RUD CELEBRATES LONG-TIME BOARD CHAIR, GEORGE HAGGARTY, AT “A TOAST TO LEADERSHIP” EVENT

Since inception, Racquet Up’s countless supporters have championed the mission- few as passionately as George Haggarty. George has served as board chair of Racquet Up for 12 years, and has taken the organization to new heights by creating deep connections with new and recurring supporters, being a tireless advocate for Racquet Up students and families, and spearheading the expansion into the new facility.

It took a little arm twisting initially to get George to jump in, but once he did…well, the rest is history. With a deep passion for the sport of squash, a life-long commitment to service, and a burning desire to help people reach their potential, George has been the ideal leader for this endeavor. He has helped raise immense financial resources since Racquet Up’s founding, including over $6.5 million to build Racquet Up’s world-class headquarters. George has been a magnet for talented, generous, and committed board members, donors, volunteers, and staff, knowing from the start that this was “all about the people.” Like any great leader, George knows not to ask anyone to do something he is not willing to do himself, so he has led by example through his commitment of time, energy, and financial gifts.

A few years ago, George began to think about “passing the torch” but would not feel comfortable doing so until the right successor was lined up.  Per usual, he shot for the stars and landed retired Comerica executive, Linda Forte, to serve as our next board chair. We made it official at our “Toast to Leadership” event on May 5th which honored George Haggarty and introduced Linda Forte as his successor. It was a special event in which nearly 100 people gathered to celebrate this transition and honor George’s leadership. The evening was complete with delicious food, great company, and inspiring remarks from long-standing RUD staff members, RUD alumna Ta'Niya Nored, board chair George Haggarty, and incoming board chair Linda Forte. Racquet Up is fortunate to have dedicated leaders who have shown unparalleled commitment over the past 13 years.

Linda will begin her term as board chair starting August 1st, and we are thrilled to have, yet again, such a seasoned, thoughtful, and dynamic leader at the helm.