Management
Martin Blackman
Chief Executive Officer
Martin Blackman
Chief Executive Officer
Martin Blackman brings to JTCC more than two decades of leadership experience in High Performance tennis development, including a decade as General Manager of USTA Player Development, where he led initiatives that transformed American tennis. His efforts helped drive a resurgence in U.S. tennis, with the past three years reflecting more American players ranked in the Top 10, 20, and 50 than at any point since the mid-1990s.
During his 10-year tenure at the USTA from 2015 -24, Blackman and his team created comprehensive programming pathways for junior, collegiate, and professional players across the country, championing a collaborative coaching approach that included private and personal coaches as key partners.
Blackmanβs decision to rejoin JTCC signals a return to his roots in junior tennis and community-centered leadership. As Director of JTCC from 2004β08, Blackman expanded programs to establish an operational infrastructure that enabled JTCC to grow from an outstanding local program to be named the first USTA Regional Training Center.
As he takes the helm, Blackman aims to further expand JTCCβs reach, strengthening its High Performance programming, deepening its community impact, and elevating initiatives for player and coach development.
Vesa Ponkka
President, Director of Coaching
Vesa Ponkka
President, Director of Coaching
For more than two decades, Vesa has been the driving force behind JTCCβs coaching philosophy since the doors first opened in 1999.
Vesa is a strong believer in the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) stages and the Long-Term Progressive Training Methods. He has directly overseen the development of hundreds of JTCC players competing in all levels of tennis; USTA, ITF, NCAA, ATP, WTA, Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Grand Slams, and Olympic Games. Under his leadership, JTCC has been named the National Development Program of the Year in 2013 and 2017 by USTA.
In 2011, Vesa was selected as the National Developmental Coach of the Year by the US Olympic Committee and was recognized as the National Junior Coach of the Year by Tennis Industry Magazine in 2013. Vesa is widely acclaimed as one of the best development coaches in the world and is a frequent speaker at national and international coaching education seminars.
As JTCC President, Vesa directs long-term strategic planning, facilitates project implementation, and fosters new partnerships. He also manages and mentors staff members and ensures the high standard of quality of JTCC programming.
His coaching certifications include USPTA, PTR, and USTA High Performance.
Vesa earned both an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a MBA from the University of Tennessee.
Shane King
Chief Operating Officer
Shane King
Chief Operating Officer
- Oversees all club and facility operations, programming, and staffing
- Manages all improvements and works to find additional business and growth opportunities for JTCC
Iosua Malaki
Vice President of Programming & Operations
Iosua Malaki
Vice President of Programming & Operations
- Elevates JTCC coaching by transforming strategy into clear systems, empowering coaches to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences that grow the players, programs, and community
- Coached & developed players at every level of the game from beginner Adults to Juniors who have earned scholarships and played collegiately
- Certifications: PTR, USTA, USPTA & ITPA
Coaches
Oliver Akli
Head of Collegiate & Professional Program
Oliver Akli
Head of Collegiate & Professional Program
- One of the first coaches to join JTCC in 2000
- Has had many coaching success stories with players who have won ITF tournaments and who have earned scholarships and played top Division I, II and III tennis
- Certifications: USPTR & USPTA High Performance
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Eva Alexandrova
Developmental Coach
Eva Alexandrova
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Played collegiate tennis at the University of Maryland
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Tiago Bastos
Senior High Performance Coach
Tiago Bastos
Senior High Performance Coach
- Coaches players in High Performance Champions programs
- Certifications: ITPA Tennis Performance Training, PTR Performance Professional Coaching & ITF Level 2
Nicholas Bui
Developmental Coach
Nicholas Bui
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Competed at USTA Nationals for the Menβs 4.0 18 & Over division
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James Carr
Senior High Performance Coach
James Carr
Senior High Performance Coach
- Director of Champs II
- Certifications: USTA & USPTA High Performance
