Every August, the Winston-Salem Open attracts more than 30,000 fans and five million global viewers, showcasing nearly 100 top men’s tennis players. The success of this event is attributed to a dedicated team working year round, led by Tournament Director Jeff Ryan and an exceptional group of eight women from Winston-Salem.

Jeff Ryan highlights the uniqueness of their local team in an industry reliant on seasonal employees. He says this local approach fosters a strong connection with the North Carolina community.

“Most tournaments are owned by a large company and use seasonal employees from around the country for an event. That is a successful business model, but another thing that makes us unique is that we are all in and of this North Carolina community,” says Ryan.

Jill Bowman, the sponsor services manager, collaborates with partners and oversees special ticket holders. She describes the event as a family reunion, reflecting the strong bonds formed within the team and with the fans. 

“We are not alike, but we are. No matter what’s going on, we learn from each other. It’s really empowering especially in a field that’s historically been so dominated by men,” Bowman beams.

Megan Wilson, involved in the event’s management, started as an intern and now plays a significant role due to her love for the fast paced environment. 

“I love the energy of the event industry, and I’ve always been interested in tennis because I played. The Winston-Salem Open is a unique opportunity to be involved at such a high professional level in my hometown,” she explains.

Volunteer Manager Jessie Carter, now overseeing 300 volunteers, transitioned from a volunteer to a paid staff member. Her role spans strategy to communication, showcasing the extensive planning behind the event. 

“People can be really generous, and we see that across the board with our volunteers. I’m really passionate about this space and our community, and the Winston-Salem Open allows me to engage in areas ranging from strategy to communication,” Carter shares.

Ann Brown Campbell, managing the box office and ticket sales, brings her financial expertise to the team. She highlights the region’s rich tennis history and her personal connection to the sport. “We have such a history of tennis here thanks to years of the Flow Motors Invitational and three Davis Cups,” Campbell comments.

Caroline Downs, responsible for group sales and ticketing, combines her professional background and passion for tennis. Her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced her desire to contribute to local tournaments, creating memorable experiences for young tennis fans. “Having a professional tournament in our backyard provides a unique experience for people to get up close to something that’s a big deal on the international stage,” Downs adds.

Haley Wilson joined the team with experience in organizing large scale events, including a notable Women’s Tennis Association event during the pandemic. She found a sense of belonging and family within the Winston-Salem Open team. 

“It’s an event the community really rallies around. I found a family. We really take care of each other and share our expertise,” Wilson says.

Jennifer Rackley, the newest member, brings a fresh perspective from her career as a physical therapist. Her involvement is driven by a desire to give back to the community and support women in sports. “To be involved with women helping women, especially women serving the community, is a privilege,” Rackley shares.

Robin Lindner, director of marketing communication, has been part of the tournament since its inception. She underscores the team’s dedication and the significant economic and social impact of the event on the local community.

“The tournament brings in about $5 million a year to our local economy, and it has given about $100,000 back to Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools and to community tennis in the last five years. But, none of that would be possible without our team,” Lindner states.

Collectively, these women’s experiences illustrate the importance of diversity and inclusion in professional sports. They highlight how collaboration and community involvement elevate the Winston-Salem Open beyond a tennis tournament to a significant community event.

The Winston-Salem Open, scheduled for August 17-24, 2024, at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex, showcases not only top athletes but also the power of community connection and the indispensable contributions of the women behind the scenes.

For more information and tickets, visit winstonsalemopen.com.