OUR STAFF
Get to know the PTR team below! We exist to serve our members and grow the sport of tennis together.
Dan Santorum
Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
As the longtime CEO, Dan has seen membership increase tremendously during his tenure, from an organization of 2,500 members in 68 countries to one with more than 16,500 members in 125 countries. Dan represents PTR at industry events and conferences, and has personally conducted more than 400 PTR workshops on six continents, in 46 countries and 225 cities. In 1999, he became the first person to conduct courses for tennis teachers in all 50 US states.

Our Team

Dan Santorum
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
As the longtime CEO, Dan has seen membership increase tremendously during his tenure, from an organization of 2,500 members in 68 countries to one with more than 16,500 members in 125 countries. Dan represents PTR at industry events and conferences, and has personally conducted more than 400 PTR workshops on six continents, in 46 countries and 225 cities. In 1999, he became the first person to conduct courses for tennis teachers in all 50 US states.

Brian Parkkonen
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Brian, who joined the PTR staff in May 2014, has had a series of promotions during his tenure. Prior to his new post as COO, Parkkonen served as Director of Education, where he was responsible for the direction and content of the organization’s four education pathways to certification, as well as Level 3 Specialist and Master of Tennis programs.

Iñaki Balzola
International Director
Iñaki coordinates the International Department of PTR. Iñaki has traveled to more than 100 countries to teach PTR Workshops, resulting in having taught more than 650 PTR workshops. He represents the organization at many International ITF and ATP conferences and symposia.

Julie Jilly
VP of Special Events and Pickleball
Julie is responsible for coordinating special events, such as PTR WEEK, Spring TennisFest, Tennis Club Owners Conference and Professional Development Weekend. Julie also manages the many benefits available to PTR members. Julie is a member of HEAD's Team Airflow.

Milena Stephens
Director of Education and Diversity
In this position, Milena will design, implement and manage PTR’s education for Level One, Level Two and specialty courses. To continue to expand tennis’ reach, Milena will work with PTR’s successful diversity programs such as the PTR ACE Program, Wheelchair and Adaptive Programs and the Junior Apprentice Program.
Milena is spearheading PTR’s exciting new initiative PTR-W - Because We Can. The program will recruit, certify and empower female coaches providing the tools and networking support they need to progress through their career paths.

Helma Cap
Membership Director
A familiar face to many PTR members, Helma has been with the organization since its inception. Prior to joining the inaugural PTR staff, she worked for Dennis Van der Meer.

Paige Payne
Education Coordinator
Paige Payne joined the staff at PTR in May 2012, after graduating with a degree in marketing from Ashland University, where she played on the tennis team.

Caitlyn Fries
Marketing Manager
Caitlyn joined PTR as the member experience coordinator. She assists PTR members both new and current, ensuring they have the best experience working with PTR. Caitlyn also manages PTR's branding.

Christopher Jones
PTR Member Services
Christopher joined the PTR family in September of 2022! His role is to provide the best experience to our members by ensuring they understand and have access to their PTR member benefits.

Sanaz Marand
PTR Membership Coordinator
Sanaz joined the PTR Staff in February 2022!
She played Division I college tennis at the University of North Carolina (UNC).
Then she went on to play the Pro Tour for 8 years.

Vicki Neitzel
Accountant
A Minnesota native, Vicki graduated with a computer operations degree, and moved to Hilton Head Island in September 1989. In 1991,

Louie Cap
International Clinician
Louie travels the globe conducting International PTR Day events, certification workshops & PTR testing. Louie is one of only two clinicians authorized to conduct international Etcheberry Strength & Conditioning Certification.

Dr. Anne Pankhurst
Education Consultant
Anne is the Education Consultant for PTR, responsible for designing and developing the new PTR Coach Education Pathway. She is also a consultant to several tennis academies and USA Football. Previously, Anne was Manager, Coaching Education for USTA High Performance, working with High Performance Coaches throughout the USA.