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Pei Chang
Senior Developmental Coach
Pei Chang
Senior Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Grew up in Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduated with a Masterβs in Coaching & Sport Education from West Virginia University
- Certifications: USTA & PTR Level 2
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TC Costello
Senior Director of Athlete Development
TC Costello
Senior Director of Athlete Development
- Current fitness coach of professional player Frances Tiafoe
- Works with WTA player Alison Riske as well as numerous ITF Top 10 players
- Certifications: NSCAΒ strength and conditioning specialist & DBC Fitness Level 1
Paula Coyos
Head of Girls'/Women's Tennis
Paula Coyos
Head of Girls'/Women's Tennis
- Coaches Champions program players
- Handles FILA account for JTCC
- Certification: PTR High Performance
Veronica Cuellar
Developmental Coach
Veronica Cuellar
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Certifications: PTR & PPR
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Eric Davidson
Developmental Coach
Eric Davidson
Developmental Coach
- Coaches in the Future Champions program
- Teaches Adult group and private lessons
- Former Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves
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Dr. Jacqueline Douglas
Head of Sport Psychology
Dr. Jacqueline Douglas
Head of Sport Psychology
Dr. Jacqueline Douglas is a Clinical and Sport Psychologist with years of experience in the field. As Head of Sport Psychology at JTCC, she serves on the High Performance team helping athletes reach new levels of excellence both on and off the court through mental performance training, psychological skills development, and mental health support.
Over the past two years, Dr. Douglas has served as a contracting psychologist leading JTCCβs Mental Wellness Initiative, a program established in partnership with Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker to provide comprehensive mental health resources for the JTCC community. For the past six years, she has worked with collegiate, high school, junior, and pre-professional athletes, helping them optimize performance while maintaining overall well-being.
In addition to her work at JTCC, Dr. Douglas maintains a private practice in Annapolis, MD specializing in mental performance and mental health treatment for athletes and other high-performing individuals. She is also a contributing member of the Mid-Atlantic Consortium for Sport Performance Psychology devoted to promoting the science and practice of sport and performance psychology.
Dr. Douglas is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Maryland and a member of PSYPACT.
Ross Howe
Developmental Coach
Ross Howe
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Certifications: USPTA Elite & PTR Level 2 Professional Performance
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Kevin Johnson
High Performance Coach
Kevin Johnson
High Performance Coach
- Coaches players in High Performance Champions programs
- Assists with running Tournament Desk at USTA events held at JTCC
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Denis Kudla
Senior High Performance Coach
Denis Kudla
Senior High Performance Coach
- Coaches players in High Performance Champions programs
- Grew up training at JTCC before turning professional and reaching a career-high #53 in the world
David Loss
Director of Player Development - Chantilly
David Loss
Director of Player Development - Chantilly
- Oversees the Junior and Adult development pathways at Chantilly and is responsible for their overall direction, operation and success
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
John Marah
High Performance Coach
John Marah
High Performance Coach
- Coaches players in High Performance Champions programs
- Certifications: LTA Level 3 & USPTA
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Brock Martin
Director of Athlete Development
Brock Martin
Director of Athlete Development
- Responsible for the fitness development of all Juniors in the High Performance Champions programs
- Certifications: NSCA strength and conditioning specialist
Coree Nicely
Developmental Coach
Coree Nicely
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Named ITA Scholar-Athlete in 2026 at Bridgewater College
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Ines Oliveira
Developmental Coach
Ines Oliveira
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Played collegiate tennis and graduated from James Madison University
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Marta Perez Mur
Junior & Adult Community Coordinator
Marta Perez Mur
Junior & Adult Community Coordinator
