In a press release sent out on Monday, the United States Tennis Association Nominating Committee has announced the nomination of Katrina M. Adams as USTA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President.  Adams will become the first African-American and first former professional tennis player to serve at the association’s helm.

Adams has served on the USTA Board of Directors for 10 years and is currently completing a two-year term as First Vice President. She began serving a two-year term as First Vice President of the USTA in January 2013. Previously, she served one term as Vice President, 2011-12, and three consecutive two-year terms as a Director at Large, 2005-10. Adams also is a member of the Grand Slam Board and the ITF Davis Cup Committee.

In addition to her role as First Vice President, Adams is a contributor on CBS Sports Network’s first all-female sports show, “We Need to Talk,” and serves as a television analyst for Tennis Channel. She also is a contributor to Tennis Magazine and tennis.com, providing instruction articles and videos, and serves as the executive director of the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program in New York City.

Adams played for 12 years on the WTA tour, and was ranked as high as No. 67 in singles and No. 8 in doubles. She captured 20 career doubles titles. While a player, Adams served on the board of directors of the WTA as a player representative for four one-year terms and on the WTA’s Players Association for five two-year terms. She was honored with the WTA’s Player Service Award in 1996 and 1997.

Adams will begin a two-year term in January 1, 2015