USTA Florida Hosts Advocacy Workshop To Empower Tennis Leaders Across Florida 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL., Aug. 7, 2025 — USTA Florida hosted an inspiring Advocacy Workshop at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis and Pickleball Center, uniting tennis leaders, local government officials, and community advocates to explore impactful strategies for growing the sport and strengthening partnerships with municipalities. 

The centerpiece of the event was a dynamic panel discussion titled Working with Local Government and Key Stakeholders, moderated by USTA Florida Executive Director Laura Bowen. The panel featured a distinguished lineup of leaders, including: 

• Chelsea Reed, Councilmember and former Mayor of Palm Beach Gardens 
• Tanya Siskind, Vice Mayor of Wellington 
• Jim Barnes, Village Manager of Wellington 
• Chuck Gill, USTA Florida President 
• Dana Andrews, former USTA Florida President 
• Wendy Tatum, Director of the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center 
• Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, Founder of Love Serving Autism 

Panelists shared actionable insights on building productive relationships with local officials, navigating municipal processes, and advocating for the value of public tennis facilities. Themes of persistence, collaboration, and community engagement resonated throughout the discussion securing support for tennis programs. 

Chelsea Reed, a recognized leader in transportation and philanthropy, spoke about how beneficial this workshop was and how it’s shaping the city of Palm Beach Gardens.  

“These efforts empower everyone—parents, kids, seniors, veterans, and people of all abilities—to play, learn, and belong on the tennis courts. They bring economic opportunity through tournaments and local spending, enriching Palm Beach Gardens and our local area,” she said, “As City Council, we are proud to support USTA Florida’s initiatives, which align so well with our residents and community’s desires and priorities.” 

Reed also added that the event allowed tons of people such as local leaders, recreation professionals, elected officials, volunteers, and many more, direct access to statewide tools and strategies for sustaining and expanding tennis opportunities. 

Christine Ducey, USTA Florida Director of Advocacy, was excited to see the collaboration from the advocates in attendance and the knowledge panelist shared with everyone.  

“The Advocacy Workshop showcased what an active and engaged team of tennis community members can do when they choose to work together for public change,” she said. “Our panelists participating in our discussion really emphasized how a small group or even a single person, can really make a difference in a community for the better.” 

In addition to the panel, attendees participated in interactive sessions led by USTA Florida staff, volunteers, and Board Members. Activities included synergy mapping, project planning, and crafting persuasive advocacy messages. Participants left equipped with practical tools and renewed motivation to champion tennis in their local areas. 

Looking ahead, USTA Florida plans to expand its Advocacy Workshop series in 2026 and beyond, continuing its mission to strengthen public tennis through education, collaboration, and strategic advocacy.