The ITA Timothy Russell Meritorious Service Award endowed by Jody & John Arnhold/Arnhold Foundation is given annually in recognition of an ITA coach who has gone “above and beyond” in their commitment and contributions to the ITA and college tennis in general.
Celebrating the contributions of ITA CEO Emeritus Dr. Timothy Russell, Jody and John Arnhold as well as the Arnhold Foundation have endowed this award in Russell’s name as the ITA Timothy Russell Meritorious Service Award endowed by Jody & John Arnhold/Arnhold Foundation.
As just the second chief executive in the organization’s storied history, Russell was appointed CEO and President of the ITA on July 1, 2015 and swiftly led the organization to new heights, building on the strong foundation that his predecessor, Dr. David A Benjamin, established during his time leading the ITA. He promoted the understanding that college tennis is ultimately about higher education. Bound by the belief that college tennis is the connective tissue for American tennis, Russell helped renew bonds between the ITA and the sport’s national governing body, the USTA. He developed connections with the International Tennis Federation, the global governing body of the sport, as well as the ATP and WTA. While professionalizing the Association, and expanding coach education offerings of the ITA, he worked tirelessly to showcase that college tennis develops the leaders of tomorrow whether on the tennis court or in the professional world and that college tennis is a pathway to success as a professional tennis player.
“My career was as an educator and builder of organizations,” said Dr. Russell. “Throughout my life, I have believed in servant leadership. As ITA CEO, I recognized that the best coaches are teachers, mentors, and leaders. It is humbling to know that these values will honor extraordinarily dedicated coaches who contribute regularly and over the long haul to our Association and sport. I am truly humbled that Jody and John Arnold, two wonderful and inspirational friends who live incredible lives of love and service, have endowed this award in perpetuity with the Arnhold Foundation.”
