Meet the Candidates

MTG is powered by its members, and our next chapter will be shaped by the people who step up to lead it.

Meet the candidates running for the MTG Board for the 2027–2029 term. Get to know why they're interested in serving, the experience and skills they bring, and what they'd like to accomplish if elected.

We've organized their responses by position to help you learn more about each candidate before casting your vote.

Courts & Events Director

Shapes the experiences that bring MTG members together on court.

• Plan MTG's on-court events, including Winter Doubles League, Summer Ladder, Drill & Play, and Doubles Parties

• Work with tennis clubs and facilities

• Develop new playing opportunities for members

• Coordinate with Board members, committees, and volunteers

Candidates (click names to read more about the candidates):

• Shams Al Khafaji

• Tyler Cook
  

• Yuhao Feng
  

Yuhao Feng

Why I'm Running

MTG has given me a community where I can enjoy tennis and connect with great people, and I'd love to give back by helping create those experiences for others.

The Courts & Events Director role feels like a natural next step because I already enjoy hosting events and bringing members together. I'm excited to build on MTG's existing offerings while introducing fresh formats that make playing and socializing even more enjoyable.

Experience & Skills

Since May 2026, I've hosted monthly advanced-beginner Drill & Play events, working directly with Roosevelt Island Racket Club.

I've also actively participated in MTG's social and tennis events, including Doubles Parties, Drill & Play, and Round Robins, giving me valuable perspective as both an organizer and a participant.

I bring hands-on hosting experience, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to making members feel welcome and included.

My Priorities

My priorities would be to keep our established events running smoothly while introducing new options, such as themed doubles mixers and team-based challenges.

I'd seek member feedback to shape programming for different skill levels and interests, while working closely with our court partners on scheduling and coordination.

Above all, I want every event to offer both enjoyable tennis and opportunities to build friendships within MTG.

Membership Director

• Respond to membership questions, including joining and renewals

• Process membership applications

• Maintain the membership database

• Support general membership needs

Candidates (click names to read more about the candidates):

• David Chammas
• Thomas Lodge
• Shelly McCloud

David Chammas

Why I'm Running

I've been part of MTG for over three years, and it has given me an incredible community in New York, including some of my closest friends. I'm very grateful for everything MTG has provided me and would love the opportunity to give back.

As Membership Director, I'd be excited to help new members feel welcomed, connected, and engaged within the organization.

Experience & Skills

Having been an active MTG member for over three years, I have a good understanding of the events and members' experience.

I've also been helping run events over the past few months, which has given me a great opportunity to contribute more directly to the league.

I'm organized and (fairly) approachable and would love to help new members join MTG and make sure they make the most out of their experience.

My Priorities

My first priority would be to grow MTG's membership.

I'd also focus on making sure new members feel welcomed and have the information they need to get involved in our events throughout the year.

Finally, I'd love to keep current members engaged, encourage their participation, and make sure that all members have a great time participating in our events.

Thomas Lodge

Why I'm Running

When I moved to New York about 18 months ago, MTG was one of the places where I found community and friends. The friendships and sense of belonging have meant as much to me as the tennis itself, maybe more, and I think that's very possibly true for many of our members.

That's why the membership role in particular speaks to me. Membership is often the first point of contact someone has with MTG, and it shapes whether a newcomer feels like they belong.

I'd love to help more people have the experience I had: showing up not knowing many people and quickly feeling part of something.

GLTA, and now MTG, have brought a lot of fulfillment to my life over the last 15 years, and giving back is important to me. This role feels like the most meaningful way for me to do that.

Experience & Skills

I'm a very competent administrator, and I worked in the membership department at the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, DC for several years, serving as Associate Director of Membership.

There, I ran a program that recruited about 10,000 dues-paying members and 20,000 supporters each year, which required strong systems for tracking members, managing outreach, and following up consistently.

I also have deep GLTA volunteer experience. I served on the Second City Classic committee in Chicago for three years, including one year as tournament co-director, and I organized the banquet for the Capital Classic in Washington, DC.

With MTG, I've volunteered at tournaments and helped with Atlantic Cup logistics for the past two years.

In my current work, I lead growth and partnerships for a national nonprofit, so I'm comfortable with organization, documentation, and getting things done alongside other volunteers.

