Hey there, fellow tennis enthusiasts It’s your girl Mia Johnson-Carter from Miami, and I’m super excited to share some news that’s got everyone talking in the tennis world. Recently, the USTA announced its new Board of Directors, including elected officers and Directors at Large. The new Board has been elected to a two-year term that begins on January 1, 2025. Let’s dive into who’s leading the way and what this means for our beloved sport.
New Leadership at USTA
The USTA today announced its new Board of Directors, with Brian Vahaly set to become the next Chairman and President. Vahaly, who played professional tennis for seven years and reached a world ranking of No. 64, is the first and only male college graduate in the ATP Top 100 at the time. What’s even more remarkable is that he remains the only current or former ATP player to publicly come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. This historic move is a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion in tennis.
Vahaly expressed his honor and commitment to the role, stating, “It’s an honor to be working alongside such a talented and passionate group of individuals. Each Board member brings a unique perspective, and together we’re a team driven by a deep commitment to the game we all love.” His focus will be on applying a business-minded, data-driven approach to build on the incredible growth seen in the last five years and reach their goal of 35 million players by 2035.
Other Elected Officers
Other key members of the new Board include:
– J. Christopher Lewis, who will serve as First Vice President. Lewis has extensive experience in tennis administration and has previously served as President of the USTA Southern California section.
– Maggie Chan Jones, who will serve as Vice President. Jones is a recognized executive in business transformation, marketing, inclusion, and sustainability.
– Megan Moulton-Levy, who will serve as Vice President and Elite Athlete. Moulton-Levy competed on the WTA Tour from 2008-2016 and currently serves as Vice President at Junior Tennis Champion Center.
– William (Bill) McGugin, who will serve as Secretary-Treasurer. McGugin is President and CEO of Iroquois Capital Group, Inc., and has a strong background in finance and investment.
Directors at Large
The Directors at Large include:
– Catherine (CiCi) Bellis, who will serve her first term and as an Elite Athlete. Bellis played professional tennis on the WTA Tour, reaching No. 35 in the world at age 17.
– Laura F. Canfield, who will serve her fifth consecutive term. She has over 40 years of professional and volunteer experience at various levels of the USTA.
– Chris Capossela, who will serve his first term. Capossela is a marketing leader with over 30 years of experience in the technology industry.
– Violet Clark, who will serve her fourth consecutive term. Clark is Of Counsel at Laner Muchin, Ltd., and has been involved in various tennis-related roles.
– Amanda Fink-Moore, who will serve her first term. Fink-Moore is a long-standing member of the coaching community and has extensive experience in training.
– Kathleen Francis, who will serve her third consecutive term. Francis has more than 30 years of experience leading marketing and youth development programs.
– Jon Rydberg, who will serve his first term and as an Elite Athlete. Rydberg reached a career-high world ranking of No. 11 in singles on the ITF Wheelchair Tour.
– Hon. Derek J. White, who will serve his first term. White was the first African American to serve as CEO and President of the USTA Southern section.
– Perren Wong, who will serve his first term. Wong is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and serves on the board of the Junior Tennis Foundation.
Impact on Tennis
The appointment of Brian Vahaly as the next USTA President is a significant move that reflects the growing diversity and inclusivity within tennis. As we continue to see trending topics like LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion, Vahaly’s leadership could pave the way for more players to feel comfortable being themselves in the sport.
Incorporating elements of the Miami dialect subtly, we can say that this move is “a game-changer” for our sport. It’s not just about winning matches; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and inspired to play. The USTA’s commitment to growth and accessibility aligns perfectly with the spirit of tennis – a sport that brings people together across all levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new Board of Directors at USTA, led by Brian Vahaly, promises exciting times for tennis enthusiasts everywhere. With a focus on data-driven growth, enhanced digital and recreational play opportunities, expanded court access, and support for American stars, we can expect great things from this new leadership team. As we look forward to the future of tennis, let’s celebrate this historic moment that embodies the values of inclusivity and passion that define our beloved sport.
If you want, you can check out the news where I found it here.
Yours truly,
Mia
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