2025 USA PICKLEBALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
From the CEO by MIKE NEALY
USA PICKLEBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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As we close the chapter on this year’ s USA Pickleball National Championships, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and renewed confidence in the bright future of our sport. Nationals has always been a celebration of elite competition and community spirit, and this year that spirit shone brighter than ever.
We welcomed athletes from 47 states and 20 countries, each bringing their passion, skill, and love of the game to the courts. From our youngest competitor at 11 years old to our most seasoned athlete at 87, every player represented a unique story and a shared belief that pickleball is more than a sport, it is a movement. These numbers aren’ t merely statistics. They’ re living proof of our message: Pickleball truly is FOR ALL.
Throughout the week, we witnessed thrilling battles, gracious sportsmanship, emotional comebacks, and moments of pure joy. We saw families cheering side by side, new friendships forged in real time, and generations connected by a paddle and a perforated ball. Whether you were chasing medals, chasing personal bests, or simply soaking in the magic of being there— thank you. You gave this event its heart.
As we reflect on this year’ s Nationals and all of 2025, we are also looking ahead. The momentum we’ ve created together is building something extraordinary: more access to courts, more opportunity for play, more pathways for rising talent, and more stories that highlight the inclusive power of this sport.
On behalf of USA Pickleball, thank you to our Board of Directors, athletes, members, referees, volunteers, sponsors, and fans. Your support fuels everything we do. This has been a year of growth, unity, and unforgettable moments and we are only just getting started. Looking forward to seeing you on the courts in 2026.
Mike Nealy CEO USA Pickleball
BOARD CHAIRMAN Robert Quicksilver
BOARD VICE CHAIR Suzanne Guerin
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Philip Bullen Mark Fabbro Andrew Feffer
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 EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE
Riley Burgess
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE
Chris Zukas
VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL EVENTS Luke Underwood
CONTROLLER Keith Helmuth
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Christian Portaro
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 & PR Jennifer Rogers
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS & STRATEGIC PROJECTS
Ashley VanOchten
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS Brenda Puga
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Andrea Fogarty
DIRECTOR OF TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS Craig Haas
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIP ACTIVATION Nick Salute
DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL AND COLLEGIATE ENGAGEMENT
Hana Papaco
DIRECTOR OF TOURNAMENT AND MEMBER EXPERIENCE
Drew Thomas
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Jon Lampe
CREATIVE LEAD Lisa Curran
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