- Responsible for overseeing early-stage Adult & Junior development programs
- Coaches players in High Performance Champions, Future Champs and Adult programs
- 2021 NCAA Champion playing at the University of Texas
Gustavo Rotundo
Developmental Coach
Gustavo Rotundo
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Played collegiate tennis at Loyola University Maryland
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Trent Russell
Developmental Coach
Trent Russell
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Played collegiate tennis at Southern Methodist University
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Marek Slojewski
Junior & Adult Competition Coordinator
Marek Slojewski
Junior & Adult Competition Coordinator
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Played collegiate tennis at Cameron University & named ITA Scholar-Athlete in 2022
Terence Tche
Junior Performance Program Manager
Terence Tche
Junior Performance Program Manager
- Manages the communication between players and families in the High Performance Champions programs
- Hosts all USTA tournaments & Bedford Cup held at JTCC
- Frontline ambassador with USTA, representing JTCC’s NJTL Chapter and Team Tiafoe’s Excellence Team
Miroslav Vlcek
Senior High Performance Coach
Miroslav Vlcek
Senior High Performance Coach
- Director of Junior Champions
- Oversees High Performance player development for ages 8-12
- Certifications: PTR Performance
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Asaf Yamin
Head of Boys'/Men's Tennis
Asaf Yamin
Head of Boys'/Men's Tennis
- Oversees all aspects of the High Performance program
- Former assistant coach for the Israeli Fed Cup Team
- Certifications: ITF Level 1 and Level 2, Senior Coach- Israeli Tennis Association, Youth Olympic Committee Coach, Advanced Coach- PTR, Israeli Defense Forces- Elite Unit Service
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Administrative
Winnie Bo
Associate Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations
Winnie Bo
Associate Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations
- Assists on all development and fundraising campaigns in support of JTCCβs mission
- Assists on fundraising and development efforts with international partners
Dylan Green
Associate Director of Donor Engagement
Dylan Green
Associate Director of Donor Engagement
- Assists on all development and fundraising campaigns in support of JTCCβs mission
- Graduated from Duke University in 2023 with a Public Policy degree and a Psychology minor
Jon Hall
Director of Marketing & Sales
Jon Hall
Director of Marketing & Sales
- Manages JTCCβs social media platforms and marketing initiatives
- Point of contact for membership inquiries and US Open Fundraising Campaign
- Received his Masters in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University
Gabby Hesse
Director of Adapted Tennis
Gabby Hesse
Director of Adapted Tennis
- Oversees Adaptive programs including Armed Forces, Para Standing, Special Olympics, and Wheelchair Tennis
- Certifications:Β PTR L1 and USPTA L1
- USTA National Wheelchair Tennis Committee & USTA Mid-Atlantic Section Youth Play Committee member
Diana Kim
Human Resources Manager
Diana Kim
Human Resources Manager
- Manages the Human Resources department for HR-related inquiries, benefits coordination, and employee relations matters for all JTCC employees both in College Park and satellite sites
Evan Morsell
Community Outreach Manager
Evan Morsell
Community Outreach Manager
- Oversee and manage Youth Impact programs GEICO Game On! in Washington, DC and Advantage Prince Georgeβs in Maryland
- Develop and maintain relationships with community and site partners to grow the Outreach program
Joann Nguyen
Front Desk/Office Manager
Joann Nguyen
Front Desk/Office Manager
- Manage and assist daily operations with the Front Desk staff and members, including court bookings, contract court times, Pro Shop snacks and inventory
- Assist in office supply inventory for staff
John Niswander
Senior Marketing & Events Associate
John Niswander
Senior Marketing & Events Associate
- Assists with JTCCβs social media platforms and marketing initiatives including press releases and newsletters
- Liaison for all departments in event planning, management, and execution
Mark Santangelo
Director of School
Mark Santangelo
Director of School
For 15 years, Mark has been responsible for the extraordinary academic success of the student-athletes enrolled in the JTCC School who have been admitted to the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation.
From course selection and time management to tutorial support, exams, and college applications, Mark also coordinates community service activities including the annual MLK Day of Service and the annual Trail Clean-Up in coordination with the Maryland Parks Department.
