By Emmy Powell, Net News Editor
As an ALTA member, you have most likely encountered one or more of the vast network of ALTA volunteers who give their time freely to organize and run our leagues. With the help of our office staff of five people, the volunteers work year-round to make sure our leagues run smoothly.
We gather every November for our annual meeting, and this year 2024 Board Chair Debbie Gaster, who has volunteered for the last 23 years, called us to order. “Serving ALTA has been a very rewarding experience that I will always value,” she said. She went on to point out that ALTA is a well-oiled machine, supported by both the office staff and the volunteers. “The time that so many of our volunteers dedicate to running our leagues is immeasurable and so appreciated. I’d like to thank every one of you for your dedication and support.”
Gaster also thanked many of the past presidents and other executive leaders who helped her navigate through the years. This includes 2020 President Sandy Depa, 2015 President Larry Waters, 2024 President Chequetta Allen, 2025 President Rita Maloof, 2023 President Linda Shepherd, and incoming 2025 Board Chair Lamar Scott.
Historically, our primary focus has been tennis, but Gaster pointed out that we are now offering an additional member benefit with our foray into pickleball. “While we are remaining true to our roots, we felt it was important to recognize the interest and growth of pickleball in Atlanta,” she said. “After just a year and a half, we have over 8,000 paid pickleball members. Approximately half of those pickleball memberships are new ALTA members. I think this has been a good move for ALTA in that our membership numbers have increased, and we have provided something that our members value.”
Gaster introduced ALTA Treasurer Susan Levin who provided a sound financial picture for ALTA in 2024. “2024 was a very good year for ALTA,” said Levin. Yearly membership revenue grew by 7 percent in October compared to the same time in 2023. Levin credited the increase to the new Pickleball League as well as the enthusiastic efforts of ALTA’s captains and volunteers. Total expenses also dropped 8 percent this year. Levin concluded her speech by thanking ALTA bookkeeper Leslie Gersack. “Leslie does an awesome job with all of our financial transactions and has been a huge help to the league VPs and to me.”
The ALTA Foundation has greatly benefitted from the organization’s sound financial structure. Foundation President Cameron Turner thanked everyone for all the support which provides programs throughout Atlanta for at-risk youth and at-risk populations, as well as graduating seniors through its scholarship funding. “I’m excited to announce that through your member donations, we were able to sponsor over $122,000 in grants and scholarships in 2024,” said Turner. The START program added 10 new schools, which is an 80-percent increase over last year. “It has reached a new level, and we are now reaching new areas which gives these Title 1 schools greater access to tennis, better coaching, and assistance that is making a true difference in these students’ lives,” Turner concluded.
2024 ALTA President Chequetta Allen wrapped up her year as the leader of our organization and achieved her mission of continuing ALTA’s momentum to provide tennis and pickleball to our members. She said 189,496 players participated on 9,861 teams across all our tennis and pickleball leagues. “Member participation has been an essential element for fueling our continued progress,” said Allen. In addition to organizing league play, we also celebrated the 14th and final Atlanta Open Tournament. “It was a bittersweet time, but we were grateful to be a part of such a huge tennis event.”
ALTA places great value on our members, and we always welcome your feedback. “For the first time, at the completion of each season this year, we distributed surveys to our captains in all our leagues. The response has been tremendous, and overall, the feedback has been positive,” said Allen.
Allen concluded her speech by thanking the Coan Tennis Association where she received great support and encouragement. She also thanked many of the past presidents, the ALTA Executive Committee and ALTA members, and paid special recognition to her grandmother who celebrated her 95th birthday at this memorable meeting.
Each year, ALTA gets a new president. In 2025, Rita Maloof will take the helm and will focus on the connections made through ALTA. “We connect people. We turn strangers into life-long friends, both on and off the court,” she said. Maloof also commended the office staff and the network of volunteers. “Our ALTA volunteers have two things in common — they love tennis and they love ALTA.”
