USTA Northern Section Relocates to Minnesota Vikings Headquarters

A New York City-based corporate lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, Dyan Gershman is the founder of Gershman Law, PLLC. Dyan Gershman enjoys playing tennis, and at one time played competitively as a member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The USTA is the national governing body for tennis in the United States, and it sponsors leagues and tournaments nationally. The USTA Northern Section is one of 17 USTA sections across the country. The association recently announced that the Northern Section will be relocating to the Viking Lakes project, a complex of facilities located in Eagan, Minnesota. The two-year-old campus includes the headquarters of the Minnesota Vikings football team.

Speaking with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Becky Cantellano, the executive director of the USTA Northern Section, said the Section’s expanded staff necessitated the move, and the new office will utilize 3,000 square feet. “We could have been in a typical office park, but this is much more exciting,” she said. It is the first USTA section to be headquartered on the campus of a major sports franchise.

USTA Names Michael Dowse New CEO and Executive Director

Dyan Gershman is a New York City-based corporate attorney who provides legal services to domestic and international business clients through Gershman Law, PLLC, which she founded in 2014. When she isn’t working, Dyan Gershman enjoys athletic endeavors such as running, hiking, and playing tennis. She is a former member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and played competitively for a number of years.

The USTA is the national governing body for tennis, working to advance the sport’s popularity. CEO Gordon Smith, who has held the position since November 2007, is charged with carrying out the organization’s vision. However, this past January, Smith announced his pending retirement for December 31, 2019, ending the longest CEO appointment in USTA history.

Smith is credited with launching the Net Generation youth tennis initiative and overhauling the USTA’s digital platforms to allow for a more consumer-friendly experience. Gross revenue at the US Open nearly doubled during his 12 years as CEO, with the event’s attendance reaching an all-time high.

In October, the USTA announced that Michael Dowse will take over as CEO effective January 1, 2020. Dowse has served as president of Wilson Sporting Goods since 2013, during which time he was responsible for global strategy, corporate operations and manufacturing across more than 160 countries. In addition, he oversaw growth and productivity initiatives, digital transformation efforts, and the expansion of Wilson’s footprint in racquet sports, baseball, softball and golf.