Pickleball Magazine 9-5 | Page 12

From the Chairman

A

by ROBERT QUICKSILVER
USA PICKLEBALL BOARD CHAIRMAN
USA Pickleball ’ s Exciting Developments
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2024 , I ’ m pleased to share two new significant developments with our USA Pickleball community . Our organization has always been committed to the growth and development of pickleball , and this year , we ’ re taking additional steps to enhance both our membership experience and our National Championships .
New Membership Types
To meet the unique needs of our growing and diverse membership base , we ’ ve expanded our membership options . Whether you ’ re a tournament competitor , weekend warrior or fan , we now have a membership for you .
We ’ ve gone from a single membership type to three options : Champion — for the competitive member , Challenger — for the recreational player and Casual — for fans or those who want to learn more before joining . Each tier features new perks and is tailored to provide the best possible value and experience for our members . Learn more at usapickleball . org / memberships .
National Championships
As we prepare for the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships , I can confidently say this will be our most dynamic and player-focused event yet . To be held at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa , Arizona , from Nov . 9-17 , Nationals will showcase the best talent in the country .
This year , we ’ re making significant upgrades to ensure an unparalleled athlete experience . These include :
• Player experience prioritized above all else
• High-quality competition experience
• Every match features an official
• State-of-the-art venue with outdoor shaded areas
• Exclusive athlete gifting experience to commemorate your achievement
• Individually fenced competition courts
• Live streaming on each court
• Ample ( and free ) practice courts available to use all-day
• Biofreeze Physical Therapy tent available to all players
• Indoor , well-lit , non-portable restroom facilities ( clean and fully stocked )
• Plus , we ’ ll have hydration stations , on-site parking , exciting partner activations and giveaways , an athlete hospitality lounge , upgraded awards and much more at this true destination event !
More on the horizon
The introduction of new membership types and the enhancements to Nationals are just the beginning . Stay tuned for more exciting enhancements from USA Pickleball .
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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 COMPETITION OFFICER Justin Maloof
CHIEF MARKETING & STRATEGY OFFICER Jose Moreno
CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER Carl Schmits
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMPETITION Steve Wong
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE
Chris Zukas
VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL EVENTS Luke Underwood
VICE PRESIDENT & CONTROLLER Rose James
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
Meredith Painter
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Christian Portaro
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Christian Portaro
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Hope Tolley
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 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
DIRECTOR OF SANCTIONING AND COMPETITION
Emily Nelson