The United States Tennis Association Middle States Section (USTA Middle States), the volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting tennis opportunities for juniors and adults of all abilities and cultural backgrounds, announced today that it has appointed Ben Zislis as Executive Director. He begins in the role on Feb. 1.

In his new role as Executive Director, Zislis will be responsible for leading USTA Middle States’ dedicated team of professionals while ensuring it is providing tools, training, and leadership necessary for volunteers, community leaders, and tennis enthusiasts to continue growing the game of tennis. He will lead efforts to expand the organization’s programs while increasing and strengthening its membership base and volunteer experience.

Zislis brings extensive experience in association management, including strategic planning and community development. Since August 2017, he has served as the USTA Middle States Interim Executive Director. He has been with the organization since September 1999.

“I’m proud to accept this position and help lead this organization to our next chapter,” Zislis said. “This staff is one of a kind, and I am truly excited to continue working with them to grow our game in Middle States and beyond. I’d like to thank the Board of Directors for their collective support and look forward to continuing to build on the progress that’s been made in the recent years.”

“Ben’s strategic drive and his long, distinguished career with our organization make him the perfect choice to lead USTA Middle States into the next phase of its development,” said Ed McQuillin, USTA Middles States President. “We’re thrilled that Ben is continuing with USTA Middle States in this important leadership role.”

USTA Middle States consists of a mix of 33 full- time and part-time staff members working in Adult and Junior Competition, Community Development and Marketing and Communications.

About USTA Middle States

The USTA is organized geographically into 17 sections. The USTA Middle States Section encompasses Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey (exclusive of a 35-mile radius around New York City) and northwestern West Virginia.

Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., the mission of USTA Middle States is to promote, grow, develop, and service the game of tennis. It is dedicated to carrying out the goals of the national association within its region, particularly with respect to promoting tennis opportunities for juniors and adults of all abilities and cultural backgrounds. It represents the interests of close to 28,000 members.

To better serve local needs, USTA Middle States section is further subdivided into six districts: Allegheny Mountain, Central Pennsylvania, Delaware, Philadelphia Area, Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

To learn more about USTA Middle States, visit www.usta.com/middlestates.

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