slides: Tennis Hall of Fame: A View from the Chairman’s Box

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Carol Anne Costa, GoLocalProv Contributor

Christopher Clouser, Chairman of the Board

The International Tennis Hall of Fame has undergone an unprecedented period of growth. Guiding the vision and leading that growth is Christopher Clouser, Chairman of the Board. Clouser’s resume is awe-inspiring, with a career filling senior level positions including: President of Burger King Brands, President and CEO of Preview Travel/Travelocity, CEO of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball Club, Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer of Northwest Airlines, Corporate Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications of Hallmark Cards, and Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Sprint. In addition to his 7 years of dedicated service as the chair of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, he has served many other corporate boards, including: Piper Jaffray Inc., Gibson Guitar/Baldwin Corp., Mall of America, Pepsi Americas, Marquette Bancshares, Delta Beverage and Mesaba. Previously, he was the President of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), where he also served as chairman of ATP Properties and chair of the ATP Foundation.

It is in Clouser’s wealth of experience and dynamic presence where the Tennis Hall of Fame and by extension, the game of tennis has ultimately benefited. Clouser's seven years as chair has witnessed a renaissance for the entire nonprofit that is the International Tennis Hall of Fame. It is more than a tournament, more than a tennis venue, more than a tourist attraction, as the International Tennis Hall of Fame, under Clouser’s leadership is an emissary of the game. It reaches out and does philanthropic work to get more kids involved in tennis with programs that supply racquets, court time, and guidance. “ It was tennis that kept me out of trouble and helped me to go to college and for that I remain grateful to the game. It’s part of what we do here,” said Clouser.

Lucky

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As Clouser’s term as chair is winding down, we chatted about our mutual love for the jewel that is the Tennis Hall of Fame. We sat on the upper level of the back porch, providing a vista which encompassed the whole site, including the new construction on Memorial Boulevard. His humility and genuine emotion were striking, as he recalled the accomplishments achieved under his leadership. “I am lucky,” he said. “I have had a wonderful board and executive committee with which to work.” He continued, “together, we have raised 14.9 of the 15 million dollar goal of the capital campaign. We have done good work. I am flattered they made me chair.” He spoke of the pride he feels when benefactors see their donations impact the Hall of Fame. Clouser recalled, “I recently brought a donor through the museum and he was so thrilled, he kept repeating this is terrific.” Clouser acknowledges that garnering support for the Hall of Fame should always be a mutually transformative relationship.

Clouser knows every nook and cranny of the site, he refers to all the folks who work for the Tennis Hall of Fame by name. He navigates through the venue - always with a smile, and is an approachable and gregarious host. His demeanor and outgoing personality perfectly compliment the atmosphere he helped to create.

His knowledge and passion for the Hall of Fame’s preservation, growth, and stature were born from a visit. “A friend of mine took me for a visit here in 1991, and when I walked through the door, I was blown away, it was breathtaking. And, it still is - every time I walk through the door.”

Clouser’s emotional attachment to the place runs deep and it was clear to me, that as his tenure ends, it is bitter sweet. His eyes reflected the sense of achievement in raising the money for capital improvements, increasing the beautiful footprint of the site, and completing the museum renovations as the sport’s repository of tennis. At the same time, the emotion in his expression reflected a long farewell. But soon enough, he pointed at the south stands and said, “that is next.” He continued, “this time next year, the Bill Talbert Stadium Court will be one of the best show courts in tennis.”

What is Next

“The future is bright.” Clouser has deep respect for and faith in the Tennis Hall of Fame’s CEO, Todd Martin and is confident the growth will continue and good things are coming. “Todd is great and so well respected in tennis, and it is time for new leaders and new ideas.” I raised the topic of the possibility of attracting more professional tennis events or even the return of a women's event. “If anyone can bring a women's event here to the grass, it is Todd,” said Clouser. So, as the Chairman looked out over the venue, he put his hand to his cheek, and a smile came to his face. In classic Clouser style, he said, “it really is beautiful.” It is clear to me he walks through the doors with the same enthusiasm and awe as the first time it took his breath away.

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Carol Anne Costa in addition to being a Mindsetter for GoLocalProv has solid roots in the tennis world. Costa founded the Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Association. A Rhode Island Interscholastic High School Coach from 1981–1990. She is also a Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Famer, inducted in the class of 2011. Carol will be reporting from the grass courts of International Tennis Hall of Fame on the tennis and so much more, as the Hall of Fame Championships main draw singles and doubles are underway.

slides: Tennis Hall of Fame: A View from the Chairman’s Box

Related Slideshow: Hall of Fame Tennis Championships - Day 3 Action

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slides: Tennis Hall of Fame: A View from the Chairman’s Box

Related Slideshow: Hall of Fame Tennis Championships - Day 3 Action

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