2021 USA PICKLEBALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By Phil Mortenson
USA PICKLEBALL CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
BOARD CHAIR Phil Mortenson
BOARD VICE CHAIR Laura Patterson
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Philip Bullen Bob Franceschelli Suzanne Guerin Ernie Medina Robert Quicksilver
USA PICKLEBALL STAFF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Stu Upson
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Justin Maloof
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER George Bauernfeind
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dan Ellsworth
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMPETITION
Karen Parrish
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Hope Tolley
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Nikki Greene
DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING Mark Peifer
DIRECTOR OF AMBASSADORS Steve Stone
DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
Carl Schmits
DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE
Donn Paben
HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS John Greene
DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS Laura Gainor
MANAGER OF SOCIAL MEDIA Kevin Brown
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD MESSAGE
2020 was a unique Leap Year . It had 29 days in February , and it felt
like March , April , November and December had 300 days ! Last year brought us unwanted isolation and a feeling of helplessness ; however , we talked more with our friends , neighbors and relatives . We connected more deeply , finding that elements around us we tended to ignore earlier were important to our well-being . Our restrictions forced us to look at other options for inventiveness , imagination and expressiveness . We appreciated the opportunity to go outside and get occasional exercise , instead of taking it for granted .
Although most pickleball and other sports tournaments were curtailed during 2020 , the recreational play of pickleball continued to flourish in locations where it was allowed under prescribed conditions . Last May , the New York Times alliteratively suggested that pickleball was the Perfect Pandemic Pastime .
Nevertheless , the global sports market suffered greatly in 2020 . That market is estimated at an annual $ 756 billion globally and $ 420 billion in the U . S . Many sports organizations , clubs , gyms , retailers , event organizers , marketing agencies , and sports equipment producers face bankruptcy . As a testament to the loyalty of our members , USA Pickleball has survived surprisingly well , and our membership held close to steady last year . Unlike many national governing bodies , we were able to retain all our staff and not use any proceeds from the PPP loan program . For this continuing devotion , we thank all our members for their dedication , benevolence , and passion .
Most pickleball enthusiasts would agree that this sport ’ s strength , aside from the competition , is in bringing people together , creating a sense of community , and sparking joy . The safe reopening of recreational pickleball play , events and tournaments needs to focus on recognizing the benefits that sports participation can bring to all of us . Our national inventory of 8,600 places2play and 33,600 pickleball courts intertwines with communities of people from differing backgrounds , all of whom will play a significant role in mobilizing society to reestablish pickleball activity once control is gained over the virus . This limerick from Marion Wolf in New Jersey expresses our eager anticipation of the return to a semblance of normalcy :
Efficacious vaccines are near ! Precisely what we wanted to hear . Before long , we assume , Our play will resume , And pickleball players will cheer .
Last but not least , in December we congratulated our new CEO , Stu Upson , and gave him a warm welcome . He comes to us with a wealth of experience in leading sports organizations . With his dedication and energy , we know that we ’ ll accomplish amazing things together . •
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | MAGAZINE 9