Chad Emerson is the Managing Director of Business Operations for Huntsville City Football Club (HCFC), a position he has held since September 2022. He leads local business operations, partnerships, and fan experience for the MLS NEXT Pro team, having previously served as CEO of Downtown Huntsville, Inc. for nine years. Prior to his role with Huntsville City FC, Emerson built a reputation as a key figure in urban development and community leadership: Downtown Huntsville, Inc. (DHI): Served as the founding CEO for nine years (2013–2022), where he is credited with spearheading the revitalization of Downtown Huntsville through placemaking and economic initiatives.City of Montgomery: Acted as the Director of City Development (2011–2013), overseeing commercial and residential growth.Academic Background: Previously a Professor of Law at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law (2003–2011), specializing in property and land development. Visit the HCFC page https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc/00:00 Start

01:25 Disney Doctrine to Fan Experience

12:05 Ideation Process

22:21 2026 Season Schedule Reveal

35:00 Themed Nights

40:08 Use of AI

43:12 ChatGPT's thoughts on MLS Next Pro and HCFC

48:50 Academy System

54:05 1st Guest at the Triology Hotel57:15 Mt. Rushmore of Snacks

01:01:45 Conclusion

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/

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