News

Chad Docktor, current Chief Operating Officer-Community Tennis for the USTA Midwest Section, has been named Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Docktor will begin in his new role with the section on Jan. 1, after the retirement of longtime CEO Mark Saunders.

In a related move, the section’s current Chief Financial Officer, Dorian Dyson, has been named CEO and Executive Director of the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation, the charitable arm of the section, which also has been headed by Saunders.

In his new role, Docktor will continue to partner with the USTA Midwest Section Board of Directors to set the strategy for tennis growth in the Midwest and will lead the staff to ensure those strategies are successful. Another top priority for Docktor is to engage a more diverse population in all aspects of tennis, both through USTA and non-USTA programming. He also plans to expand opportunities of support for the 13 USTA/Midwest Section Districts, the drivers of tennis participation and growth on the front lines of communities around the Midwest.

“We are very pleased to appoint Chad Docktor as our next CEO/Executive Director. We are thankful for the leadership we have had under Mark Saunders. Now we look forward to Chad heading up our fantastic Midwest Section,” said Paul Farah, President of the USTA/Midwest Section.

Docktor has experienced a long and successful career at the USTA/Midwest Section. After earning his degree in Sports Management and Business from Marian University, he joined the association as Junior Team Tennis Coordinator, eventually growing the program from a less than 3,000-player start-up program to having more than 20,000 players at its peak. He has established himself as a trusted resource within the USTA.

“I am excited and honored to assume this role and continue the legacy left by outgoing CEO Mark Saunders. I look forward to continuing my work with the outstanding staff of the USTA/Midwest Section. Tennis has given me so much, and I want everyone to have the same opportunities and benefits that the sport has provided me,” said Docktor.

With the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation, Dyson will partner with the Foundations’ board to implement a strategic vision for 2023 and beyond. This vision includes continued support of communities, programs and individuals to provide greater educational opportunities for youth and specific adult populations including adaptive and wheelchair tennis, and Wounded Warriors. An emphasis will continue to be placed on programs and activities that provide youth with a positive, fun and disciplined environment to learn the game of tennis and create alternatives to negative recreation.

“With assets in excess of $4M, the Foundation continues to grow and make a difference in communities throughout the Midwest Section. Dorian’s leadership and focus will continue to build on this great tradition, connecting the joy of tennis to educational opportunities and enhancing the lives of our youth and all persons with disabilities,” says Joy Albi, President of the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation. “Well-deserved congratulations to Dorian Dyson, CEO of the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation.”

After graduating from Marian University and prior to joining the USTA/Midwest Section, Dyson worked at Baytree Mortgage and Paul Harris Stores. He earned his CPA certification in 2000. He has played a critical role with the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation since 1996. In 2002, Dorian helped lead the team that acquired the Indianapolis site and building for the Foundation.

His current leadership in building management as well as oversight of the Foundation financials, combined with his continuing role as CFO for the Section, are invaluable strengths for the Foundation.