With both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masterβs Degree in History earned at Yale and George Washington University, respectively, Mark is the primary support for studentsβ History and English courses offered through the Laurel Springs curriculum.
The annual JTCC School graduation organized by Mark is the capstone to the studentsβ academic experience.
Julia Vranas
Classroom Teacher
Julia Vranas
Classroom Teacher
- Mentors students to help them gain acceptance to the colleges of their choice
Bingyu Zhou
Staff Accountant
Bingyu Zhou
Staff Accountant
- Handles payroll and accounts receivable
- Holds a B.S. in business with a focus in Accounting and Information System Management from George Mason University
Facilities Staff
John Bauzon
Facilities Staff
John Bauzon
Facilities Staff
- Responsible for major landscaping improvements, event setup, court maintenance, and general facility upkeep
Wasphy Hassan
Facilities Staff
Wasphy Hassan
Facilities Staff
- Responsible for major landscaping improvements, event setup, court maintenance, and general facility upkeep
Ricky Migrino
Facilities Staff
Ricky Migrino
Facilities Staff
- Responsible for major landscaping improvements, event setup, court maintenance, and general facility upkeep
Elbino Runas
Director of Facilities
Elbino Runas
Director of Facilities
- Oversees all facility upkeep and improvements as well as major landscaping projects
- Studied at La Union Standard Academy in the Philippines
- Worked at Clark Airforce Base in the Philippines and was employed by the Nation’s Capital Archives
JR Ypil
Facilities Staff
JR Ypil
Facilities Staff
- Responsible for major landscaping improvements, event setup, court maintenance, and general facility upkeep
Bolles
Alberto De Meo
Director of High Performance
Alberto De Meo
Director of High Performance
- Coached players at ATP, ITF futures, & ITF Junior Tournaments
- Certification:Β USPTA, GTPCA, Tennis Serve Specialist by Kovacs Institute, International Tennis Performance Association
Francesca Fusinato
General Manager
Francesca Fusinato
General Manager
- Coached with former World No. 10, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy, for 5 years, coaching elite high school and collegiate tennis players
- Certification: PTR Level 1
Claudio Pistolesi
Director of Tennis
Claudio Pistolesi
Director of Tennis
- Worked with WTA stars including former World No. 1 Monica Seles
- Coached ATP players including former World No. 4 Robin Soderling
- Certification:Β USPTA, PTR,Β GPTCA Level A
Annabelle Thomas
High Performance Coach
Annabelle Thomas
High Performance Coach
- Named Bolles Girls’ Tennis Head Coach in 2026
- National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, with advanced training in sports psychology
- Certifications: LTA
Eduardo Vieira
Adult Program Coordinator
Eduardo Vieira
Adult Program Coordinator
- Coached players at ATP, ITF futures, & ITF Junior Tournaments
- Certification: PTR Level 1
Chantilly
David Loss
Director of Player Development - Chantilly
David Loss
Director of Player Development - Chantilly
- Oversees the Junior and Adult development pathways at Chantilly and is responsible for their overall direction, operation and success
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
Gustavo Rotundo
Developmental Coach
Gustavo Rotundo
Developmental Coach
- Coaches players in Future Champs and Adult programs
- Played collegiate tennis at Loyola University Maryland
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Board Members
Distinguished Leaders
Ken Brody
Founder
Peter Ackerman
Chairman Emeritus
Board of Directors
Charlie Brody
Chair
Charlie Brody
Chair
Brody most recently worked as an analyst for Sutton Square Partners in New York. His previous professional experience includes three and a half years at Manor Road Capital and two at Peter J. Solomon. Brody attended Kenyon College where he starred on the tennis team for four years. He was also one of the first students to train at JTCC when the doors opened in 1999 therefore bringing this unique experience to the Board of Directors.
Rushern Baker
Rushern Baker
Baker recently concluded his eight-year term as County Executive of Prince Georgeβs County.
