Advocacy Committee
The USTA Southern Advocacy Committee is responsible for providing advice and guidance to states and communities that are looking to grow their tennis programs and facilities.
Robin Jones - Chairman
Jane Gamble - Vice Chairman
Paula Hale - OL
Rob Eppelsheimer
Ben Fontenot
Mary Henderson
Community Development Committee
The USTA Southern Community Development Committee is responsible for the development and implementation of 1) all USTA Community Tennis Associations and related services (education of local leaders, grants, and networking); 2) USTA programs and liaison with USTA committees governing them.
Paul Pittman - Chairman
Becky Richardson - Vice Chairman
Derek White - OL
Leslie Pfeiffer - ED
Yona Bar-Zeev
Deanna Garretson
Martula Habu
Dell Kelly
Harriette Lynch
Kim Meeker
Dennis Miller
Grady Wilson
Jeff Smith – Staff
CD Grants Subcommittee
Responsible for the administration and awarding of the CD grants.
Becky Richardson – Chair
Jane Gamble
John Liles
Mary Hatfield – Staff
Education and Training Subcommittee
Responsible for working with states on CD workshops and other training for CTAs.
Harriette Lynch - Chair
Joe Goodroe
Anna Mercer-McLean
Mary Hatfield – Staff
Community Programs Committee
The USTA Southern Community Programs Committee is responsible for working with all subcommittee chairmen to oversee program policies and procedures and making recommendations to the Executive Committee for any changes.
Helen Jeter – Chairman
Bob Goodsell – Vice Chairman
Derek White - OL
Brenda Witt - ED
Lance Hickman
Leslie Jackson
Rudy Lewis
Jean Peabody
Joel Turner
Jeff Smith/Yasmine Osborn – Staff
NJTL Subcommittee
Promotes NJTL programs.
Rudy Lewis – Chair
David Bell
Ernie James
Betty Jones
CeeJai Jones
Rogers McCall
Leslie Shields
Don Smith
Yasmine Osborn – Staff
Schools Subcommittee
Promotes USTA Schools Programs and its connection to after-school programs.
Leslie Jackson - Chair
Fred Bonney
Pat Devoto
Robert Edwards
Cynthia Render-Leach
Jeff Smith – Staff
Special Populations Subcommittee
Promotes the formation and continuance of quality special pops programs.
Jim Hamm – Chair
Jack Barker
Lacy Barnes
Mike Hurley
Kirstie Marx
Mary Smith
Yasmine Osborn – Staff
Wheelchair Subcommittee
Promotes the formation and continuance of quality wheelchair programs.
Jean Peabody – Chair
Camille Burkley
John Ershek
David Hartsek
Julie Jilly
Harlon Matthews
Geoff Norton
Yasmine Osborn – Staff
Diversity Committee
The USTA Southern Diversity Committee is responsible for developing program awareness, new initiatives and program continuity which will substantially grow minority participation among recreational and competitive players, coaches, volunteers, industry professionals and administrators, regardless of race, sex, economic background, or religious preferences.
Birlette Jelks - Chairman
Ernie James - Vice Chairman
Derek White - OL
Ann Brady - ED
Manuel Guillen
Rudy Lewis
Samir Mahir
Cleon McKnight
Matt Olson
Linda Smith
Nomi Cosby
Yasmine Osborn – Staff
Tennis Officials Committee
The USTA Southern Tennis Officials Committee is responsible for 1) solicitation of prospective umpires and referees; 2) teaching and training umpires and referees through umpire clinics and tournament workshops; 3) in conjunction with the State Umpire Chairmen, organize umpire clinics and tournament workshops; 4) testing and certification of tennis officials; 5) recommending qualified umpires to USTA Umpire Committee for U.S. Open; 6) recommending qualified directors/referees that can give assistance to tournaments upon request; 7) development of material that might be helpful to tournament directors relating to tournament draws, scheduling and other problem areas.
Aimee Johnson - Chairman
Rebel Good - Vice Chairman
Derek White - OL
Ricky Smith
Carey Washington
Winky Olson – Staff
Mentoring Subcommittee
Responsible for promoting and administering a mentoring program for new Southern officials.
Rebel Good – Chair
Aimee Johnson
Recruiting, Retention and Diversity Subcommittee
Responsible for soliciting recruits, retaining a high percentage of officials, and insuring diversity is embraced in all areas of officiating.
Ricky Smith – Chair
TE Subcommittee
Responsible for training and evaluating of tennis officials.
Carey Washington – Chair