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Our Executive Committee

The VTA Society is managed by a volunteer Executive Committee (or ‘the Board’) elected at each Annual General Meeting by members.

All members are encouraged to be actively involved in the association and volunteer when possible, we also invite members to consider running for a position on the Board. The full description of roles and responsibilities for each position can be found in the association’s bylaws.

Please reach out to any of the current members of the Board if you have any questions about their roles, or how you can help your club.

Your 2024/2025 Board Members

A new board is formed/elected each year at our AGM. The current board was acclaimed at our 2024 AGM on November 3, 2024.

President

Cliff Galang

(he/him)

Tennis was my first love and I feel like I was meant to join the VTA years ago, but was too busy playing volleyball. Shoulder surgery a couple years ago had me questioning if I would ever be able to play decent tennis again, but the rehab was going well and I decided to join the VTA and have not looked back! So thankful to have found a community of like-minded tennis fanatics – I will never again be short on hitting partners, tournament travel roomies, and tennis viewing party squads. I am looking forward to bringing my experience in leadership, and queer sport to the board as President in 2024-2025. Please reach out to us with your stories, thoughts, ideas, and anything we can do to support you and our collective tennis experience!

president@vtatennis.ca

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the President are to:

  • supervise the business and affairs of the Society;
  • be an official club representative;
  • be the only Society member with the power to cast a second and deciding vote;
  • provide leadership for the Society to meet all immediate and long-term objectives;
  • have signing authority for club bank accounts;
  • be responsible for the Society’s inbox;
  • annually prepare a President’s Report for presentation at the AGM;
  • annually prepare a Final Report for submission to the Registrar; and
  • direct the preparation of regular updates to Society members.

Vice President

Brian Oentoro

(he/him)

Don’t know what to write in my bio, but I live in Burnaby so, let’s play tennis, and visit me in Burnaby for tennis in Burnaby sometimes 🙂…

PS: Yes, I do play in downtown and North Vancouver, but there is a world east of Commercial drive PEOPLE!!!!
PPS: Beside tennis, I also like food, 🧳 and do a lot of window shopping (for clothes).
PPPS: And yes, I’m a righty (you will be asking this after you see me play).

vicepresident@vtatennis.ca

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Vice President are to:

  • assist the President with the business and affairs of the Society;
  • be an official club representative in place of the President in the case where the President is unavailable;
  • act in place of the President if the President cannot act and assume the presidency if necessary;
  • provide background information to the President on issues;
  • provide leadership for the Society to meet all immediate and long-term objectives;
  • be responsible for the Society’s mailbox;
  • have signing authority for club bank accounts; and
  • liaise with Cup team captains and the VIP Tournament Director, other clubs in the GLTA, and Tennis BC for items related to Tennis BC leagues.

Play Director

Patrick Rmeily

(he/him)

I didn’t know how much joining VTA would mean to me and I regret not joining earlier this community of wonderful human beings from so many different walks of life and backgrounds all coming together for the love of tennis. I have met tons of amazing humans and have made many new good friends because of the VTA. To say that l am proud to be a part of your bigger tennis family doesn’t express my gratitude to all of you enough. And what a wonderful year it has been serving as your play director and now getting voted to do it again! I always try my best to make your experiences as fun as possible and am always happy to listen to any feedback or questions you may have. Hope you all have a great year ahead and see you on a tennis court soon!

playdirector@vtatennis.ca

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Play Director are to:

  • organize doubles play sessions;
  • recruit and work with the Session Coordinators to run the play sessions in a standardized manner;
  • organize and oversee the Singles Ladder;
  • organize and oversee the Team Tennis program;
  • organize and oversee the collection of court fees and ensure their transfer to the Treasurer; and
  • notify the Executive Committee Members of any issues or concerns that arise during the play sessions.

Tournament Director

Vacant

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Tournament Director are to:

  • organize and hold all internal club tournaments (including court bookings, promotions, seedings, supplies, etc.);
  • act as VIP Tournament Director, unless the Board decides to appoint another individual to fulfill this role; and
  • provide financial statements to Executive Committee Members regarding club tournaments.

