LAKE NONA, Fla., Nov. 28, 2023 — The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), Inc. is thrilled to announce the appointment of Brian Dillman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dillman will replace John Embree, who announced in April his intention to retire from the USPTA after being at the helm of the association for 11 years.
“I am honored and humbled to lead the organization,” Dillman said. “The racquet sports industry is creating new opportunities every day for career growth, market expansion, skill development and leadership. Our role in this is to be at the forefront of certification, career development and Safe Play while being a staunch advocate for coaches in the industry.”
Dillman has worked for Wilson Sporting Goods, Cervelo Bicycles, Peter Millar and Rodd & Gunn, bringing experience in senior leadership, sales development, global marketing, sourcing, logistics and supply chain. He joined miha bodytec as an advisor in 2018 and, once the technology was FDA cleared, became CEO for the Americas in 2019. He has extensive international experience, as he has lived and worked in Munich, Toronto and London.
“I look forward to working with the USPTA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, the staff at HQ in Lake Nona and every USPTA member,” Dillman said. “I cannot wait to meet with and listen to our members to learn how we can improve our organization and prepare for the next 10-15 years.”
From age 12, Dillman has been involved in tennis. He began as a nationally ranked junior from Texas, played for the University of Illinois and has been a USPTA certified professional since 1990. Dillman is a volunteer on the USTA Chicago Board of Directors and currently serves as the Chicago District president.
“The board is excited to start working with Brian on new and current initiatives,” said Trish Faulkner, incoming USPTA president. “A major item will be a five- and ten-year strategic plan to enhance member benefits and improve industry relations and the consumer benefits of hiring USPTA certified professionals.”
Dillman will begin work on Dec. 11, 2023, and will assume responsibility of the USPTA on Jan. 1, 2024.
“While we are sorry to see the retirement of John Embree, we are extremely excited to announce Brian Dillman as the next CEO of the USPTA. The search was thorough, and we feel we have the right person to lead the USPTA into its next 100 years,” said Rich Slivocka, the 2022-2023 USPTA president. “The board and the Executive Committee have the utmost confidence in Brian, and we are all looking forward to working with him as we enter a new chapter for the USPTA.”
About the USPTA: Founded in 1927, the USPTA is the global leader in tennis-teacher
certification and professional development. With more than 14,000 members
worldwide and 17 divisions nationwide, the Association's mission is to raise the standards of
tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and to promote a greater awareness of
the sport. Learn more at USPTA.com.
Media Contacts:
Marisa Lampe
USPTA, Director of Marketing & Communications
marisa.lampe@uspta.org
407-634-3071
Collin Brazan
USPTA, Public Relations
collin.brazan@uspta.org
407-634-3061