By Gina Clance, Net News Assistant Editor
David Rowe, President
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Career: Home remodeling
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I started playing ALTA when I moved to Alpharetta. Beer and donuts on a Saturday morning — how could I say no? I was frustrated with a rule (wish I could remember the rule), and I said to a friend that I wish I could be involved with changing a rule. He said that the only way to do that was get involved and become a VP and get on the rules committee. I started with Senior Men’s a year later.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? Retirement
If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? Pastrami, provolone cheese, onions, and yellow mustard.
What would you title your autobiography? “Why Did I Do That?”
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite holiday? Christmas. It’s all about being with family and friends and sharing time with each other. I also love giving gifts to the people I love. I put a ton of thought into what to give them, and I enjoy seeing how they react to the gift.
Greg McAfee, First Vice President
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Career: Life Insurance and Tennis Court Construction
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? Moved to Atlanta in 2005; my wife’s coworker was on a team, and she invited her to play. I would go and watch and then joined a men’s team in the spring of 2006. I volunteered as captain the next season. About 10 years later, a tennis friend of mine asked me to join ALTA as a coordinator. I did and the rest, as they say, is history!
What’s the best way to start the day? Coffee and donuts
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? The Tesla Cybertruck; it’s just ugly.
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge/freezer? Skyline Chili 3-way
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? Playing tennis or pickleball, good food, and with friends and family.
Cameron Turner, Treasurer
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Career: Executive Director of the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I started playing ALTA when I was eight years old when we moved into a new neighborhood in East Cobb. I have been playing ALTA ever since … 39 years!
What’s the best way to start the day? A large pot of French pressed Texas Pecan coffee
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? I would un-invent video games so the world would be more present and go outside more.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Loyal, kind, accountable.
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite holiday? I love the Christmas season because of time I get to spend with family, beautiful lights and decoration, Andy Williams on the record player, and “The Shop Around the Corner” on the television.
Karen Carroll, Secretary
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Career: Industrial Engineer (ramblin’ wreck), Domestic Engineer, School Volunteer Extraordinaire, Small Business Owner/Partner, Retiree
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? It all started a little over 20 years ago. I ran into my son’s fifth grade teacher leaving the school with her tennis gear in tow and asked if she had a “big match” that evening. She told me she was on her way to coach practice for a team of 40+-year-old women. She joked that they were all new to tennis when she had started coaching them, and that she always “had to have a beer” after those early coaching sessions. I joined a few months later. We started a Sunday ALTA team in Spring 2006. We needed volunteers to be captain and co-captain, so my friend said “I’ll do it! C’mon Karen!” And so started my ALTA volunteerism.
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? WMDs! ‘Nuff said.
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge/freezer? Just checked. There is a candlestick holder in my freezer. I had to ask my husband about it. Apparently, the remnants of a candle are stuck in the bottom and putting it the freezer makes removing the wax “easy.”
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Optimistic, perfectionist, nice.
What would you title your autobiography? “A Nice Karen — Just Bee-Boppin’ Thru Life”
Candace Cole, Thursday Women’s League VP
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Career: Property Management
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? In 1998, a new tennis team formed in my neighborhood, and I thought it would be a great way to meet some of the women. I captained teams and have been actively involved as a player ever since. I became a volunteer with ALTA when my middle son started in tennis. I had become friends with one of my opponents, who happened to be the Junior VP. We started talking, and before I knew it, I had a new “job!”
What’s the best way to start the day? The best way to start the day is with a cup of coffee, my Connections game (and getting the answer in four!), and a few quiet minutes to get organized for the day ahead.
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge/freezer? The random collection of “mystery” labeled containers — leftovers my husband fully intended to eat and then forgot about. It’s like archaeological layers of good intentions.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Organized, dependable, and friendly.
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? A relaxed day with family and friends, good food, a great dessert, and maybe a little time on the tennis courts if the weather cooperates.
Drew Meyer, Men’s League VP
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Career: HealthTeck Product Management Executive
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? My involvement with ALTA began after serving as a captain for many seasons. My parents raised me with strong values about giving back to my community, and once I was fully invested as a player, ALTA became the clear place for me to contribute. I was eventually asked to volunteer because of my passion for tennis and the ALTA community.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? I want to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, not necessarily all at once, but in segments over several years. It’s the ultimate disconnect from the digital world I inhabit daily. I’ve already done a few week-long backcountry hiking/camping trips, and the physical and mental reset that comes with being fully off the grid is incredibly rewarding.
