Applications must be submitted by May 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (EST)

Mission: Growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities throughout New England

The Nominating Committee of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) New England invites you to submit an application for the USTA New England Board of Directors. The term of service is three years and begins on January 1, 2027. These are volunteer positions. The deadline to apply for the 2027-2029 term is at 11:59pm EST on May 3, 2026. Applications are available online only and must be submitted electronically. The application allows for you to save your application and complete it at a later time. Click here to access the full application for reference.

GENERAL INFORMATION  
The USTA New England Board of Directors are responsible for the governance of USTA New England as it carries out its mission. Directors must act in good faith, in the best interest of the organization, on an informed basis and with due care.

The Board of Directors are expected to uphold USTA New England’s Bylaws and Constitution and make informed, unbiased decisions that support the organization and its mission. Please take the time to review the overview here.

PROCESS OVERVIEW & INSTRUCTIONS  

Application Review & Interviews 
The Nominating Committee anticipates more applications than there are available positions on the Board of Directors. This should be perceived as a highly competitive process. Following a review of all the applications, the Nominating Committee will extend interview invitations to a select group of candidates via zoom and/or in-person. The majority of the in-person interviews will be conducted during the USTA New England Board meeting, scheduled on June 11-14, 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island. An additional date for in-person interviews, to be conducted at the USTA New England section office in Westborough, MA, will be communicated separately. For applicants who are unable to travel for either of the in-person dates, efforts will be made to arrange interviews via Zoom or similar means.

Candidates will be notified no later than May 15, 2026 for an interview. All interviewed candidates will be notified of the Nominating Committee’s decision. Candidates will be responsible for all expenses associated with an in-person interview.

Notification Date 
The proposed slate of nominees will be forwarded to the USTA New England Secretary in accordance with USTA New England Bylaws. Applicants selected for the 2027-2029 USTA New England Board of Directors will be notified no later than October 15, 2026. 

Responsibilities & Characteristics of Successful Candidates 
The USTA New England Board of Directors is a governance-focused body, looking for visionary leaders who can move the needle on tennis participation and organizational excellence across the six New England states.

The Board of Directors selection process is designed to build a team with a full complement of skills necessary to fulfill the mission, strategic priorities, and goals of USTA New England. The responsibilities of the USTA New England Board of Directors include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Visionary Stewardship & Strategy
   • Set Direction: Members must determine the organization's mission and purpose while advocating for them.
   • Strategic Planning: You will shape the future of USTA New England by ensuring effective planning and long-term strategic thinking.
   • Mission Advocacy: As a champion of the mission, you will adhere to the organization's bylaws and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including those imposing fiduciary duties on board members.
2. Resource Management & Financial Oversight
   • Financial Integrity: The Board is responsible for protecting the association’s assets, providing financial oversight, and ensuring adequate resources are available to meet the Section's goals. This includes approving the annual budget and monitoring performance against the budget. 
   • Ethical Oversight: You will ensure the legal and ethical integrity of the organization, prioritizing the interests of USTA New England above personal, professional or any local interests.
3. Operational Oversight & Performance
   • Executive Support: The Board supports and evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive.
   • Strategic Metrics: You will monitor and strengthen programs and services while assessing organizational impact based on agreed-upon, high-level performance metrics.
   • Board Self-Evaluation: A critical responsibility includes reviewing and rating the Board's own performance across the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards to ensure continuous improvement.
   • Active Governance: Directors manage the affairs of the Association by adopting resolutions and policy statements that guide the overall direction of the Section.
4. Community & Volunteer Connectivity
   • Public Standing: Members are expected to enhance the organization's public standing and represent the best interests of the organization.
   • Volunteer Liaison: You will serve as a vital link between the Board, committees and volunteers, acting as a point person for assigned areas of responsibility.
   • Board Composition: We are committed to building a competent board by identifying and recruiting new members to strengthen the association.

The USTA New England Nominating Committee seeks mission-driven leaders who possess a strategic perspective on the future of tennis. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a combination of the following:

• Professional Expertise & Leadership
  • Executive Leadership: Proven track record in business, philanthropy, advocacy, or the nonprofit sector.
  • Functional Skills: Specific acumen in finance, advocacy, or strategic recruitment of volunteer talent.
  • Governance: Previous experience serving on a nonprofit board or USTA committee/state association leadership.
• Mission Alignment & Influence
  • Tennis Advocacy: A visible history of promoting the sport and a passion for improving lives through wellness and community play.
  • Relationship Management: Natural diplomacy with the ability to convene diverse stakeholders and build consensus.
  • Cultural Competency: High emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively across different cultures and communities.
• Commitment & Character
  • Active Engagement: Capacity to meet all time requirements and contribute meaningfully to board deliberations.
  • Integrity: Unquestionable credibility and a dedication to the association’s long-term mission and strategic plan.

Please note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The Nominating Committee will weigh these and other factors in order to best match candidates' strengths with the particular needs of USTA New England and the complementary skills of other board nominees. 

