2023 USA PICKLEBALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
From the CEO
A by MIKE NEALY
USA PICKLEBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
As we put a bow on 2023 and reflect on the ongoing growth that pickleball continues to experience , I ’ d like to share some of our accomplishments along the way and recognize individuals in our community who contribute so much to pickleball around the country .
Let ’ s start with USA Pickleball ’ s investment in researching the acoustics of the sport and developing a Quiet Category of pickleball equipment . As the National Governing Body , we are working to provide more opportunities at the grassroots level to responsibly enjoy pickleball . This important initiative began 15 months ago and was led by Carl Schmits , our managing director of equipment standards and facilities development . And the results are coming to life : We recently launched a new Quiet Category , which features products with nearly 50 percent less of an acoustic footprint . ( In other words , they ’ re not loud .) I am thrilled that we are able to support solutions for sound-sensitive locations — such as residential areas — that benefit from reduced noise levels .
Another area worth highlighting is our efforts on the international landscape of pickleball . As the nation that originated this sport , we strive to assist more and more countries who wish to adopt pickleball . With the extra efforts from USA Pickleball COO Justin Maloof and board member Mark Fabbro , we just launched the Global Pickleball Federation ( GPF ) in collaboration with peer leaders from other countries to serve as the official international federation for the sport . The GPF ’ s mission is to grow and promote pickleball internationally , from the amateur to professional levels , with integrity and purpose . This is a major milestone for our sport and a necessary effort as we establish ourselves on the world stage and pursue the inclusion of pickleball in the Olympic and Paralympic Games .
Finally , I ’ d like to thank and recognize our USA Pickleball Ambassadors , including a shout-out to Lance Cowart , our managing director of field operations , for leading this community . Every year more than 2,000 dedicated volunteers across the U . S . contribute their time , energy and passion behind the scenes to grow our sport in their respective towns , school districts and neighborhoods . We truly could not build pickleball without our Ambassadors . They are the “ boots on the ground ” who advocate relentlessly for our sport , and their collective work has produced a massive impact . Thank you for all you do .
I encourage each of you to consider becoming an official USA Pickleball Ambassador and learn more about our Ambassador program on usapickleball . org .
I hope you enjoy an amazing holiday season with loved ones . We look forward to seeing all our members out on the courts for more pickleball in 2024 .
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BOARD CHAIRMAN Robert Quicksilver
BOARD VICE CHAIR Suzanne Guerin
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Philip Bullen Mark Fabbro Bob Franceschelli Ernie Medina Stephanie Russell
USA PICKLEBALL STAFF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mike Nealy
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Justin Maloof
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dan Ellsworth
CHIEF MARKETING & STRATEGY OFFICER
Jose Moreno
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Hope Tolley
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Nikki Greene
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING George McCulley
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT STANDARDS & FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
Carl Schmits
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS & PRO PLAYER RELATIONS
Donn Paben
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FIELD OPERATIONS
Lance Cowart
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS
Brady Kellogg
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Gail Avisar
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Julie Atherton
DIRECTOR OF SANCTIONING Karen Parrish
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTENT
Melissa Zhang
DIRECTOR OF TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS
Baylee Opperman
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Ben Hudson
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS & STRATEGIC PROJECTS
Ashley VanOchten
DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS Izzy Jade
CONTROLLER Rose James