March 26, 2012

Dear USPTA Board Members and Executive Committee -

     Thanks for your willingness to serve!   It is through the efforts of members like yourselves that our organization has continued to grow in stature and effectiveness over the years. Having been a member for 40 years, I have seen the USPTA grow from a fledgling to a colossus in the teaching industry. Without the vision of Tim Heckler, first as a USPTA president, and then as our CEO, I doubt whether this would have been possible.

     There is little question that Tim has been one of the most energetic, innovative, versatile and visionary individuals in our industry. Not only has he exhibited abundant fervor and dedication to the cause of improving the level of tennis teaching, (not only in the US, but world-wide), he has remained sensitive to the input from the many Board members who have served during his lengthy and illustrious tenure. He can hardly be accused of going off on personal tangents that do not serve the best interests of the membership.

      It is therefore puzzling, and I must say alarming, that this Board has peremptorily decided to "go in a different direction." Terminating Tim Heckler in this manner is both degrading and misguided, and brings into question the motives of you, the members of the Board. I have not yet heard a satisfactory explanation - is one to be forthcoming? Despite the resignation of two of the individuals whom I hold in the highest regard in our profession, Jim Loehr and Jack Groppel, a letter from four distinguished former USPTA presidents, another from Nick Bollettieri, and a petition from individual members, there has been no convincing explanation of your reasoning to our membership.

     If Tim was showing signs of diminishing energy and enthusiasm, maybe we could justify "putting him out to pasture." But you'll have a hard time making that case! Further, if he could be shown to be incompetent, or unable to carry out the directives of the Board, and the duties of the CEO, then maybe it would be time to consider changes. But none of these are the case! Instead, Tim has continued to ensure that the USPTA remains on the forefront of innovation in our industry, and service to members.

     In talking to other pros that I know, I can tell you that none of them agree with your decision. There must be some out there who do, but you have a responsibility to reflect the consensus of the organization as a whole before embarking on a drastic leadership change. After all the work on the part of countless individuals to make the USPTA an organization that we can all be proud of, it sickens and saddens me to see the polarization and factionalism that has resulted from the manner in which this matter has been handled. Please reconsider the forced retirement of Tim Heckler!! We still need him..........and he deserves better from the organization into which he has poured his heart and soul.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Parker

USPTA Master Professional and member since 1972