USA Pickleball, the national governing body for pickleball in the United States, announced that Chuck Menke was named chief marketing officer. Menke formerly led marketing for Sparking Life and USA Triathlon.
As a member of the executive leadership team, Menke will manage the organization’s revenue, marketing and communications verticals.
His career within the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement, NCAA Division I Athletics and the NHL includes more than two decades with U.S. National Governing Bodies, including the USA Triathlon and USA Hockey. He, most recently, served as Interim CEO of Sparking Life.
Previously Menke was the CMO at USA Triathlon for nearly 11 years, leading sales income through non-endemic corporate partnerships, including Toyota, Transamerica and Capital One. He also drove the marketing strategy in organizational membership and directed the communications strategies for multiple summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are truly excited to have Chuck in the CMO role for USA Pickleball as the sport continues to expand and accelerate in all directions,” said Stu Upson, USA Pickleball CEO. “Chuck is a highly experienced and accomplished leader in the sports industry, with a proven track record of delivering unprecedented results in various disciplines.”
Before USA Triathlon, Menke spent three years at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, opening the T.D. Bank Sports Center, a $55 million, arena for basketball and hockey. Previously he was director of broadcasting and communications with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues during the 2004/05 NHL Lockout, the NHL re-launch in 2005/06 and a subsequent team sale. While at USA Hockey, Menke was the director of Media & Public Relations. His international team staff appointments included the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and IIHF World Championships.
Photo courtesy Chuck Menke
