People on the Move: McEnroe to Head Hall of Fame, Prov’s New Economic Development Director and More
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
GoLocal's People on the Move is an update on new hires and promotions across southern New England. If your organization has an announcement, email it to us at [email protected].
Tennis Hall of Fame Names New Leadership
The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced Dan Faber as the new Chief Executive Officer and Patrick McEnroe as the ITHF President. Both will start their positions on May 1.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTFaber and McEnroe will partner with the Executive Board, Board of Governors, and staff to further the Hall of Fame’s non-profit mission to preserve tennis history, celebrate its greatest champions, and inspire the sport’s next generation. In their roles, Faber and McEnroe succeed Todd Martin, who resigned as the ITHF’s CEO at the end of 2022.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors and staff, I want to welcome Dan Faber and Patrick McEnroe to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Both are impactful leaders in the tennis industry and join an outstanding leadership team and staff in Newport,” said Dan Swan, Chairman of the ITHF’s Board of Governors.
“Dan’s impressive track record in education and development shone through in an extensive search that saw many exceptional candidates. Patrick’s background as an accomplished player, broadcaster, and global ambassador for our sport is a tremendous addition to furthering the ITHF’s mission in the tennis world. Alongside Kim Clijsters in her role as Honorary President, Dan and Patrick will serve as a dynamic combination as the ITHF enters a new season of growth.”
“I’m excited to work with Dan and Patrick in their new roles at the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” said ITHF Honorary President Kim Clijsters. “Both are passionate ambassadors of our sport, and bring valuable industry knowledge and experience. I’m looking forward to expanding the horizons of the Hall of Fame alongside them.”
As CEO, Faber brings over 20 years of tennis industry experience to Newport, including 10 years in his current position as Chief Executive of the USTA Foundation. Since taking over the role in 2013, Faber has increased the USTA Foundation’s revenues by $14 million, and enhanced the organization’s brand recognition by developing key relationships with business executives, tennis and sports industry leaders, and players. Under his direction, the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network of over 300 national chapters fully merged within the USTA Foundation and has seen its financial impact grow by 20 percent each year. In 2019, Faber was recognized as Racquet Sports Industry’s Person of the Year.
“Throughout my life, I have been passionate about tennis and education,” said Faber. “As I look at all the International Tennis Hall of Fame does for the sport in storytelling, preservation and global outreach, I am very excited at the opportunity to inspire leaders on and off the court through the history of the game and its champions. I look forward to working alongside a dedicated Board of Governors and innovative staff in Newport.”
A familiar face to tennis fans around the world, Patrick McEnroe has been one of tennis’ preeminent broadcast commentators since 1995. During his 10-year professional career on the ATP Tour, McEnroe captured the 1989 French Open doubles title alongside Jim Grabb and reached the semifinals in singles at the 1991 Australian Open. He became the United States’ Davis Cup captain in 2000, a position he held until 2010, and piloted the American team to the 2007 Davis Cup title. From 2008 to 2014, McEnroe was the USTA’s General Manager of Player Development.
"Throughout my career, I’ve long appreciated the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s mission to preserve and promote the history of tennis, and share the fun side of the sport" said McEnroe. "I’m energized about and looking forward to the opportunity to help lead and advance this mission, especially as we look forward to presenting the ultimate honor in tennis to the next generation of Hall of Famers."
As President, McEnroe will be responsible for leading execution of ITHF’s strategy and mission, with significant emphasis on relationships and partnerships, particularly in the tennis world. This will include collaboration with Hall of Famers, including Kim Clijsters in the role of Honorary President, and Gigi Fernandez, who serves on the ITHF Executive Board as Hall of Famer Vice Chair.
In addition to his role with the Hall of Fame, McEnroe will continue as a match analyst with ESPN during the network’s Grand Slam coverage, as a contributor to CNN, and as Team World’s Vice Captain for the Laver Cup.
Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Cassandra Thomas as Director of Economic Development
Mayor Brett Smiley announced Cassandra Thomas as Director of Economic Development for the City of Providence. Thomas is an experienced professional that brings a community-centric and innovation-driven approach to economic development, focused on creating high-quality jobs and building a more resilient future for communities.
“In order for Providence to become the world-class city we all know it has the potential to be, we need a strong economic development strategy and Cassandra Thomas is the right person to lead that effort,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Together, I am confident we can bring Providence to the next level by tackling the big issues, like expanding and improving our housing stock, and investing in our strengths like our higher learning institutions, our critically acclaimed arts and culinary scenes, and our local talent.”