Commitment to Belonging
The USTA New England values diversity, equity & inclusion and is commited to ensuring these principles are reflected and promoted within its staff, volunteers and in the communities we serve.

As part of that commitment, the USTA encourages applicants to provide information on questions related to diversity. We are commited to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment and demographic information aids us in tracking our progress in this area. Should you choose not to provide this information, your decision will not impact your ability to serve the USTA New England. 

Time Commitment for Board of Directors 
Serving as a USTA New England board member requires a significant time commitment. Typical commitment is between 20-30 days per year, and officers invest even more time. 

There is a minimum of three board meetings a year. Historically at least three are in-person meetings. Additional virtual meetings may be scheduled. Every other year the fall meeting is generally held in connection with USTA New England’s Tennis Weekend. The summer meeting is held in Newport, Rhode Island in conjunction with the USTA New England’s Hall of Fame inductions (June). The winter meeting is historically held at USTA New England offices in Westborough, Massachusetts (January). Travel reimbursement in accordance with Association policies is provided. 

Additionally, members are expected to participate in committee work and special projects throughout the term, and to attend events as appropriate. Board members are encouraged to seek and successfully execute committee or other volunteer roles at the USTA National level. Board members are also expected to actively promote the sport of tennis and USTA New England in their everyday life. 

Application Verification & Safe Play Requirements 
The Nominating Committee may seek feedback from people familiar with an applicant's performance in the roles listed on the application. 

All board members must be active USTA members in good standing and USTA Safe Play approved throughout their term. Finalists may be required to undergo an additional background check through a third party designated by USTA New England. 

For questions or further information, please contact the USTA New England Nominating Committee Chair at volunteer@newengland.usta.com. 

Mission: Growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities throughout New England

USTA New England Core Values

• Excellence: We provide outstanding, value-adding products and services to our members, tennis consumers, and the communities where we operate. By
  proactively establishing collaborative, high-performing partnerships with other tennis providers we collectively accelerate the growth of the tennis industry.
• Innovation: We embrace change and encourage creative approaches to
  delivering products and services that exceed the expectations of our members and tennis consumers. By taking educated risks, we ensure that consumers of all ages and abilities can participate in tennis for a lifetime.
• Inclusiveness: We encourage and embrace the participation and contributions
  of all people that desire to be engaged with our organization. By honoring and leveraging the diversity of thought, expertise, cultural heritage, and individual differences we ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of tennis.
• Passion: We believe that tennis changes lives in positive ways and are inspired by that possibility to act with a sense of energy, determination, and enthusiasm. Passion for tennis is the fuel that drives all that we do.
• Integrity: We operate all of our endeavors within an environment of trust, mutual respect, and safe play conditions. Our reputation is well-respected by all because we consistently treat those we deal with in a fair, honest, and ethical manner and in compliance with the Association’s conflict of interest and confidentiality policies.
• Accountability: We operate with total commitment and hold ourselves
  accountable to the highest standards of performance. Each of us individually
  and collectively is responsible for delivering on our mission and our brand
  promise.

USTA New England Strategic Priorities

1. Pillar #1: Engagement throughout our ecosystem is vital to building a foundation of inclusive and accessible tennis throughout New England. We will grow and maximize player participation through engaging, quality tennis experiences & programs and a clear player pathway for all.
2. Pillar #2: To ensure the health and innovation of the tennis industry, providing access to continuous education and improvements both within organizations and with industry professionals are critical. We will invest in initiatives that build and develop capacity through professional development opportunities, collaboration, resources, tools and training for coaches, organizations and other providers.
3. Pillar #3: The quality of our court and facility infrastructure is imperative to delivering accessible tennis playing opportunities to all. We commit to protecting our current infrastructure and providing opportunities for our community to champion the growth of tennis into the future.

Please select the positions(s) for which you are applying. If you select more than one of the following positions, please rank all of your choices - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)

Click here to learn more about each position.

Board members are likely to be involved in the affairs of other organizations, and real or perceived conflicts of interest may develop. The Board of Directors of USTA New England should be aware of all situations that could result in conflicts of interest. Therefore, Board members must report on behalf of themselves, their family members and organizations with which they have a business relationship, any actual or anticipated business or other transaction or relationship, which directly or indirectly involves USTA New England if the transaction or relationship could be construed as a conflict of interest that might affect their independent, unbiased judgment when they carry out their duties for USTA New England. (An example would be a relationship with a competing institution or an investment that may affect or be affected by USTA New England’s investment decisions).

Click here to review the full Conflict of Interest Policy.

I authorize the Nominating Committee to investigate all the information provided in this application including employment information, background check, etc. I certify that the information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand the misrepresentation or omission of any information may be grounds for disqualification from this selection process.

I certify and represent that by electronically signing and submitting this application, the information contained herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, that my e-signature shall be considered binding, and grants USTA New England the authority to take any actions described herein.