From the Chairman
I by ROBERT QUICKSILVER
USA PICKLEBALL BOARD CHAIRMAN
I hope that everyone , wherever in the U . S . you live , is enjoying the warmer spring weather and getting an opportunity to play more pickleball . As the calendar turns to June , I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on some significant wins and exciting developments at USA Pickleball .
The first big win was our recent tournament held in Mesa , Arizona , in April and presented by Lerner & Rowe . Not only was it the first USA Pickleball owned and operated Golden Ticket tournament of 2024 , but the initial step in your National Governing Body ’ s strategic initiative to own more tournaments and greatly enhance the player experience . Kudos to our staff , who worked tirelessly to put on an event that resulted in a phenomenal experience for the 1,265 players who competed at Arizona Athletic Grounds . The player and spectator feedback has been overwhelmingly positive .
This tournament showcased what will set USA Pickleball owned and operated events apart — from a streamlined check-in process , exclusive player gifts and awards , and a player lounge area , to ample spectator seating , referee and volunteer appreciation , and much , much more . We intend to build upon our success in future USA Pickleball owned tournaments , culminating in our 2024 Biofreeze National Championships , which will be held November 10-17 at the same Mesa venue .
An equally important win was the launch of USA Pickleball Serves , the new charitable arm of USA Pickleball . The mission of USA Pickleball Serves is to make a positive impact through the sport of pickleball by supporting local community initiatives , like court enhancements , youth programming , and inclusive play . During the Mesa tournament , we hosted an introductory pickleball clinic for 125 local elementary school students . The students loved the experience , including the pickleball equipment that they were given to take home and continue playing the game . It was a fantastic first event for USA Pickleball Serves . We are so grateful to the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission and our other partners for helping us bring this clinic to life . I look forward to seeing many more events and initiatives from USA Pickleball Serves .
Finally , I ’ d like to touch on the Global Pickleball Federation ’ s exciting progress since its launch last fall . Reflecting the continuing growth of pickleball around the world , the GPF — of which USA Pickleball is a member — currently has 40 other member countries , including Australia , Egypt , Poland , Mexico , Ghana , and the Philippines . Countries are represented in the GPF by five confederations ( Oceania Pickleball Association , Pickleball Federation of the Americas , Confederation of African Pickleball , Asian Pickleball Association , and European countries ). Recently , the GPF has launched its global equipment program in partnership with Pickleball United to make pickleball accessible to all parts of the world , an important GPF initiative that will have positive effects throughout the member countries .
2024 continues to be another very strong year of growth for pickleball . Thanks to all of you for being such an integral part of that . See you out on the courts !
2024 USA PICKLEBALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIRMAN Robert Quicksilver
BOARD VICE CHAIR Suzanne Guerin
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Philip Bullen Mark Fabbro Andrew Feffer Bob Franceschelli
Ernie Medina Stephanie Russell Tori Stevens
USA PICKLEBALL STAFF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mike Nealy
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Justin Maloof
CHIEF MARKETING & STRATEGY OFFICER Jose Moreno
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMPETITION Steve Wong
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Hope Tolley
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Nikki Greene
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT STANDARDS & FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
Carl Schmits
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FIELD OPERATIONS
Lance Cowart
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Gail Avisar
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Julie Atherton
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING Tom Tadler
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTENT
Melissa Zhang
DIRECTOR OF EVENT LOGISTICS Baylee Opperman
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS & STRATEGIC PROJECTS
Ashley VanOchten
DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS Izzy Jade
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS Brenda Puga
DIRECTOR OF TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS
Craig Haas
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIP ACTIVATION
Nick Salute
CONTROLLER Rose James
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