2026 FGTA Board Elections

Andrew Hadad

My name is Andrew Hadad, and I live in Cobble Hill. I’ve been playing at Fort Greene for about eight months, beginning with the recent ladder season. I’m a software engineer at Figma, building collaborative web applications and digital tools focused on community and accessibility. I grew up playing at a small club in Houston, competed in USTA tournaments, and later coached junior tennis at the Rice University courts while I was a student there. That experience deepened my appreciation for mentorship, inclusivity, and the social side of tennis. I also have experience planning events for large groups and creating environments where people connect naturally. I’d love to contribute to the board by leveraging my technical skillset and helping organize engaging, community-focused events that bring players together both on and off the court.

Josh Wallis

I recently moved to the neighborhood (Carlton Ave) from downtown Manhattan. I’ve played tennis in the area for 3 years and spent this past year actively playing in the ladder and with friends mostly at FG, but also S. Oxford and Jackie Robinson.

I am currently a VP of strategy at RVO Health, a health tech company. In my current role I lead P&L management, data, marketing, and product management, focusing on delivering care directly to patients at lower prices than traditional methods.

My professional experiences overlap with the current board’s needs via financial expertise, communication, and marketing skills. Additionally, in a previous role, post-university, I have experience at non-profits and grant writing.

I’m excited about the opportunity and applying to get more involved in the local community and the FG tennis community, which has been so welcoming.

Kim Nguyen

My name is Kim, and I’ve lived on Adelphi St. in FG for about 1.5 years,spending most of that time playing tennis at FG Park. I’m trained as a veterinarian, and after completing a dual DVM/MPH degree, I’ve spent the past three years working in healthcare tech policy at the federal level. This experience has given me strong skills in grant writing and proposal development that would support FGTA’s management and fundraising efforts.

I love our community and want to strengthen it by creating a more connected and inclusive environment. I hope to organize fundraisers that highlight the diverse talents of our players such as bake sales, mini vendor markets and host events like watch parties, and low-key social gatherings that aren’t solely competition focused. I’d also seek to build partnerships with local tennis organizations, including POC-focused groups like Love & Lob, to foster collaboration and representation.

Marvin Barksdale

Greetings Fort Greene Tennis Community,

My name is Marvin Barksdale, a 40+ year member of the Fort Greene community and current FGTA board member. During my first term serving the courts that not only have been important to me and my family, but also represent the model of community-lead tennis in NYC, I was able to contribute my business development and legal background to the FGTA's continued successes. Now approaching term two, I'm seeking the opportunity to build on the infrastructure I helped further, that will provide foundation for the Fort Greene Park Tennis Courts' exciting future. After drafting a new set of 501(c)(3) compliant bylaws and supporting the upcoming resurfacing initiative, I'm excited to continue contributing to upcoming plant, community, and campaign development.

Beyond being a steady internal voice in our board meetings and our Telegram chat, I've prided myself in representing FGTA in external NYC tennis related matters in furtherance of my northstar as an ambassador for the sport: tennis and tennis lessons should be available and affordable for all. I hope I can have your vote to continue this work for the coolest tennis community in nyc.

Mikal Cook

An advertising creative director originally from Nashville, TN, I've lived in Fort Greene for over 20 years, and for the last 5 years, the Fort Greene tennis courts have been my sandbox and my therapy. I play more than 300 days a year, and in doing so, I've joyfully become familiar with every nook and cranny of the courts themselves and the people who play on them. From the beginners to the D-3 and D-1 rockstars that leave us all in shock with their abilities, this one-of-a-kind community is something I couldn’t be prouder of… And it’s something that should only get stronger…

By playing those 300-plus days a year, I've often found myself privy to the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to the wants and the needs of this thriving community. And joining the board is the best way to address those wants and needs. Whether it's ensuring the list continues to arrive in a timely fashion, a willingness to entertain the “lights” conversation again and again, or just handling the tiniest of concerns like dog poop and extra squeegees—my utmost attention to our community is what I offer. Our top priority should be that the tennis courts remain a source of pride to our Fort Greene neighborhood. And I believe my patience, sincerity, levity, and creative director know-how will do just that.

Mohammad El-Haj Ahmad

It's been a privilege being a board member for the past several years. I want to continue working on all of our initiatives, including court resurfacing, events & community building, day to day maintenance of the courts, and fundraising for future improvements. I love the Fort Greene tennis community and I would be so happy to be on the board for another two years. Thanks.

