Ernst Tanner, who joined the Philadelphia Union in October of 2018, was honored with the Leadership Award by the German Society of Pennsylvania (GSP), in a formal ceremony at the 259th Stiftungsfest on Saturday, November 4th, at the Society’s historic landmark building in Philadelphia.
Tanner, who is the club’s second-ever Sporting Director, has enjoyed remarkable success with the Philadelphia Union, including an undefeated season at home, the Supporters’ Shield trophy for finishing with the best record in Major League Soccer (MLS), a first-ever Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League berth, and their first trip to MLS Cup last season. This season the Union qualified for the MLS playoffs for their sixth consecutive season and are currently playing the New England Revolution in the first round.
Over the course of its 250-year history, the GSP has evolved with the changing needs of the German American population of Philadelphia. Whether assisting new arrivals to America’s shores or building bridges between Philadelphia’s diverse communities today, the German Society fosters understanding between people and communities.
“What Ernst has accomplished in the world of business and sports over his career, and most recently related to the rise of the Philadelphia Union has been remarkable,” said Dr. Eric Zillmer, Board member at the German Society of PA and the Athletic Director Emeritus at Drexel University. He has used his international business sense of the global soccer market and his“Von nix, kommt nix” personality to gets things done. He and his team have put the Philadelphia Union into a very competitive position vying and competing for domestic and international titles, as well as developing players that are now performing on the global stage,” Zillmer added.
“We knew when we hired Ernst, we were getting a top-tier sporting director who could take our club to the next level. Thanks to his leadership and buy-in from coaches, players, and the entire staff at the Philadelphia Union, we have experienced continued progress and enjoyed some of the best seasons in our history,” said Philadelphia Union Principal Owner Jay Sugarman.
“We are exceptionally pleased to have Ernst’s leadership be recognized by the German Society of Pennsylvania. As a German citizen we know that Ernst will be very proud to be honored by the German and international community here in the U.S.,” said Paul Howard, Executive Director, of the Philadelphia Union Foundation.
“Of course, I am very honored to be recognized by fellow German Americans for my interest in bringing the world together through the game of football. It means especially a lot to me to receive such an award from a Society that typically functions outside sports. I am most proud to have played a part in bringing recognition and pride through the success of the Philadelphia Union to our city and our region,” said Ernst Tanner.
