion and 2001 to 2009 with the Revolution. After being drafted second overall in the 1999 MLS College Draft, he spent the season playing in midfield and defense and was named Rookie of the Year. In just his second season in the league, Heaps made the MLS All-Star team. The jump into the spotlight garnered attention from New England, who traded for him before the 2001 season.

Heaps made himself at home on the Revolution backline throughout the 2000’s. Playing on the right as a fullback in a back four or right-sided center back in a back three, Heaps helped lead the Revs to MLS Cup as Eastern Conference Champions in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007 alongside MLS legends like Taylor Twellman, Clint Dempsey, and Michael Parkhurst. When he retired, Heaps left the Revolution as the leader in career appearances, starts, and minutes, ranked fifth in MLS career minutes played (25,193), eighth in career games started (274), and tied for ninth in career appearances (289). He was also called up to the United States Men’s National Team in 2009 and earned four caps in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Heaps turned into an MLS-level talent in his four years at Duke University. He was a three-time Hermann Trophy finalist, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate player, before winning the award as a senior and was the NSCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year the same season. He was a four-time first-team All-ACC selection, four-time ACC All-Tournament performer and four-time NSCAA All-South Region pick. Upon graduation, he left the Duke program ranked third in career goals (45), fourth in career assists (37), and tied for second in career points (127). He was named the Soccer America National Freshman of the Year and ACC Freshman of the Year in 1995. While in school, he also earned a basketball scholarship as a walk-on point guard for the Duke basketball team under Coach Mike Krzyzewski. He graduated in 1998 with degrees in economics and history, and was named one of Duke’s “Top 10 Devils of the Decade” by the Duke Chronicle.

Heaps moved to Birmingham with his wife, Danielle, and three children, Jack, Olivia, and Jude, and is excited to build a culture and foundation for high-level soccer in the Magic City.

Jonathan Nelson | President

Jonathan Nelson was named Team President in October 2026, adding one of the Magic City’s most experienced and respected sports business leaders to guide the club into its next chapter of growth. Nelson brings decades of experience in professional sports and a proven record of building successful organizations, developing strong corporate partnerships and creating memorable fan experiences in the Birmingham market.

Most notably, Nelson spent 32 years with the Birmingham Barons organization, including an extended tenure as the club’s President and General Manager. During his leadership, the Barons became one of Minor League Baseball’s most recognized organizations, successfully strengthened their presence in downtown Birmingham and consistently built strong connections with fans, corporate partners and the broader community.

Nelson was named the Southern League’s Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year three times, earning the honor in 2009, 2013 and 2016. His tenure also included multiple organizational awards and some of the most successful seasons in the Barons’ modern history.

Nelson’s extensive relationships throughout the Birmingham business and sports communities provide Legion FC with an experienced leader who understands both the opportunities and challenges of growing a professional sports franchise in the market.

With Nelson joining the club’s leadership team, Birmingham Legion FC remains committed to establishing deeper roots throughout the community while continuing to elevate the club’s position within Birmingham’s growing professional sports landscape.