FROM THE USAPA
FROM THE USAPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Two Exciting USAPA
Announcements
Justin Maloof, Executive Director
JUSTIN MALOOF
After a national search that drew
interest from many qualified
candidates, I am pleased to announce
that Christine Barksdale has been
named as the association’s new
Managing Director of Competition
and Athlete Services. Christine’s
experience, credentials and passion
for pickleball are a great match for
our sport and I am extremely excited
to have her join our organization.
In her new role, Christine will provide management, support and
oversight of USAPA’s tournament sanctioning process, support
and coordination of USAPA national and regional tournaments,
and lend additional support and guidance within various training
initiatives, including referee certification and instructor assistance.
Management and support of game rules will also occupy a great deal
of Christine’s time.
As one of the nation’s top players, Christine has won nearly a dozen
Open and Age medals at USAPA Nationals in singles, women’s
doubles and mixed doubles and has also medaled at Tournament of
Champions, Canada Nationals and other national, regional and local
tournaments. Many readers may also know her as a contributing
writer for Pickleball Magazine.
Another very newsworthy item for USAPA members is the pending
launch of a brand-new registration and database system that is
nearing completion. This new system is designed to fully automate
the online registration process and provide players instant
membership confirmation by sending a printable USAPA card (with
member number and expiration date). Members will also have the
ability to create a user name and password, giving them the ability
to manage and update their USAPA member profile. In addition,
the new software will eventually give members an opportunity to
upgrade their membership and select from a number of men’s,
women’s and junior apparel options.
This software upgrade can’t get here fast enough. USAPA
membership has increased from 4,000 members in 2013 to over
14,000 today – a 250% increase in just three short years. A fully
automated process with a more modern, user-friendly interface
will be a welcome site for members. As with anything of this
nature, there will be a learning curve. However, once members get
used to the system, they will quickly appreciate the new features
and improved functionality. The new system is scheduled for
implementation this August but the launch date will depend on the
testing schedule. Stay tuned…
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2016 USAPA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
David Jordan
VP & AMBASSADOR CHAIR
Jack Thomas
SECRETARY
Laura Patterson
TREASURER
Darryl Noble
BOARD MEMBERS
(COMMITTEES)
LEGAL COUNSEL, GRIEVANCE
Phil Mortenson
COMMUNICATIONS
*Bob Nibarger
RATINGS
Chris Thomas
TOURNAMENTS
*Lenny Chimino
GRANTS
*Ray Pereyra
TRAINING CHAIRS
Lynn and Linda Laymon
NON-VOTING
BOARD MEMBER
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mark Friedenberg
STAFF
Executive Director, Justin Maloof
Managing Director of Competition,
Christine Barksdale
Business Manager, Linda Gartlan
* new board members