General Instructions for Candidates 

The deadline to apply for the 2027-28 term is midnight EST on Feb. 1, 2026. Applications will be available online from November 1^st, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically.

There is one online application for all applicants to complete.

Letters of recommendation are not required, nor will they be accepted.

Click here to access the application between November 1st, 2025 - February 1, 2026.

Characteristics of Successful Candidates:

The Board of Directors selection process is designed to create a team that possesses the full complement of skills necessary to fulfill the mission, strategic priorities, and goals of the USTA.

The responsibilities of the USTA Board of Directors include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Shaping the future of the USTA with long-term strategic thinking.

• Assessing the performance of the chief executive officer/executive director. 

• Creating a set of long-term financial goals.

• Establishing explicit governing policies.

• Serving as a link between USTA staff and volunteers.

The responsibilities of the Nominating Committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Developing and creating the application and application process.

• Listening to USTA leadership to learn the needs of the organization.
• Assessing the Board of Directors' performance against the strategic priorities.
• Creating awareness for the application process towards attracting a broad pool of exceptionally qualified candidates.
• Reviewing all candidate applications and selecting candidates to invite for interviews.

• Interviewing candidates for the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee.

• Compiling and submitting the slate for the USTA Board of Directors and the succeeding Nominating Committee in compliance with USTA Bylaws.

Historically, successful candidates selected to the Board of Directors or Nominating Committee have possessed some, if not most, of the following skills and experience:

• Knowledge of the USTA organization and the sport of tennis.
• Skills and competencies to contribute in a meaningful way. 
• The ability to collaborate within a team and achieve common goals.
• Appointments to USTA national committees, or other USTA national and/or sectional leadership roles.
• Previous non-profit and/or for-profit Board experience.
• Extensive business, financial, or tennis-related experience.
• Experience actively growing, advocating or participating in the sport of tennis.
• Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive environment.
• The commitment and time to participate fully in a volunteer setting.
• A “big picture” view of the USTA’s Strategic Priorities and the future of tennis.
• The ability to provide sound judgment and make strategic decisions

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 the USTA.

Click here to access the application between November 1st, 2025 - February 1, 2026.

Time Commitment for Board of Directors and Nominating Committee Members:

Board of Directors

• At-Large Directors: ~ 20–25 days per year
• In-person meetings: 3–4 national meetings (Travel included)
• Virtual/Prep: ~ 5 hours per month for board calls and review
• Special projects: Optional, based on interest and expertise
• Officers: (President, Vice Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer) should expect a larger commitment due to additional leadership duties 

Nominating Committee
Year 1 – Foundation & Outreach

• USTA Annual Meeting: 3–4 days (Spring, travel included)
• Virtual & subcommittee work: ~ 4–8 hours per month
• US Open: ~ 4 days for training and meetings (Travel included)

Year 2 – Selection & Slate

• USTA Annual Meeting: 3–4 days (Spring, travel included)
• Virtual & subcommittee work: ~ 4–8 hours per month
• US Open: Up to 10 days on-site to review applications, interview candidates, and finalize the slate (Travel included)

Application Review and Interviews

All applications will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee. This is a competitive process. Typically, more than 100 applications are received. Following a review of applications, the Nominating Committee will extend interview invitations to a select group of candidates.

Applicants for the Nominating Committee and applicants who submit a dual application for the Board or the Nominating Committee who are selected to be interviewed will be notified by email by early March.  Interviews of these candidates will be held at the USTA Annual Meeting (March 27-29, 2026, in Orlando, FL).

Applicants for the Board of Directors who are selected to be interviewed will be notified by email by early May.  Interviews of these candidates will be held at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting, which is held during the 2026 US Open. 

Candidates who are slated by the Nominating Committee for either the Board of Directors or the Nominating Committee will be notified by phone by a member of the Nominating Committee as soon as feasible following the conclusion of the 2026 US Open.