(PEORIA, Ill.) — USL League Two has named Bobby Parker, Peoria City’s Chief Operating Officer, as the 2024 Executive of the Year.
Bobby helped jumpstart Peoria City in the franchise’s inception, helping lead the charge in 2022 as the Flying Carp entered USL League Two play.
After a storied career in the athletics department at Bradley University, Parker joined Peoria City’s front office in a full-time capacity in 2024.
In his full-time role, Parker oversees the day-to-day, off-the-field operations of the club.
Jim DeRose, President of Peoria City, released the following statement on Parker’s recognition.
“On behalf of our entire club, we would like to congratulate Bobby on his recognition as USL League Two Executive of the Year. In Bobby’s first year with the club in a full-time capacity, he has demonstrated an incredible ability to excel in the communication and vision of Peoria City with our team, staff, community, USL league office, donors, sponsors, vendors and our fans,” DeRose said.
“His tireless work ethic and commitment to the vision of Peoria City that managing partner John Dorn, and myself imagined when Peoria City was founded, has always been at the forefront of how Bobby has approached the job. This has led to numerous successes of the 2024 season, having his fingerprints virtually on every aspect of the season. Bringing Chivas de Guadalajara to Peoria, breaking attendance records, hosting the playoffs and national championship game at Shea Stadium, founding the Lincoln Cup with Springfield FC, and a multitude of fan friendly experiences and promotions that were enjoyed during matches, are but just some of the achievements that we’re all directly attributable to Bobby’s vision and commitment.
None perhaps were more important than his direct daily interaction with our players and coaching staff to assure they had everything they needed to have a successful season. With so many of our players and Coach Paye being away for the summer from family and friends and living in a new community, Bobby’s personal attention to them was instrumental in creating a family environment for them to succeed.”
USL League Two noted Parker’s unwavering effort made Peoria City, in only its third season, a “top club.”
“Parker’s organization, integrity and determination played a leading role in Peoria’s storybook season, and the continuously growing relationship the club has with its fans,” USL League two said in a statement.
