David M. Tyahla

Director of Government Relations

Bio

Dave joined the Foundation’s Grants Department in 1998 following service as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill and as a registered lobbyist specializing in international tax and trade. Since 2001 he has served as the Foundation’s Director of Government Relations. Dave received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University and holds a Legislative Certificate from the Maxwell School of Public Management at Syracuse University.

Dave fell in love with soccer as a young player during the “70s Youth Soccer Boom” and continues to serve the game through his work as a certified referee and coach. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Arlington County (VA) Sports Commission as well as Vice President of United for D.C., the charitable arm of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. Dave and his wife, Lizbet, live in Arlington, Virginia.

Foundation Responsibilities

Dave is the Foundation’s primary liaison to Congress and other nonprofit organizations, working to inform them about the interests of the soccer community. His work includes coalition-building and establishing public-private partnerships aimed at leveraging the Foundation’s resources to better serve the sport at the grassroots level. He is also credited with helping to establish the Congressional Soccer Caucus.