Neal Kitson

• Lead the strategic oversight and nationwide execution of officiating operations for USTA Pro Circuit events, ensuring compliance with ITF and ATP standards.
• Manage assignments and lead the identification and development of Chair Umpires and Referees, fostering pathways for advancement through ITF certifications.
• Ensure the best performed Officials across all disciplines progress through the Officiating pathway by championing a meritorious assignment process.
• Liaise with ATP and WTA officiating bodies to support the global progression of American Officials.
• Oversee Officiating budget approval and lead tournament Director education for USTA Pro Circuit events.
• Direct the Officiating Center of Excellence (COE) program, encompassing overall strategy, calendar development, applicant selection, logistics, and program delivery.
• Provide development plans for all participants who come through Center of Excellence program.
• Oversee OfficialsFirst tournament management online platform, ensuring usability and value for national stakeholders.
• Oversee Officiating assignments and contract execution for events at the USTA National Campus and Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
• Support the USTA National Campus events department in educating all stakeholders on Officiating requirements and matters. Manage any issues that arise from assignment of Officials to events.
• Oversee the execution of independent contractor agreements, payments, and reimbursements via concur and digital signature platforms for USTA Pro Circuit, USTA National Campus, and USTA National Tennis Center.
• Direct all facets of the US Open Ball Crew Program, including strategic planning, budgeting, talent identification, training, and on-site operations for over 325 crew members and 15 supervisors.
• Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align practices with state hiring regulations and commercial/media sponsorship objectives.
• Manage comprehensive logistics and distribution for Ball Crew apparel, from procurement through event delivery.

• Managed Professional Officiating administration for the USTA Pro Circuit, including the management of 60+ Professional Chair Umpires, assigned to 130+ USTA Pro Circuit events annually.
• Managed all USTA Pro Circuit Officiating protocols and procedures for all USTA Pro Circuit events, serving as point of contact for over 200 inside and outside stakeholders pertaining to Pro Circuit events and professional Officiating.
• Designed individualized development plans and evaluation systems to promote official advancement through USTA Pro Circuit and ITF certifications.
• Directed the Officiating Center of Excellence (COE) program, encompassing calendar development, applicant selection, logistics, and program delivery.
• Directed implementation of the OfficialsFirst database system, collaborating with IT to meet certification and tournament event management needs across the tennis ecosystem.
• Developed and manage the Chair and Line Umpire evaluation program, implemented across the USTA Pro Circuit, ensuring that officiating assignments are merit-based to 130+ Pro Circuit events nationwide, while being a tool to further educate and develop U.S. Line Umpires.
• Led US Open officiating logistics including service agreements, payment execution, apparel management, and accommodation planning for 400+ officials.
• Oversaw Officiating assignments and contract execution for events at the USTA National Campus and Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
• Supported the USTA National Campus events department in educating all stakeholders on Officiating requirements and matters. Manage any issues that arise from assignment of Officials to events.
• Oversaw the execution of independent contractor agreements, payments, and reimbursements via concur and digital signature platforms for USTA Pro Circuit, USTA National Campus, and USTA National Tennis Center.

• Implemented innovative coaching techniques for better skill development and game strategy execution.
• Enhanced player performance by developing tailored training programs and coaching strategies.
• Collaborated with fellow coaches to develop cohesive training plans, ensuring consistent progress across all teams within the academy.
• Assisted in organizing annual tryouts to evaluate incoming talent effectively while ensuring an efficient selection process.

• Managed soccer department operations including staffing, scheduling, budgeting of leagues and marketing.
• Oversaw the scheduling, marketing, advertising, management of employees and overall success of the soccer department of Chelsea Piers.
• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
• Lead the growth of league revenue four straight seasons with a net profit of over $130,000 in those four quarters, as compared to the previous year.
• Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.

Professional Soccer Player, playing in Major League Soccer (MLS), United Soccer League (USL), and the English Football League (EFL).

• Phoenix Wolves FC (Phoenix, AZ)
• Northampton Town FC (Northampton, England)
• Rochester Rhinos (Rochester, NY)
• Kansas City Wizards (Kansas City, MO)