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge/freezer? The strangest thing in my freezer is several stacks of unused wooden honeycomb frames. Since I’m a beekeeper, I freeze these frames, which hold the honeycomb, before introducing them to the hive. It’s a standard and necessary practice because freezing them is the best way to safely kill any potential wax moth eggs or pests that might ruin the future comb and harm the bee colony.
Diane Royston, Sunday Women’s League VP
Hometown: Niagara Falls, New York
Career: 25 years in electronics distribution, 10 years in corrugated
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I started to play tennis in my subdivision. I met many new neighbors who became good friends. I decided to volunteer with ALTA because of how much tennis meant to me, and I wanted to be part of the organization that offered those experiences.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? I would like to be able to visit every MLB stadium!
What’s the best way to start the day? Sharing the first coffee of the day with a special someone, be it the love of your life, a special friend, or a dear sibling.
If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? It would be on a crispy-crust roll, would have mayo and honey mustard, and would include ham, provolone cheese, capicola, lettuce and tomato. Not fancy or unusual!
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because it is focused on family and friends and food. I love cooking and baking and having everyone gather and just enjoying the togetherness.
Rusty Jones, Senior Day Leagues VP
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Career: Consumer Product Sales and Food Safety Tech (Retired)
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I took tennis as a PE class when I was in college. My partner and I won the class competition and earned an A for our efforts. I wanted to keep playing, and someone told us about joining an ALTA team. We did and the rest, as they say, is history.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? I would like to be able to go to Alaska, the Middle East, and Australia.
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? Cell phones, because they make us less social and encourage addiction.
What would you title your autobiography? “My Runway Is Getting Shorter”
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? A trip to a tropical island where the food is awesome and the company is fantastic.
Mike Clance, Senior Leagues VP
Hometown: Warner Robins, Georgia
Career: Making the stop lights turn green, yellow, red!
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? Growing up in middle Georgia, I played football and never picked up a tennis racquet. My wife and her parents introduced me to tennis, which I, at first, didn’t think was a real sport! Ha! After we moved into our first house, we formed an ALTA team with our new neighbors, and the game was on. Years later, after being a team captain and a scorekeeper, I applied to be a coordinator and was accepted.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? Developing a sense of rhythm so that I can dance with my wife
What’s the best way to start the day? With a cup of strong coffee and my devotional.
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge/freezer? Bee pollen
What would you title your autobiography? “I Was Supposed to be a Doctor”
Nicole Jennings, Mixed Doubles League VP
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I played tennis in high school, so after I had my kids, it made sense to join a ladies team in my neighborhood. In 2007, a friend asked me to coordinate for juniors. That same year, I became a mixed doubles coordinator.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? Getting my Commercial Pilot License in 2026.
What’s the best way to start the day? A morning flight in my Cessna to watch the sun rise. Oh … and coffee.
If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? Grilled Cheese made with Brie, maple bacon, and blueberries.
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite holiday? I absolutely love to sing along to Christmas songs on the radio.
Kim Freeman, Junior Leagues VP
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Career: President/CEO of the Freeman/Knight Family
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I can give Didi Chapdelaine the credit for both! She’s been an ALTA volunteer for 20 years and we’ve been friends for 25 plus! It began with our daughters playing Junior ALTA and then I caught the bug and have been playing and volunteering ever since!
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? I’ve been to the US Open several times, and I would love to go to the other big three.
If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? Salami, pepperoni, ham, fresh mozzarella, banana peppers, lettuce, Italian dressing, and spices on toasted white bread. Sounds like a pub sub, but it’s my favorite!
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Nurturing, resilient, adaptable.
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? At the beach with my family.
Gina Woods, Junior Challenge Ladder VP
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Career: Director of HR / Training and Development
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I first became involved with ALTA as a player when my boss invited me to join his mixed team. That experience introduced me to the organization and its community. Later, a colleague approached me about volunteering and asked if I would be interested in serving as a Ladder Manager for the Junior Challenge Ladder. I accepted because I wanted to give back to the tennis community and help support junior player development.
What’s the best way to start the day? Practice gratitude — I take a few minutes to write down three things I’m grateful for. It sets a positive tone for the day.
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? Spam emails — waste of time.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Happy, positive, giving.
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? Spa day retreat — Treat myself to massages, facials, and relaxation.
Henry Vincent, Pickleball League VP
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Career: Senior IBM IT Engineer
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I had just moved into a new neighborhood and noticed a group of people by the tennis courts with food and drinks. I asked if there was a party going on and one of them mentioned they were on an ALTA tennis team. They convinced me to join, and it was so much fun. While signing up my kids to play, there was an option to volunteer as a Challenge Ladder Manager. After volunteering with the juniors and men’s leagues, my pickleball obsession took over!
