2022 USA PICKLEBALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIRMAN Robert Quicksilver
BOARD VICE CHAIR Ernie Medina
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Philip Bullen Mark Fabbro Bob Franceschelli Suzanne Guerin Stephanie Russell
USA PICKLEBALL STAFF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Stu Upson
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Justin Maloof
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dan Ellsworth
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMPETITION & SANCTIONING
Karen Parrish
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Hope Tolley
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Chuck Menke
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Nikki Greene
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING
Mark Peifer
DIRECTOR OF AMBASSADORS Steve Stone
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT STANDARDS & FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
Carl Schmits
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PRO PLAYER RELATIONS & EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE
Donn Paben
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS
John Greene
DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS Laura Gainor
DIGITAL MANAGER Kevin Brown
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIP SERVICES
Karen Weiss
By Robert Quicksilver
USA PICKLEBALL BOARD CHAIRMAN
Most pickleball players know that USA Pickleball is the rulemaking body of the sport and approves paddles and other equipment . But few are aware of just how broad the scope of issues is that the Board of Directors of USAP deals with and the complexity of those matters . The fact that the sport is growing so rapidly and the pickleball industry is changing so quickly only adds to the board ’ s challenges .
We held our monthly board meeting at the JW Marriott Phoenix in April . The agenda for the meeting was jam-packed , and two-and-a-half days was hardly enough to cover everything . Here is a sample of some of the topics the board discussed in Arizona : a . Ratings : A USAP task force has been working for nearly six months on ways to improve upon the UTPR system . The board recognizes the need to create a next-gen ratings system and is evaluating the task force ’ s recommendations , which are designed to ensure that your USAP rating reflects your skill level as accurately as possible . b . Facility Development : Given the current shortage of pickleball courts , the board continues to assess ways in which USAP can further assist private developers , municipalities , and others with site evaluation , facility design , and acoustic concerns . c . Ambassador Structure : USAP has approximately 2,000 ambassador volunteers in cities across the country . As this group is one of the organization ’ s most valuable assets , the board is evaluating several options that would enable our ambassador network to better serve the local pickleball players in their communities . d . Membership and Marketing : Even though our membership is growing at an exponential rate , we are always exploring new ways to bring more players into the USAP family . The board continues to work on improving our membership value proposition , a process that will be greatly facilitated by Chuck Menke , our new chief marketing officer . e . Potential Alliances : Given USAP ’ s standing as the national governing body of pickleball and the widespread recognition of our brand , it is not surprising that we have been approached by several companies about collaborating with them . The board evaluates these opportunities through the lens of USAP ’ s mission statement , which is to promote the sport of pickleball here in the U . S . f . Tournaments : Building on last year ’ s launch of both the National Championship Series and the Diamond Regionals , the board is continually evaluating our event strategy , including how to improve the player experience , increase the number of sanctioned tournaments , and better serve USAP ’ s tournament sponsor and media partners .
As summer approaches , the board will provide our members with important updates on the foregoing , as well as other initiatives . If you have any thoughts or ideas on these topics , we would , of course , welcome your input .
MAY / JUNE 2022 | MAGAZINE 9