Board Spotlight: Lopa Zielinski

David N. Dinkins—the first Black mayor of New York—once said that his “greatest interest and concern” as a member of the USTA National Board was that “people playing tennis look like this country.” Every day, USTA Eastern strives to operate under that governing principle; it is the section’s mission to ensure that anyone who wants to pick up a racquet has the opportunity to do so. There is a place on court for everyone; the sport should always reflect the diversity of all our many dynamic, vibrant communities.

Of course, an organization whose mission is to serve all should be composed of individuals who also “look like this country”. With that in mind, USTA Eastern has taken great strides toward diversifying its staff and board over the last few years so that those from all walks of life—with varying perspectives, experiences and approaches—can have a seat at the table. With Include-All, we aim to shine a spotlight on some of those many different voices. In this installment,we speak to Lopa Zielinski, the secretary of USTA Eastern’s Board of Directors. Zielinski—who also serves as the Managing Director, Global Head of Governance, CIB & Corporate Secretary/General Counsel, CG, Americas at HSBC—talks to us about what she has gained from giving back to the tennis community.

In 2021, as an adult, you joined the USTA Eastern Board of Directors. What interested you about serving in this capacity?

ZIELINSKI: Being a former Eastern junior, I always wanted to give back to the tennis community. But there were two driving factors in the timing. My sister, who was also a competitive junior and collegiate player, had passed, and I wanted to make a pointed effort to honor her by volunteering in an area that was meaningful to her and my family. Also, my children started competing. I volunteered as a Junior Team Tennis captain and with the USTA’s Net Gen program. Those experiences, in part, inspired me to want to do more. 

You’re now in your third term and serving as the governing body’s secretary. What is a project you’ve worked on during your time as a member of the board that makes you really proud? 

ZIELINSKI: I am proud of the work that I have done with the Eastern Grievance Committee.  When I first joined the board, we revised and implemented a more robust grievance policy. It took time and much work in partnership with the incredible competition staff, but I am happy with where we are today with the overall grievance governance structure.

What are some of the unforgettable experiences you’ve had being a part of this group?

ZIELINSKI: There are so many fun memories, it’s hard to narrow it down! But [one that stands out] was the first US Open I attended as a board member. I joined during the pandemic, so it was the first time I met some of my fellow members and the Eastern staff in person. The Eastern team made up some of the last people standing inside Arthur Ashe Stadium at 2:15 am after a Frances Tiafoe versus Andrey Rublev battle during the night session!

Give back to the local tennis community. Apply to serve on the 2027-28 USTA Eastern Board of Directors