Thomas’ 20-year career is detailed with high-level project management, workforce development, and economic crisis intervention experiences. As Federal Disaster Recovery Officer (FDRO) for FEMA, Thomas led long-term recovery efforts for Northeastern states battling the economic impacts of COVID-19, also working to develop economic development plans for other communities such as the State of Queensland in Australia, the City of Calgary and the Capital Region in Louisiana. As FDRO they also worked with the Connecticut Department of Housing to develop a new model of wraparound services for shelters, helping people attain the resources necessary to break cycles of homelessness. Thomas also led innovative workforce development projects in communities across the country, supporting tribes in Maine in starting aquaculture projects, and identifying opportunities to develop outdoor recreation and artisanal manufacturing in Vermont.
“Under Mayor Smiley’s leadership, Providence is uniquely positioned to thrive and become a regional powerhouse,” said Economic Development Director Cassandra Thomas. “I am excited to join the Smiley Administration and to work with so many talented and dedicated professionals that are focused on building that brighter future for this city.”
In their capacity as Director of Economic Development, Thomas will also help inform and drive the City’s planning, redevelopment and arts, culture and tourism strategy.
Rhode Island FC Adds Vicky Lynch to Front Office
Rhode Island FC, the new USL Championship team based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, introduced Vicky Lynch as the team’s Chief Revenue Officer. Lynch has nearly three decades of experience in soccer. Lynch served as the Director of Competition for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Volunteer Coordinator at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Lynch joins Rhode Island FC after holding a top position with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“Vicky Lynch is one of the country’s most respected and most experienced soccer executives. She knows the business inside-out and will be integral in our work to build Rhode Island FC into one of the top clubs in the country,” said Brett Luy, President, Rhode Island FC. “Under Vicky’s direction, we will build meaningful partnerships with sponsors and community organizations that translate into a world-class fan experience. I am personally thrilled to have a partner like Vicky who has a proven track record of repeated success in every market she’s worked.”
“Brett Johnson and Michael Parkhurst are building one of the most dynamic professional soccer clubs in America and I am elated to be joining the team,” said Vicky Lynch, Chief Revenue Officer, Rhode Island FC. “I have spent my entire adult life working to grow soccer in the United States. In that time, I have seen very few American markets as excited about soccer as Rhode Island. I cannot wait to tap into that excitement and start the important work of helping to bring a championship-caliber club and a world-class fan experience to the Ocean State. And, from a personal standpoint, I am looking forward to making Rhode Island my home.”
As the Director of Competition for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Lynch oversaw every aspect of competition at all eight venues across the United States. The 1999 competition is remembered for the exciting penalty kicks finish in the final between the United States and China and is often touted as the event which pushed the global excitement for women’s soccer to a tipping point.
Lynch has worked with several professional soccer clubs in her career. She was the first person hired by the San Diego Spirit of the Women’s United Soccer Association, where she served as Director of Operations and Fan Development. She most recently served as the Chief Business Officer for the Chicago Red Stars where she led the effort to increase sponsorship revenue for the club by 175 percent in just one year.
“When we set out to bring professional soccer to Rhode Island, we made a commitment to the fans that we would bring the best team possible to the state. Rhode Island FC is going to compete for trophies from Day One, and that starts by building the most talented front office imaginable. Vicky Lynch is a centerpiece of that front office,” said Brett Johnson and Michael Parkhurst, co-founders of Rhode Island FC. “Vicky’s experience representing sponsors and clubs, along with her experience as a senior leader for two World Cups, will provide Rhode Island’s club with a strong and secure foundation that will be invested into a winning tradition.”
Lynch earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Louis University. She has an MBA with a concentration in Soccer Industries from the University of Liverpool.
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Announces New Board Appointments
Dennis H. Rice was recently elected Chair of the Board at Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BHC), serving 25 communities between Worcester, MA, and Providence, RI, announces new appointments made to its Board of Directors during its annual meeting in February.
The Board of Directors elected new officers, including Dennis H. Rice, Chair; Lee Dillard Adams, Vice-Chair; Harry T. Whitin, Vice-Chair; Bill Beitler, Treasurer; and Todd Helwig, Secretary. BHC’s Immediate Past-Chair is Richard Moore.
Directors re-elected for a three-year term on BHC’s Board include Richard Moore, Lee Dillard Adams, Jeannie Hebert, Harry T. Whitin, Donna Williams, and Robert Billington. The Board also elected a new Director, Jon Roberts. Other Directors include Michael Cassidy, Richard Gregory, and Daniel DaPonte.
To learn more about the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, visit BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.
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