Tennis Central Leadership:
Sean Kelleher – PresidentState Farm Insurance Agent “Having previously been the Director of the Tennis ACES Program I was able to see how integral Tennis Central is to the Central Pennsylvania tennis community. I believe this is the best organization to be involved with to continue the growth of tennis within our communities. I first started playing tennis at the age of 6. Besides the actual act of playing tennis… I love the fact there is always something you can improve upon to make yourself a better tennis player and competitor. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are the best examples of this. They have all continued to improve and grow their skills throughout their entire career.”
Sean is a great guy and we are privelleged to have him as our president. He is a consumate professional and a warm and kind person as well. We hope he continues with us for many years.
This is a test.
Elizabeth Palmer Bennett – Treasurer
Elizabeth Palmer Bennett is a financial and operational executive with over 30 years experience across the non-profit, higher education and corporate sectors. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Certified Paralegal. She is currently based in Lititz, Pennsylvania. She has seen firsthand the benefits and extraordinary outcomes that Tennis Central has had on the lives of participating students. Excited to be a part of the organization’s vision of building character and confidence through tennis and education, she is ready to contribute directly to its strategic growth. Having had one of her own sons participate in Tennis Central programs, she is deeply committed to supporting the mission through service on the board.
Heidi Nissly – Secretary
Bio and Photo coming soon
Marley Dewey – Board Member
Marley Dewey is the Senior Manager of Learning Experience at the Urgent Care Association, where she leads professional development, education strategy, and member engagement initiatives. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and community building, Marley also serves on ASAE’s NextGen Advisory Committee, helping create meaningful opportunities for emerging association professionals.
As a parent, Marley has seen firsthand the impact Tennis Central can have on a child’s confidence, growth, and sense of belonging. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors and support Tennis Central’s mission of strengthening communities and transforming lives through tennis.
President & 4th generation Funeral Director, The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Lancaster, PA “As a first year board member and volunteer I wanted to give back to a sport that benefits kids as I was able to experience in my life. Tennis is a lifetime sport that incorporates all key elements of living. Physical exercise, courtesy, sportsmanship and respect for our fellow human relations which we carry throughout our life. Tennis incorporates strategic thinking and the final key essential in life: fun and joy.”
Takisha Stokes Board Member
Tennis Central has sparked a joy for tennis in two my sons. They are always excited to head to tennis lessons, and are eager to have the chance to participate in matches. They have had the opportunity to grow and develop not only in their character, but with so many memorable experiences too! Tennis Central has inspired our family to learn more about tennis, and to get involved when we can.
Linden Hall School for Girls, Director of Finance, Assistant Varsity Tennis Coach.
Tennis is so much more than just a game and has brought much joy to my life. I serve on the Board to give back, to youth of all abilities, the opportunity to learn and play tennis. The skills and experience gained through competition, physical fitness and friendships truly last a lifetime!
Robert Kintner – Advisory Team
“I donate time and money to Tennis Central to provide youth exposure to the healthy sport of tennis that will open doors of opportunity for a lifetime including socially, academically and professionally.”
President, Lawn Equipment Parts Company, Marietta PA “Tennis has been such a big influence in my life and I wanted to give back to the game and the community by supporting the great work that Tennis Central does. I have played tennis since I was 12 years old. I love the camaraderie with players from all over the country, the friendships I have made through tennis, the fitness, the competition, the fact that it truly is a sport for a lifetime.”
Juan Galarza – Advisory Team
“I give time and whatever else is necessary, because tennis is a vehicle to reach inner-city youth. Through tennis I have seen youth go to college, that would not have even thought of going to college. Through tennis, we are able to reach single-parent kids, and not only introduce them to tennis but also introduce them to a world outside of the inner-city.”
Linda Witmer – Advisory Team
Retired Director of Diagnostic Services, Clinical Lab, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, St. Joseph Hospital, Lancaster Regional Medical Center “I am actively involved with Tennis Central because I have seen the benefits of exposing children to tennis, how it teaches them to set and achieve goals on the court, with respect to their education, and in preparing to be responsible citizens.” Linda began playing tennis when she met her husband Jay, who was an avid tennis player. She has played on and served as captain for many USTA league teams and WTT teams. The Witmer family was named USTA Middle States Family of the Year in 1996. Linda has two grandchildren, Noah and Taylor who both love tennis and participate in many Tennis Central programs including ACES, Steinman Cup, and Junior Team Tennis.