What’s the best way to start the day? Well, first I open my eyes and immediately pray that my pickleball paddle is still where I left it. Then, I sip my freshly squeezed ginger, apple, carrot, kale and lemon juice and whisper to myself, “May my serves be in, may my dinks be low, and may my hand-eye coordination protect me from being targeted by the 20-year-olds at Open Play today.”
If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? Everything but the kitchen sink! Seriously, ham, turkey, extra bacon, pickles, everything that Subway offers plus Jersey Mike’s and top it off with each topping Firehouse Subs offers!
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because food is my love language! A well-kept secret is that 30 days before Thanksgiving every year, I go on a diet with a goal to lose 5-7 pounds because I know that on Thanksgiving and the days that follow, I’m going to eat until my heart’s content. So, the cat’s out of the bag.
Mark LaRotonda, Special Programs VP
Hometown: Seaford, New York
Career: Retired — Cell Phone Industry
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I learned about ALTA through the wife of an existing player, after several years became a coordinator, and then was convinced to join the EC.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? Go whale watching.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Strong, leader, caring.
What would you title your autobiography? “My Way”
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite holiday? Christmas — The excitement and anticipation kids show when they get up on Christmas morning.
Carol Brasher, Events and Tournaments VP
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Career: Business Software until tennis and PTA took over my life
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I started playing ALTA when I was 18 and my mom put me on her ALTA team. I started volunteering as a mixed doubles coordinator with my dad in the 80s when we co- coordinated mixed doubles until 2009. We would bet on the outcome of the city finals. I came out way ahead!
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? The mosquito; these little monsters are the death of me!
What would you title your autobiography? “Why are you reading this? Go play tennis!”
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? I would start with a tennis lesson or tennis match, go out to lunch with friends, play some bridge in the afternoon, and end the day with a massage.
What’s your favorite thing about your favorite holiday? Memorial Day or July 4th — no gifts required and just about having fun. Beach or lake is a requirement.
Rita Maloof, 2025 President
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Career: Retired
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player? I grew up in a recreational tennis family! When ALTA began offering league play at our club, my mom and her friends joined one of the first teams. My siblings and I were all put on junior teams to keep us out of trouble!
What’s the best way to start the day? Coffee! Don’t talk to me until after my second cup!
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge/freezer? Aside from ice packs for every part of your body, you will find ice cubes in every shape and size ready for whatever specialty cocktail you may order.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Happy, old, over-achiever.
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? With friends at the beach. It’s my happy place!
Chequetta Allen, 2024 President
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Career: Fleet Management Professional
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I was taking tennis lessons, and the coach asked if I wanted to play on a team. After I was playing awhile, I was curious about being a scorekeeper because that was the path to being a coordinator. I completed the application online and was asked to be a scorekeeper the same year ALTA introduced the TSS scorecard system.
What’s one thing you still want to accomplish in your lifetime? Successfully executing a year that is balanced with enough leisure time that allows me to take a cruise each quarter.
If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? The ultimate sandwich would have steak, onions, mushrooms, horseradish, grainy mustard loaded onto a freshly baked crusty bread.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Intense, private, and strong-willed.
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? Hanging out on some warm island catching the sunrise and sunset.
Mimi McFall, ALTA Foundation Representative
Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
Career: Retired commercial banker
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? When we moved to Atlanta in 1998, we made the decision for me to stop working full-time and stay home with our two young children. It was a big change for me, so I joined an ALTA team! Twenty-seven years later, my early teammates are still some of my closest friends. My teammate, Debbie Gaster, asked me to be her Presidential Appointee, which began my tenure as a volunteer. Since that time, I have had the pleasure of volunteering in a number of capacities.
If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? Real turkey (not from the deli), avocado, a little mayo, lettuce, and tomato on good sourdough bread.
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? The Keurig coffee maker. The coffee isn’t any good, and it creates a lot of waste.
What would you title your autobiography? “The Book is about Mi(mi)”
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? I don’t have a formula for the perfect birthday celebration. I’m always happy to receive birthday wishes in any form. I do like a cake!
Keri Beck, President’s Appointee
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Career: Happily retired from the telecom industry
How did you get involved with ALTA as a player, then as a volunteer? I first picked up a racquet in 1998 and was hooked! I served as captain, scorekeeper, and then began volunteering in 2011. Have been hooked on ALTA ever since! Such a fantastic group of individuals in this organization that have become lifelong friends.
What’s the best way to start the day? A cup of tea on the patio.
If you could “un-invent” something, what would it be and why? Pop-up ads!
What’s the strangest thing in your fridge/freezer? A paintbrush and paint roller
What’s your ideal way to spend your birthday? My son was born on my birthday, so it’s great to spend the day celebrating with the family!
