NEWPORT, R.I., February 18, 2014 - Todd Martin, who was ranked world No. 4 on the ATP World Tour in the 1990s, has been named CEO-designate of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum (ITHF) in Newport, R.I. He will succeed Mark L. Stenning, who is stepping down in September after 35 years with the organization and 14 years as CEO.
Martin will begin working at the Hall of Fame as CEO-designate on April 1, 2014, with Stenning remaining as CEO through September 5, 2014. Stenning will then transition to working on special projects for the Hall of Fame, namely, the completion of significant expansion and renovation projects to the facility.
"We are very pleased to welcome Todd Martin as the next chief executive officer of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. When we began our search for the next CEO, Todd was one of the people we went to for suggestions on candidates. Through discussions with him it became apparent that he, in fact, should be on the short list. Not only was Todd a great player-one of the very best in the world, but he is also a tremendous leader and he has been widely respected in his role as president of the ATP Players Council and as a member of the USTA Board of Directors. He will be an asset to the organization, and we look forward to working with him on the continued growth of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum," said ITHF Chairman of the Board Christopher E. Clouser. "I would also like to acknowledge that Mark Stenning has been the heart and soul of the Hall of Fame for 35 years, during which time he has elevated the organization to outstanding levels within the tennis industry and the local community. We are indebted to him for his leadership and service, and we appreciate that he will be working with Todd to ensure a successful transition."
Of his new appointment, Martin commented, "I'm tremendously excited to join the International Tennis Hall of Fame, to lead the organization's staff, and to execute its mission. It is an honor to be charged with preserving the rich history of our sport and to celebrate the people who have created its greatest moments. I look forward to working with the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board of Directors and staff, and many tennis industry partners."
Martin will be assuming the helm during a dynamic time period for the organization. The Hall of Fame is in the midst of a $15.7 million capital campaign. In spring 2014, the organization is scheduled to break ground on a major construction project which will result in the addition of three more indoor/outdoor hard courts and a significant new building for locker rooms, fitness facilities, and office and retail space. Also on the impending schedule is a complete renovation of the museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which will feature major technological updates and complete re-interpretation of the galleries.
"I'm particularly pleased to come on board at such an exciting time," stated Martin. "The impending capital projects will represent a significant upgrade to the property and the offerings the Hall of Fame can make to its patrons and the tennis community overall. A particular goal of mine will be to enhance the Hall of Fame's impact and presence on the international tennis community, and the new museum and facilities will be beneficial in reaching that goal. This is a perfect time to begin here, and I can't wait for April 1."
Since retiring from the ATP World Tour in 2004, Martin has remained highly engaged in the tennis industry. He began serving a second term as a Director at Large on the USTA Board of Directors in January 2013, having previously served on the board from October 2011 through December 2012. He is currently the board liaison to the Youth Tennis Council. Previously, Martin was the board liaison to the Pro Tennis Council and was a member of the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Team Events Committee.
In 2012, he launched Todd Martin Tennis, which focuses on junior tennis development. Also in recent years, Martin has done some coaching and spent time working with Novak Djokovic and Mardy Fish.
In 1994, Martin founded the Todd Martin Development Fund (TMDF), which provides tennis, education, and leadership programs for at-risk youth of mid-Michigan. TMDF currently operates as both a National Junior Tennis League and a USTA First Serve chapter.
A successful and popular ATP World Tour player, Martin achieved a career-best ranking of world No. 4. He was a finalist at the 1999 US Open and the 1994 Australian Open. He was a mainstay on the U.S. Davis Cup team, playing every year from 1994 to 2002, and helping the U.S. capture the title in 1995. Martin won eight singles titles and four doubles titles.
Martin served as president of ATP Players Council for eight of the 14 years he played professionally. He was honored with the ATP World Tour Sportsmanship Award in 1993 and 1994.
In addition to his role as CEO, Martin will serve as Tournament Director of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the only ATP World Tour event in the Northeast and the only pro grass court tournament in the Americas. He will assume that position for the 2015 tournament. He will also have oversight of the annual Hall of Fame enshrinement festivities, and other major events including the Legends Ball, an annual gala hosted in New York City during the US Open, and a year-round calendar of public and private events in Newport.
Martin's duties will also include oversight of the Hall of Fame Tennis Clubs, which include 13 grass courts, an indoor tennis facility, and a robust, year-round program of adult and junior tennis. Martin will oversee the museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which is the world's most comprehensive museum dedicated to the history of the sport and its great champions and leaders, and the only sports hall of fame in the country that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
As the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization, Martin will be tasked will oversight of significant fundraising programs and management of a $7 million annual budget. In addition, Martin will be responsible for management the Hall of Fame's buildings and grounds, a 7-acre site built in 1880 which has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
Martin will report to a 69-person Board of Directors, comprised of tennis industry leaders, corporate executives, and philanthropists. He will manage a staff of 35 full-time employees.
Martin grew up in Lansing, Mich., where he was the state high school champion. He attended Northwestern University, playing varsity tennis for two seasons (1988-90). In his sophomore season, he led the Wildcats to a Big Ten championship and earned All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year honors, finishing the year ranked No. 2 in the nation.