LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club announced today that Kim Shelton is joining the club as its new Chief Executive Officer. Shelton comes to Lexington SC with an abundance of soccer knowledge and experience in the sports industry.
“While we had an impressive pool of global candidates, Kim emerged as the ideal choice due to her stellar history in navigating intricate business landscapes within the realm of sports,” said Owner Bill Shively. “She’s a trailblazer in the industry, a tested business executive, and an exceptional people developer—qualities essential to our vision. Equally noteworthy, Kim has been a dedicated member of the Lexington community for over three decades, showcasing a shared passion for advancing both our community and the beloved sport.”
Shelton is no stranger to the Lexington community. Shelton came to Lexington in 1992 as a member of the inaugural women’s soccer team at the University of Kentucky. She captained the team for five years and served as assistant coach while completing her MBA. Shelton still holds the record for most matches played and started.
Following her time with the University of Kentucky, Shelton went on to work for the Chicago venue of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, keeping her involved in the soccer community. Shelton returned to Lexington to launch her career in collegiate sports marketing at Host Communications. She has since had stints with Host Communications, IMG College and the YMCA of Central Kentucky establishing herself as a fixture within not only the Lexington community, but the collegiate sports industry.
Shelton comes most recently from nearly 10 years with JMI Sports. Having worked in several roles such as Vice President of Sponsorship Sales, Chief Revenue Officer and President of UK Sports and Campus Marketing, Shelton has become a household name with Lexington’s sports community. Her most recent title, Senior Vice President of College Properties, took Shelton across country leading JMI Sports multi-media rights business in the Midwest and South regions.
“Leading the Lexington Sporting Club during this pivotal moment in soccer and women’s sports is an incredible honor,” CEO Kim Shelton affirmed. “Lexington SC’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in Central Kentucky, particularly on the lives of our young athletes and families, perfectly aligns with my own passion for the community I call home.”
Shelton comes home to Lexington with the excitement to create a legacy for Lexington Sporting Club in the community for which she has a great deal of passion. Lexington Sporting Club is confident that Kim Shelton’s extensive experience and strategic leadership will propel the club to new heights of success, offering enhanced experiences for members and stakeholders.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer third division men’s professional soccer), and in USL Super League (women’s professional soccer launching in 2024). The two professional teams are the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,000 players within its youth and academy systems. Lexington SC in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.