MARK J. DICHIARA
Rockville,MD
Summary
Experienced racquet sports executive with 20 years in tennis, pickleball, and platform tennis, including extensive work as Director of Tennis and General Manager. Skilled in driving growth, developing high-performing teams, and enhancing member experiences. Certified in multiple racquet disciplines and recognized for innovation and program development, fostering a culture of tradition and inclusivity that boosts member engagement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Remarkable Racquet Sports
11.2024 - Current
- Oversee all aspects of business operations, including marketing, staffing, scheduling, and administration
- Oversaw business operations, managing marketing, staffing, scheduling, and administration to ensure smooth daily functions
- Managed year-round racquet programming for local nursery schools, introducing over 100 children to tennis fundamentals and fostering early interest in the sport
- Serve as a consultant to regional clubs on programming strategy, staffing models, and facility operations
- Manage year-round racquet programming for local nursery schools to introduce children to tennis
- Contributed as a top 5 national advisor to RecycleBalls, enhancing America’s top green tennis ball recycling initiative through strategic programming insights
Director of Racquets Programming and Member Experience
Woodmont Country Club
03.2026 - 09.2026
- Developed strategic plan and programming calendar that increased adult program participation
- Revitalized women’s interclub team practices, enhancing engagement and participation
- Leading the planning and execution of the club’s Men’s Pro-Am event in June
- Collaborated with Interim Director of Racquets on operational initiatives, including supply planning and exclusive member experiences for Citi Open
- Introduced and piloted several innovative member programs, including Game On, 105, Stroke of the Week, and Friday Breakfast Club enhancing variety and energy within club programming
- Developing new strategies to strengthen communication, programming, and engagement within the men’s racquets community
Director of Tennis / General Manager
Georgetown Prep Tennis Club
05.2006 - 10.2024
- Led a team of 30, including 16 on-court professionals and 14 support staff, at a year-round 12 tennis court facility (6 Har-Tru, 6 hard courts)
- Increased overall tennis program revenue by over 300%
- Increased club revenue by 40% over final 5 years without infrastructure expansion
- Consistently grew lesson and class participation by 15% annually for over a decade
- Coordinated league play and practices for 8 GWTA and USTA teams, enhancing competitive opportunities for participants
- Organized and ran 8+ USTA-sanctioned tournaments annually
- Managed league play and practices for 8 GWTA and USTA teams
- Oversaw daily dome/court operations, including seasonal setup, heating systems, and maintenance coordination
- Developed and executed strategic 1, 3, 5-year budgets in collaboration with ownership, while meeting short and long-term financial goals
- Fostered a culture of excellence and staff retention, resulting in unmatched tenure in the industry
- Cultivated a welcoming, inclusive environment for players of all levels and ages
- Set and maintained high standards of customer service that consistently met or exceeded expectations of discerning club members
- Collaborated regularly with Georgetown Prep leadership to align club initiatives with the school’s mission and community values
- Supervised 2019 dome lighting replacement project
- Surpassed $2 million in gross revenue in 2023, sustaining this threshold in following years
- Cultivated vendor partnerships to enhance pro shop offerings based on member feedback, contributing to overall member satisfaction
- Selected as a Yonex Brand Ambassador
First Assistant Professional
Get a Grip Professional Tennis Coaching
07.2004 - 04.2006
- Provided tennis instruction in local schools and grassroots youth programs to enhance community engagement
- Increased participation in junior program through targeted outreach within two years
- Established and grew the organization’s adult tennis program to expand offerings and attract new participants
Staff Professional
Sea Pines Racquet Club
02.2003 - 06.2004
- Delivered exceptional guest service, enhancing overall guest satisfaction and elevating resort racquets experience
- Fostered strong guest relationships, driving repeat visits and encouraging long-term engagement with the resort
- Provided instruction to players of all ages and skill levels in both private and group settings
- Collaborated with staff in weekly team meetings to strengthen communication and consistency, improving overall guest experience
Education
Bachelor of Science - Professional Tennis Management
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI01-2002
Skills
- Community building
- Marketing
- Strategic thinking
- Team leadership
- Entrepreneurial innovation
- Business operations
- Client engagement
- Program development
- People and culture
Accomplishments
- Guest Speaker at the Tennis Directors Conference (RSPA/MAS) 2024
- Awarded RSPA Mid-Atlantic Large Facility Manager of the Year 2023
- Awarded the “Stars” Award by RSPA/MAS 2022
- Guest Speaker at RSPA/MAS Annual Convention 2017–2018
- Guest Speaker at the Tennis Directors Conference (RSPA/MAS) 2017
- Maryland Representative, RSPA/MAS Board of Directors 2017–2023
- Awarded RSPA Maryland Professional of the Year 2016
- Awarded USTA Maryland Professional of the Year 2013
- Awarded USTA Tournament Director of the Year 2012
- Recruit, hire and mentor interns from university PTM programs 2006–Present
Certification
- Padel Professional Level Certified by the RSPA/Padel MBA 2023
- Pickleball Professional Level Certified by the RSPA 2023
- Platform Tennis Professional Level Certified by RSPA 2019
- Adult Developmental Professional Certified by PTR 2019
- Developmental Coach Certified by Tennis Coaches Australia 2006
- Elite Tennis Professional Certified by RSPA 2002
- Master Racquet Technician Certified by the USRSA 1999
Community Engagement & Program Leadership
Managed and programmed summer racquet sports programs for 10+ local tennis clubs across Montgomery County – 2006–2024, Organized numerous charitable events and fundraisers at Georgetown Prep Tennis Club, supporting local causes and community outreach – 2006–2024, Founded the MCTA Junior Tournament Series, creating accessible competitive opportunities for developing players – 2018
Timeline
Director of Racquets Programming and Member Experience
Woodmont Country Club
03.2026 - 09.2026
Founder
Remarkable Racquet Sports
11.2024 - Current
Director of Tennis / General Manager
Georgetown Prep Tennis Club
05.2006 - 10.2024
First Assistant Professional
Get a Grip Professional Tennis Coaching
07.2004 - 04.2006
Staff Professional
Sea Pines Racquet Club
02.2003 - 06.2004
Bachelor of Science - Professional Tennis Management
Ferris State University