Nick Nemeroff

My name is Nick Nemeroff and I have lived in Fort Greene since 2019 and have played consistently at the Fort Greene courts. As the Tennis Director at Court 16, I am passionate about elevating our local tennis experience. I’d like to contribute by introducing more tournaments and tournaments that more actively bring the community together. I also hope to build stronger community connection through initiatives like Fort Greene tennis trivia nights.

Improving organization is equally important: clearer sign-up processes and better channels for player input such as monthly or quarterly Zoom town-halls. I would also like to help enhance the on-court environment through practical upgrades including squeegees, small leaf blowers, shade canopies, net-measuring sticks, a first-aid station, and a designated lost-and-found area.

Nick Pachelli

I'm running for another term on the FGTA board with the hope of seeing our resurfacing project through to completion next May. I led the effort to coordinate with Parks, FG Conservancy, USTA, and our contractor to make the resurfacing a reality. Also, thank you to fellow board members Alex and Mohammed for sitting on those meetings–they keep the FGTA running. With another term, I hope to continue organizing tournaments, drill-and-plays and clinics, and off-court events for the community. I also hope to grow our partnerships with Wilson and local community partners to raise funds to get new nets.

Ray Zhong

I’ve lived in Fort Greene since 2022 and play tennis at the Fort Greene Park almost every day. The tennis community here has become part of my daily life—bantering with neighbors on Telegram, saying hi to familiar faces in the early-morning lines, and cheering for players during ladder matches. These small moments are what make Fort Greene tennis feel like home.

Professionally, I’m a product manager with 12+ years of experience leading marketing and product initiatives across Google, Amazon, Mars, and multiple startups, with deep expertise in marketing tech and community-centered programs. I’ve contributed to and held leadership roles in multiple community group such as Out in Tech (a global LGBTQ tech nonprofit), Reaching Out MBA (the largest LGBTQ+ MBA network) and A Better Community (China's largest non-profit consulting group).

On the FGTA board, I hope to:

1. make court access equitable for players of all levels;

2. strengthen community bonding through social events;

3. advocate for more resources with the Park Conservancy and local representatives.

Sam Lampman

I live in Park Slope and regularly play at Fort Greene Park, and I’d love the chance to contribute more to the community.

I played Division I tennis for four years at West Point, where I captained the team, and after my military service I competed in several USTA and Challenger-level professional tournaments. Tennis has been a constant in my life, and I’d be grateful for the opportunity to support a community that values the sport as much as I do.

Professionally, I worked in finance at Morgan Stanley and now iCapital Network, where my role involves organization, teamwork, and communication - skills I believe translate well to board responsibilities. I’m particularly interested in helping with events, outreach, and strengthening the sense of community around the courts. I’m committed to attending monthly meetings and contributing at least 2 hours a week as required.

Thomas Capozzi

My name is Thomas Capozzi. I live on Ashland Place and have been playing at FGTA since moving to the neighborhood in 2022. That was just about the first time I've picked up a racket, and now I play in the ladder annually and love being a part of the FGTA community!

I'm currently an Account Executive at Salesforce, where I've been for 2 years. Before that, I spent 4 years working as a fundraiser in the nonprofit sector. For 2.5 of those years I worked in direct partnership with NYC Parks at a parks conservancy nonprofit. I'd be more than happy to support continued fundraising efforts and work alongside the NYC Parks staff to keep this amazing community resource healthy and accessible.

Tim Johnson

Hi, I'm Tim Johnson (Dean Street, Prospect Heights)

I've been playing tennis in Fort Greene for the last two years, and participated in my first ladder last summer. I was bounced in the semis of the 3.0 but happy with my showing given my decades long hiatus from the sport. I'm determined to perform well next year in the 3.5 to 4 ladder. :o)

After a successful career in asset management, I'm taking some time off, playing a lot of golf and tennis, applying to grad school at NYU, mentoring for iMentor, and looking to join a couple more boards aligned with my varied interests. Currently, I'm helping with the wind down of a community focused non-profit called the Hester Street Collaborative where I was board chair for several years.

I'm interested in the FGTA Board because I've fallen back in love with tennis, I have the time, it's my local court so I have a vested interest in its operations, and you're looking for members. On the Hester Street Board, I sat on the Executive, Finance, and Audit committees, and focused on governance and strategic planning.. I think some of those experiences as well as some of the finance skills highlighted in the LinkedIn link below could be useful on the FGTA Board.

Touré

I was a part of getting the courts resurfaced and getting the sheet out early. Now I want to work on bringing lights to FG. Vote for me if you want someone to work on adding lights to FG.