The American Tennis Association Inc. (ATA), the oldest African American national sports organization since 1916, is excited to announce the election of Robert Foster as its new President. He succeeds outgoing President, Roxanne Aaron, who served the organization with distinction as President for the past six years. Robert is a seasoned leader with over 20 years experience as a community tennis volunteer serving on multiple boards, such as the Pacific Coast Championships Tennis Association (ATA Section), Rancho Tennis Club in Los Angeles, California, and the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation in Lynchburg Virginia.
He's been an active board member with the ATA the last six years and most recently served as 1st Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, he helps as a part-time volunteer tennis coach in Los Angeles and is a member of Racquet Sports Professionals Association, Professional Tennis Registry, and the United States Tennis Association.
The ATA is committed to promoting the sport of tennis, protecting tennis history, and providing opportunities for players of all backgrounds. With Robert at the helm, the ATA looks forward to a bright future filled with new initiatives and increased communication. The ATA has played a pivotal role in providing opportunities for African American tennis players such as Arthur Ashe, Jimmie McDaniel, Althea Gibson. Furthermore, Coco Gauff and Alycia Parks are among the many young champions that have competed in ATA tournaments.
“I am honored to take on the role as President of the American Tennis Association”, said Robert. He also states, “Tennis has the power to transform lives, and I am committed to doing my part in expanding access to this sport for all regardless of background, but especially to our under-resourced communities. Together, we will work on being more collaborative with our ATA member clubs, increase membership and expand our corporate partnerships to drive awareness. We must create roles to get our youth and young adults actively involved." "As a 100 percent volunteer operation, we are mindful that we are caretakers of this tennis history and express our gratitude to those who support us with their time or money."
Robert began his accounting career with the international accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers as a staff accountant. He spent 29 years with Northrop Grumman, mostly as a senior corporate finance manager responsible for Hedge
Accounting and International Accounting. Prior to Northrop Grumman, Robert served six years as an audit and corporate tax partner for the local accounting firm of Gerber & Foster in Los Angeles California. Gerber & Foster Accountancy Corporation client portfolio included a hospital, law firms, building contractors, a national airport concession companies, and SEC audit clients. Robert has severed on the America Institute of Certified Public Accountants Task Force on Liquidity and Interest Rate Disclosures, has written nationally published articles in financial trade magazines, and presented at national conferences on accounting matters. As a Certified Treasury Professional, he has volunteered as a corporate advocate on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP).
For more information about the American Tennis Association and its programs, please visit www.yourata.org. or write to info@yourata.org