Day 1: Guest Speakers and Industry Experts
Suzee Anderson
FOUNDING DIRECTOR - CLUB PICKLEBALL USA
Suzee Anderson is a trailblazer in the world of pickleball, blending her expertise as a former Top 10 professional player with her passion for coaching and program development. As a PPR Coach Developer, PPR Pro of the Year 2025, and the Founding Director of Club Pickleball USA, Suzee has transformed how pickleball is taught, played, and experienced across the country. As the driving force behind one of the largest indoor pickleball clubs in the U.S., Suzee developed thriving programs that include open play, skill-based round robins, King’s Courts, competitive events, and an ambassador program to foster club growth. Suzee has also designed a progressive training curriculum for adults and youth, focusing on skill development and strategy. Her curriculum is implemented at her two in-person academies and nine additional clubs across the country. Her innovative approach has made pickleball more accessible, engaging, and impactful for players and coaches alike, inspiring growth and excellence in the sport.
Laura Bowen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - USTA FLORIDA
Laura Bowen has served as Executive Director of USTA Florida since 2018. In her role, Bowen works alongside a board of elected volunteers and a staff of more than 50, to promote and develop the growth of tennis across the State of Florida. Since 2019, the organization has experienced unprecedented growth in new tennis players, and currently has one of the highest annual growth rates in the nation. USTA Florida currently manages four public tennis centers and delivers a broad range of programs and play opportunities through an expansive provider network. Bowen first joined USTA Florida in August of 2011 as Director of Marketing, Membership & Sponsorship. During her tenure, she has earned a reputation for building high-performing teams and leveraging technology and new ideas to improve operations and results. She is a vocal advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in sport, working with all partners in the tennis community to make tennis more fun, accessible and inclusive for everyone. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University.
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Tim Buwick
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - RSPA
Tim Buwick is an author, speaker, professional coach, emcee, and announcer at The Tim Buwick Company. He is the author of the book, Blasé 2 Ablaze – How to Turn your Blahs into Ahhs to Ignite Passion & Purpose. Tim has spoken to countless audiences around the world during his 40-year professional career in television, radio, sales, marketing, and promotions. He has interviewed and emceed events featuring some of sports brightest stars such as Roger Federer, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry, cultural icon Billie Jean King and tennis stars such as John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. In addition to his work at The Tim Buwick Company, he is also the Director of Business Development for the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), where he is responsible for creating sponsorships, endorsements, and partnerships for the organization. Tim is a certified racquet sports professional himself, teaching countless people the joys of playing pickleball, tennis, and platform tennis. He has produced a series of YouTube teaching videos that has garnered well over half a million views.
Ricardo Catarino
SENIOR VP OF OPERATIONS - TROON
Ricardo Catarino has over 25 years of experience in elevating all types of operations on a global level. During his career he has been instrumental in repositioning properties of all kinds (daily fee, private club, city club, luxury golf resorts, etc.) while building strong performing teams. Prior to joining Troon, Catarino served as the general manager at multiple private and public properties and as a regional director of operations for the Southeast. He is a native of Portugal and has intimate knowledge of the golf environments in multiple markets both domestically and internationally. Throughout his career, he has been known as a dynamic relationship builder who forges sustainable alliances with clients, vendors and industry leaders and one who leverages these into mutually beneficial partnerships. Ricardo joined Troon in 2016 as a Vice President of Operations and was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2022. Ricardo is based out of Troon’s Jupiter Office in Florida and oversees a portfolio of properties in Florida, Latin America and Europe as well as contributing to the growth of the company.
Ken Kosak
GENERAL MANAGER - BROKEN SOUND CLUB
Ken, a native of Pinehurst, North Carolina, is a Class A Member of the PGA of America and an active member of both the Club Managers Association and the Community Managers Association. With over 28 years of experience in the Club and Hospitality industry, he has led the management of some of the world’s most prestigious golf and country clubs across the Caribbean, Middle East, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and the United States on behalf of Troon. Currently, Ken serves as the General Manager/COO of Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida. Broken Sound Club is ranked #49 among the Platinum Clubs of America and is a Distinguished Club of America as well. Consistently ranking as one of the top County Clubs in the country, Broken Sound Club consists of 36 Holes of Golf, 5 restaurants, 22 Har Tru Courts, 8 Pickleball Courts as well as a full-service Spa and Salon. The Old Course at Broken Sound plays host the PGA Tour Champions annually with the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational. At peak season Broken Sound Club employs nearly 550 associates to service the 3,200 members of the club.
Rob Podley
GENERAL MANAGER - COLONIAL COUNTRY CLUB
Rob D. Podley Jr., CCM, CAM, General Manager/COO at Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers, FL, brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality and club management, and a strong commitment to innovation, leadership, and fostering trust. His career has been defined by a philosophy that prioritizes people, embraces new ideas, and strives for excellence. Rob has spent his career cultivating high-performing teams, building strong relationships, and creating environments where both staff and members feel valued. As a young leader, Rob understands the importance of trust and direction in leadership. By listening to his team and providing clear direction, Rob has not only achieved operational success but has also helped to build trust at every level of the organization—creating a work environment where innovation and greatness can flourish. Currently serving as General Manager/COO at Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers, FL, Robert has led the club to Distinguished Club status by BoardRoom Magazine/Forbes Travel Guide, recognition as one of America’s Healthiest Clubs, and a designation as the 4th most sustainable Club in the country by Vivid Leaf. His focus on financial responsibility, strategic planning, and a positive club culture has resulted in Colonial’s first budget surplus in years—twice. He also played a key role in securing approval for an $8M golf course renovation and a $10M master plan, all while improving membership satisfaction and associate engagement.