Social Director

Ricky Alvarez

(he/him)

If there’s one thing I love as much as a good rally, it’s bringing people together. Whether it’s courtside laughs, patio hangs, or full-on themed parties, I’m here to make sure our VTA community stays connected both on and off the court.

Joining VTA has introduced me to a vibrant crew of wonderful people, and I’m excited to create even more chances for fun, friendship, and community. If you’ve got ideas for events or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m all ears and always down to collaborate.

Can’t wait to see you on the court or at the next social!

social@vtatennis.ca

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Social Director are to:

  • organize social events including the AGM; and
  • provide financial statements to the Executive Committee on the social events organized.

Secretary

Brad Kirkhope

(he/him)

 

secretary@vtatennis.ca

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Secretary are to:

  • inform all Executive Committee Members of the time, location and agenda of all Executive Committee Meetings at least five (5) days in advance of such meetings;
  • inform all members of the Society of the time, location and agenda of an AGM at least 3 weeks prior to the AGM.;
  • take and distribute minutes of all Executive Committee Meetings and AGMs;
  • maintain an accurate record of the proceedings of the Society, including maintenance of attendance records at all Executive Committee Meetings, AGMs and General Meetings;
  • be responsible for Society files and records and the upkeep thereof;
  • be responsible for the Society’s mailbox; and
  • solicit and maintain a list of volunteers.

Treasurer

JR Hammond

(he/him)

I’m honored to be back for another round as Treasurer this year! With all the excitement ahead for our 2024/2025 season, I’m eager to put my passion for community and financial management to work and support another fantastic year. As someone who loves a great match and the camaraderie of our tennis family, I’m committed to ensuring our finances keep us thriving.

Outside of crunching numbers, you can often find me on the court working on my backhand or catching up with members over a post-game chat. As always, our financial work remains fully accessible to our club members and board, so don’t hesitate to reach out with feedback, questions, or suggestions for improvement.

On behalf of the entire board, we’re dedicated to making your VTA experience the best it can be. See you on the courts soon!

treasurer@vtatennis.ca

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer are to:

  • handle monetary transactions for the Society including the collection of annual membership registration fees and other fees charged by the Society over the course of the year;
  • keep accurate and up-to-date records of all moneys received and disbursed by the Society;
  • provide summaries and reports as appropriate to the Executive Committee at every Executive Committee meeting;
  • issue receipts for funds received as requested;
  • have signing authority for club bank accounts;
  • annually prepare a Treasurer’s Report including a complete financial statement for presentation at the AGM; and
  • maintain and provide an up-to-date Society Membership List to the Executive Committee Members on a monthly basis.

Communications Director

Damian Jolley

(he/him)

I’ve been a member of VTA for over 10 years, but have really only gotten deeper involved in tournaments and the club in the past few years. I am so thankful to have VTA as a space that has brought me so much personal joy, wonderful moments and friendships. I want to continue to creating a positive and inclusive space for our community.

communications@vtatennis.ca

Role Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Communication Director are to:

  • maintain the Society website, and social media presence;
  • prepare and disseminate information and electronic updates to all Society Members at the direction of the President;
  • prepare and disseminate information to interested individuals or organizations about the Society; and
  • promote the Society and recruit new members at the direction of the Executive Committee.

View Past Executive Committees

2023/2024

  • Joel Harnest – President
  • Aiste Ulozaite – Vice President
  • Patrick Rmeily – Play Director
  • Jeff Hernaez – Tournament Director
  • Charles Pflanz – Secretary
  • JR Hammond – Treasurer
  • Ricky Alvarez – Social Director
  • Damian Jolley – Communications Director

2022/2023

  • Jeff Hernaez – President
  • Joel Harnest – Vice President
  • Patrick Rmeily – Play Director
  • Vacant – Tournament Director
  • Vacant – Secretary
  • JR Hammond – Treasurer
  • Eben Nel – Social Director
  • Damian Jolley – Communications Director

2021/2022

  • Jeff Hernaez – President
  • Bob Charlton – Vice President
  • Daniel Ou – Tournament Director
  • Pom Klomjaroon – Secretary
  • JR Hammond – Treasurer
  • Darren St Laurent– Social Director
  • Damian Jolley – Communications Director
  • Vacant – Play Director

