The USA Racquetball Board of Directors has released the results of its recent annual election, naming two directors to membership on the Board. Two candidates earned three-year terms via general election.
Current USAR Board President Cheryl Kirk (Naperville, IL) was successful in her bid for re-appointment to a second term. As the only incumbent, Kirk ran with the stated goal of “seeing USA Racquetball become even stronger in the future, particularly relative to member services, marketing, public relations, communications, financial strength and long-term development.” Kirk, a player herself since 1977 and the owner of her own consulting business, devotes a significant amount of time to racquetball-related activities, from Board leadership to USAR staff support to involvement in the Illinois state association.
A former military representative to the Board from 2002-2006, Jeff Elder (Fort Washington, MD), took up the sport in 1987. Elder, who retired after 27 years of service to the military, stated as his platform, “I want to continue growing our wonderful sport working with juniors, and my ultimate goal is to have racquetball as one of the many competitive sports in the Olympic Games.” He continued, “Racquetball has afforded me so many different opportunities. I look forward to giving back to a sport that has given so much to me.” Elder is a defense contractor for Northrop Grumman.
A total of 319 ballots were cast (~3% of membership) during the election period, with Kirk leading the counts at 212 (66%), followed by Elder with 158 (50%). Drawing on voters from a smaller but enthusiastic constituency, the tally for dedicated Florida junior racquetball instructor/coach and event director Kim Roy came in at 141 (44%).