My Priorities

MTG is a terrific organization, and my goal would be to build on that. We're a diverse community, living in different places and leading different lives, so I'd always keep in mind that everyone should feel welcome.

My priorities would be:

• Listen to members. Run a short pulse survey on what members want more of and how they prefer to hear from us.

• Expand social programming. Add more socials, including gatherings around GLTA tournaments, so members connect on and off the court.

• Build a membership committee. Bring in volunteers to share the work and bring fresh ideas.

• Document how membership works. Create a simple playbook so the role is easy to hand off in the future.

Shelly McCloud

Why I'm Running

I want to give back to the tennis community and help MTG continue to grow.

As Membership Director, I'd love to help create a welcoming experience where members feel supported, connected, and excited to participate.

Experience & Skills

I bring strong communication, organization, and people skills through my work.

I enjoy helping others, keeping things organized, and making processes easier to navigate. I'm eager to learn MTG's membership systems and contribute wherever I can.

My Priorities

My priorities would be helping new members feel welcome, encouraging greater participation in MTG events, and expanding outreach to communities that may be underrepresented in tennis, including people of color.

I'd love to help build connections and create an environment where more people feel represented, welcomed, and excited to be part of MTG.

Treasurer

Help ensure MTG has the financial foundation to keep growing.

• Maintain financial records and complete annual tax filings
• Oversee budgeting and financial reporting
• Monitor income and expenses across MTG programs and activities
• Oversee sponsorship income
• Support MTG's overall financial health

Candidates (click names to read more about the candidates):

• Timothy Hilario
• Tung Nguyen

Timothy Hilario

Why I'm Running

MTG has been a great way for me to grow as a tennis player, meet amazing people, and be part of a welcoming community.

I'd love the opportunity to give back and support the Board in its efforts to make MTG an even better experience for its members.

The Treasurer role feels like a natural fit given my background in accounting and tax, as well as my experience with financial reporting and managing records.

I'd be excited to put those skills to use to help keep MTG's finances organized, transparent, and on track while working with the rest of the Board to support its initiatives and continued growth.

Experience & Skills

I have a strong background in accounting and tax, with experience in both public accounting and industry (in-house).

In my current role at PwC, I work on corporate and partnership tax compliance (federal and state), tax provisions, auditing, and financial reporting.

Outside of my full-time role, I also work with a few NYC small businesses on their bookkeeping, helping them maintain accurate financial records and streamline their recordkeeping so they can focus on what they do best.

I confidently believe this combination of experience would allow me to contribute meaningfully as MTG's Treasurer by helping ensure the organization's finances are well-managed, transparent, and used effectively to support its programs and events.

More importantly, I see this role as an opportunity to give back to a community that brings people together through tennis, friendship, and inclusivity.

My Priorities

If elected, I'd focus on keeping MTG's finances organized, accurate, and transparent.

I'd make sure we're keeping track of membership dues, court event income, and expenses, and that the Board has a clear picture of where we stand financially.

I'd also look for ways to make recordkeeping and budgeting easier so the Board can plan events and activities with confidence.

Ultimately, I'd love to use the skills I've developed throughout my career to support the Board's goals and help MTG continue creating fun, welcoming opportunities for members to connect through tennis and strengthen the community we all enjoy being part of.

Tung Nguyen

Why I'm Running

MTG has given me a wonderful community and many close friendships, and I'd like to give back by helping the organization grow stronger.

The Treasurer role is a natural fit because I'm organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing money.

Experience & Skills

I'm a Tax CPA by day, so taxes and accounting are my home turf.

I love organizing, documenting, and ticking off boxes, which means I will keep MTG books clean and tidy :)

My Priorities

First, I'd like to identify new sources of revenue.

Second, I'd keep expenses lean by trimming unnecessary costs so money goes where the fun is.

Finally, I'd set up a simple, reliable system of tracking money.

Technology Director

There are currently no candidates for the Technology Director position. This position remains open.

Women's Director — Co-Directors

Karen Funfgeld & Chrysanne Marzan

Karen Funfgeld and Chrysanne Marzan are running together as Co-Directors of the Women's program. They are the sole candidates for this position, and their joint candidacy is presented for members' information. No vote is required for this position.