2020/2021

  • Jeff Hernaez – President
  • Brian Bella – Treasurer
  • Mitch Hewer – Secretary
  • Vangie Johnson – Play Director
  • Joe Crowell – Social Director
  • Bob Charlton – Communications Director
  • Carmine DiGiovanni – Tournament Director
  • Not Filled – Vice President

2019/2020

  • Brian Bella- President
  • Jeff Hernaez – Vice President
  • John Finlay – Treasurer
  • Michael Alty – Secretary
  • Vangie Johnson – Play Director
  • Joe Crowell – Social Director
  • Bob Charlton – Communications Director
  • Not Filled – Tournament Director

2018/2019

  • Brian Bella – President
  • Jeff Hernaez – Vice President
  • John Finlay – Treasurer
  • Adam Williams – Secretary
  • Vangie Johnson – Play Director
  • Joe Crowell – Social Director
  • James Crowe – Tournament Director
  • Damian Jolley – Communications Director

2017 / 2018

  • Charles Friesen – President
  • Carmine Di Giovanni – Vice President
  • Rachel Sarsan – Treasurer
  • Adam Williams – Secretary
  • Aaron Barrett – Play Director
  • Vangie Johnson – Social Director
  • Harry Young – Tournament Director
  • Damian Jolley – Communications Director

2016 / 2017

  • Charles Friesen – President
  • Paul Wiens – Vice President
  • Rachel Sarsan – Treasurer
  • Adam Williams – Secretary
  • Aaron Barrett – Play Director
  • Joe Crowell – Social Director
  • Jeremy Yang – Tournament Director
  • Brian Oentoro – Communications Director

2015 / 2016

  • Harry Young – President
  • Scott Cumming – Vice President
  • Jaime Ramos – Treasurer
  • Jeremy Yang – Tournament Director
  • Aaron Barrett – Play Director
  • Mitch Hewer – Secretary
  • Joe Crowell – Social Director & Volunteer Coordinator
  • Brian Oentoro – Communications Director

2014 / 2015

  • Harry Young – President
  • Charles Friesen – Vice President
  • Roger Merkosky – Treasurer
  • Jeremy Yang – Tournament Director
  • Bryce Burns – Play Director
  • Otto Chan – Secretary
  • Vangie Johnson – Social Director & Volunteer Coordinator
  • Collin Koo– Communications Director

2013 / 2014

  • Harry Young – President
  • Carmine DiGiovanni – Vice President
  • Roger Merkosky – Treasurer
  • Otto Chan – Tournament Director
  • Bryce Burns – Play Director
  • Vangie Johnson – Secretary
  • Neal Ranzoni – Social Director & Volunteer Coordinator
  • Collin Koo – Communications Director

2012 / 2013

  • Charles Friesen – President
  • Carmine DiGiovanni – Vice President
  • Roger Merkosky – Treasurer
  • Bryce Burns – Tournament Director
  • Harry Young – Play Director
  • Vangie Johnson – Secretary
  • Ben Clermont – Social Director & Volunteer Coordinator
  • Jason Lau – Communications Director

2011 / 2012

  • Brian Bella – President
  • Kathy Kadler – Vice President
  • Harry Young – Treasurer
  • Jamie Ferguson – Tournament Director
  • Michele Sorensen – Play Director
  • Charles Friesen – Secretary
  • Ben Clermont – Social Director & Volunteer Coordinator
  • Jason Lau – Communications Director

2010 / 2011

  • Brian Bella – President
  • Kathy Kadler – Vice President
  • Eugene Ng – Treasurer
  • Charles Friesen – Tournament Director
  • Harry Young – Play Director
  • Jason Lau – Secretary
  • Ben Clermont – Member Services Director
  • David Surette – Past President

2009 / 2010

  • David Surette – President
  • Brian Bella – Vice President
  • Ron – Treasurer
  • Charles Friesen – Tournament Director
  • Harry Young – Play Director
  • Jason Lau – Secretary
  • Ben Clermont – Member Services Director

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