Announcing Our New Executive Director

Christine Nickels

From the Board of Directors, Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center (FWTEC)  

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Nickels as the Executive Director of FWTEC.  Christine has been the Assistant Executive Director and the Director of Education at FWTEC since 2017. She has extensive experience working in the non-profit sector and in the Tennis community. The Board was impressed by Christine’s vision for the future of FWTEC, her passion for the mission of FWTEC and the leadership she has demonstrated thus far in achieving tangible results in the work of FWTEC. 

Christine has been instrumental in providing strategic leadership for Education and Development departments, including budget management, staffing, and execution of short- and long-term goals. She has been part of the leadership team and has led in achieving the organizational goals. She has established and maintained mutually beneficial partnerships with schools, youth-serving organizations and community stakeholders that align with the mission of FWTEC. Christine has executed a diverse funding plan to support the TennisWorks programming. With her leadership, the annual financial support for TennisWorks program increased by 375%. Christine initiated a new distance learning program, remote engagement strategies, and family support actions to maintain connection and deepen relationships during the pandemic. Christine was instrumental in FWTEC receiving national recognition as 2021 National Youth Sports Strategy Champion and 2018 Aspen Institute Project Play Champion. 

Prior to FWTEC, Christine worked for over 10 years at USTA Northern in a number of roles including as the Director of Community Tennis. While at USTA Northern, Christine worked on setting strategic direction, implementing policies, and managing department budgets. She was engaged in supporting more than 230 member organizations including school districts, parks and recreation departments, tennis clubs, and nonprofit community organizations through consultations and training. In addition, Christine has extensive volunteer experience in many organizations including at Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership. She has spoken extensively on youth development and engagement in tennis.  

We are excited to have Christine lead as the new Executive Director of FWTEC. Christine will start as the Executive Director on May 16, 2022. We thank Linda Ewing for her service for the last two months. Linda’s last day will be May 20, 2022.  

We look forward to working with Christine in her new role as the leader of the FWTEC community.  

Sincerely, 

The FWTEC Board of Directors