ITA Board of Directors Nominations Are Open

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (the “ITA”) is now accepting nominations for the ITA Board of Directors. In 2017, as permitted by the By-Laws of the ITA, the Board of the ITA voted to provide for a Board rotation each year whereby approximately one-third of the Board will be elected annually. To that end, approximately eight members of the ITA Board will be elected for terms beginning on July 1, 2022. Some of the anticipated openings on the Board must be filled by ITA member coaches. Of course, some current members of the Board who may seek re-election may be re-elected to the Board. The Board of Directors will vote on the recommendations of the Nominating Committee early this coming spring.

If you wish to be considered for a position on the ITA Board of Directors, for a term beginning on July 1, 2022, and/or to nominate another individual, please:

(1) review the ITA Board Criteria and Expectations, as set forth below, to make sure that you and/or your nominee(s) will be able to meet the criteria and expectations; and,

(2) complete the nomination form in full and send it to [email protected].

Nominations must be received by January 24, 2022.

ITA BOARD CRITERIA AND EXPECTATIONS

By-Law Requirement for Board Composition:
• At least six Head College Tennis Coach Members
• Chairman of the Board of the ITA
• President/CEO of the ITA
• Remaining Board members as selected by the Nominating Committee

Criteria / Among the Factors the Nominating Committee Will Consider:

In addition to Head Coach Members, the Nominating Committee will again be seeking individuals from other walks of life, such as business, law, medicine, sports science, education, media, technology, entertainment, and philanthropy. For example, the current Board includes, among others, the following:

1. college Athletic Directors;
2. some first-rate executives/business minds whose careers have been devoted to big picture thinking and strategic planning;
3. philanthropists who contribute to the ITA and open doors to other contributors;
4. individuals with significant knowledge about technology, media, and marketing and how to harness them; and
5. attorneys, accountant, doctors, and other professionals.

Of course, diversity and inclusion are important to the Nominating Committee in selecting a Board.  This is not only Of course, diversity and inclusion are important to the Nominating Committee in selecting a Board. This is not only with respect factors such as race, sex, national origin, and age but also in terms of having diversity of experience, thought, and perspective.

The Board generally focuses on high-level matters such as big picture thinking, strategic planning, endowing the ITA, fundraising for the ITA, and helping enhance the visibility and stature of both collegiate varsity tennis and the ITA in the tennis world and the world of varsity college athletics. The Board does not supplant the critical role of the ITA Operating Committees.

Characteristics and Competencies:

With the foregoing factors in mind, there are also general characteristics and competencies that the Nominating Committee will likely consider in recommending a slate for the ITA Board.  These are guideposts, rather than hitching posts, and they include the following (in alphabetical order):

• Business / Financial Acumen
• Communication Skills
• Cooperativeness
• Courage of One’s Convictions
• Creativity
• Full Engagement
• Great Judgment
• Intelligence
• Integrity
• Knowledge & Experience re: How Universities & Athletic Departments Function
• Organizational Skills
• Philanthropic Profile:  Strong Donation History.  Possesses Fundraising Generosity, Passion, Skills, and Success
• Reliability
• Tennis “DNA”
• Wisdom

Term of Service:

• To commence on July 1, 2022
• Two or three years of service (per the bylaws, staggered terms are permitted)

Board Meetings and Calls:

• Prior to their first ITA Board meeting, new Board members will be provided with a comprehensive Board Orientation book to assist them in getting up to speed. In addition, new Board members are required to attend a one-hour Board training immediately prior to their first Board meeting.
  
• Health and safety permitting, two in-person Board meetings per year; otherwise Zoom meetings. In 2022, (a) either the first long weekend in August, most likely in Chicago, Illinois (approximately August 5-7) or the last long weekend in July in Chicago, Illinois (approximately July 29 – July 31), and (b) probably the first long weekend in December at a venue to be determined, possibly Naples, Florida.
  • Bring your tennis gear because we like to schedule time for tennis so that we get some exercise and have an opportunity to bond outside the Board room.
    
• Approximately four Zoom meetings or conference calls during the rest of the year – Approximately two hours for each call.  To be scheduled as necessary or advisable.
  
• Board attendance and engagement at Board meetings is essential.
  
• Board members are expected to serve on a Board Committee. Board Committees usually meet at the time of Board meetings and/or there may be a few Board Committee calls during the rest of the year.

Financial Expectations / Commitment:

• The ITA currently does not have a “give or get” minimum.
  
• It is, however, expected that each and every Board member will make a personal donation to the ITA and be as generous as possible. 100% participation is expected, especially if Board members are going to lead by example.
  
• Personal donations of Board members typically range between $1,000 and $20,000 per year. Donations from corporations comprised of Board members or friends of the ITA typically range between $25,000 and $50,000.
  
• Board members also donate or procure “one-of-a-kind” / unique experiences for auctions and help market and sell them (e.g., US Open and other Grand Slam Tournament packages, hit sessions with former touring pros, and the like).

Reimbursement of Board Travel Expenses:

• The ITA typically covers the cost of hotels and group meals of Board members for attendance at Board meetings. There is a travel policy under which Board members may be reimbursed for their travel expenses, currently up to $600 per Board meeting.

The ITA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to ensure the success and long-term well-being of college tennis and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Both benefit from the diversity of thought, backgrounds, and experiences of our Board, Staff, and stakeholders. The ITA is therefore committed to fostering an inclusive membership body that creates and delivers quality educational, tennis, and other programming. The ITA engages in inclusive hiring and promotes Board representation from qualified diverse individuals.

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