Maloof also recognized our connection to the community and the strength of the ALTA Foundation. “While ALTA is a non-profit organization, the direct/indirect economic impact connection of ALTA in metro-Atlanta is astounding. In a spring or fall season, over 60,000 players will participate in ALTA league play. Our membership numbers remain strong, and we will continue to work on advancing skill levels and travel,” said Maloof.
ALTA is also connecting with new sponsors. Maloof and Gaster both thanked Ameris Bank, RS Andrews (represented at the meeting by owner Dari Payrow and his advertising executive John Cristadoro), and Coca-Cola.
Gaster concluded the meeting with a story that truly personifies ALTA. “We all have a story about how we ended up on an ALTA team. Whether you were recruited as a new neighbor, club member or by some friends, one thing is the same. You end up getting more than you expected. When you first sign up and pay your dues, you think you’ll get to play some tennis matches. And you do, but you get more than this.” She explained the probability that you will make some friends, and many times, they will become lifelong friends. Playing ALTA might mean you will be treated to a great spread of food, and you’ll get exercise and some fresh air. “Sure, sometimes what you get is a 30-mile commute and a nasty opponent, but you will get to experience the comradery that comes with team sports that most people don’t get to experience as an adult. People often tell me there is nothing like ALTA anywhere else in the country, and it is true.”
Gaster ended the meeting by stating why ALTA is something special, and she hoped she served as a good steward of the organization.
Congratulations, ALTA Chair Debbie Gaster on your extensive service to our organization, and a big thank you to the entire ALTA community of volunteers!
2024 Award Recipients
Ruby
Chairman of the Board
Debbie Gaster
Tsavorite
Executive Committee President
Chequetta Allen
Diamond In Racquet
Executive Committee/Board of Directors, First Year
Seth Appelbaum
Karen Harris
Stephen Murray
Loretta Phillips
David Rowe
Siobhan Schaeffer
Gina Woods
25-Year Hall of Fame
Barbara Ingram
ALTA Gold Pin
20 years of service
Anthony Depa
Bezel Rope for Coin
10 years of service
Beatrice Blankenship
John Lowell
Drew Meyer
Diamond in Coin
Five years of Service
Nina Hutcherson
Traci Kruger
Mimi McFall
Gold Coin
Two Years of Service
Traci Baskin
Grady Bunn
Joe Fleiss
Annette Harlow
Karen Harris
Tammy Johnston
Brandi Nickerson
Meg Peaden
Kelly Stewart
Leela Woodfield
2025 Officers + Executive Committee
2025 ALTA Officers
Chair of the Board Lamar Scott
2023 ALTA President Linda Shepherd
2024 ALTA President Chequetta Allen
2025 ALTA President Rita Maloof
ALTA Foundation President Cameron Turner
2024 Elected Member Stephen Murray
2025 Elected Member Karen Sullivan
Treasurer Susan Levin
Secretary/First Vice President Loretta Phillilps
2025 ALTA Foundation Board of Directors
President Cameron Turner
Treasurer Susan Levin
Secretary Karen Harris
2025 ALTA Executive Committee
President Rita Maloof
First Vice-President Loretta Phillips
Secretary Keri Beck
Treasurer Susan Levin
Vice President Men’s League Drew Meyer
Vice President Thursday Women’s League Siobhan Schaeffer
Vice President Sunday Women’s League Diane Royston
Vice President Senior Leagues Seth Appelbaum
Vice President Senior Day Leagues Rusty Jones
Vice President Mixed Doubles League David Rowe
Vice President Junior Leagues Kim Freeman
Vice President Junior Challenge Ladder Gina Woods
Vice President Events and Tournaments Carol Brasher
Vice President of Special Programs Mark LaRotonda
Vice President of Pickleball Greg McAfee
President’s Appointee Peggy “Gidget” Kettle
2024 President Chequetta Allen
2023 President Linda Shepherd
ALTA Foundation Rep. Karen Harris