During his time in office he worked towards improving the countyβs economic development. Baker created more jobs, reduced crime rates, and increased property values in order to make Prince Georgeβs County one of the leading economic engines in Maryland.
Baker received both his bachelorβs and law degree from Howard University.
While in office Baker was also successful in increasing school enrollment and improving test scores.
Martin Blackman
Chief Executive Officer
Martin Blackman
Chief Executive Officer
Martin Blackman brings to JTCC more than two decades of leadership experience in High Performance tennis development, including a decade as General Manager of USTA Player Development, where he led initiatives that transformed American tennis. His efforts helped drive a resurgence in U.S. tennis, with the past three years reflecting more American players ranked in the Top 10, 20, and 50 than at any point since the mid-1990s.
During his 10-year tenure at the USTA from 2015 -24, Blackman and his team created comprehensive programming pathways for junior, collegiate, and professional players across the country, championing a collaborative coaching approach that included private and personal coaches as key partners.
Blackmanβs decision to rejoin JTCC signals a return to his roots in junior tennis and community-centered leadership. As Director of JTCC from 2004β08, Blackman expanded programs to establish an operational infrastructure that enabled JTCC to grow from an outstanding local program to be named the first USTA Regional Training Center.
As he takes the helm, Blackman aims to further expand JTCCβs reach, strengthening its High Performance programming, deepening its community impact, and elevating initiatives for player and coach development.
Brandon Flury
Eric Joseph
Jason Kaplan
Richey Reneberg
Richey Reneberg
Richey Reneberg competed for 13 years on the ATP professional tennis circuit reaching a career high of No. 20 in the world in singles and No. 1 in the world in doubles. He was a member of the United States Davis Cup Team from 1933-95 and in 1997-98, and represented the United States in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Reneberg also served two terms on the ATP Tour Player Council from 1994 to 1996. He attended Southern Methodist University for three years before pursuing a career in professional tennis. He joined Taconic Capital Advisors in September 2000, where he is currently a Director, Investor Relations.
George Walker
George Walker
George Walker IV is co-founder and CEO of Air Ventures LLC, a company that specializes in Airport Concessions. George oversees all aspects of Air Ventures, a food and beverage airport concessionaire, including setting company strategies and goals, implementing financial objectives, business development and hiring management team members. George has over 20 years of experience in the airport concession business. In 1997 he started OSI-MB, Inc., an airport retail concession business. In 2003 Walker partnered with Bill Newlin and formed Air Ventures. Walker has led the expansion from one concession to 27 concessions in eight U.S. airports.
In March of 2020, Emirates Leisure Retail Group (100% wholly owned subsidiary of Emirates Airlines) purchased a majority stake in Air Ventures. Walker and Newlin retain a minority stake in the business and continue to oversee the management, business development and operations for the United States.
Walker has served on the boards of the Opportunity Systems, Inc, Edmund Burke School, Capital Bank, N.A, RICH (a non-profit that provides high quality educational resources, free of charge to inner city schools in Washington DC). He currently serves on the advisory board for the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park. He is a graduate of Pomona College where he captained the Menβs Tennis team to a 6th place ranking in the nation.
Walker and his wife Robin reside in Washington and are parents to Alexandra and George.
Advisory Board
Eric Joseph
Chair
Eric Joseph
Chair
Eric Joseph is a senior partner with Heidrick & Struggles, one of worldβs leading global leadership advisory firms and serves as the Chair of JTCCβs Advisory Board. He specializes in CEO succession planning and Board of Director development for corporate and nonprofit clients. Over his more than 25-year career with the firm, Eric has held a number of leadership roles including Managing Partner of the firmβs Washington D.C. office, Global Leader of the Technology Services Practice, and U.S. Regional Managing Partner of the Social Impact Practice.
Ericβs passion for tennis led him to a competitive career as a junior in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section, an active player in national adult tournaments and, more recently, his deep involvement and commitment to the mission and development of JTCC.