Dan Santorum Named Chief Executive Officer of The Directors Club
August 24, 2026
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – August 24, 2026— Dan Santorum has been named the Chief Executive Officer of The Directors Club, the organization’s first-ever CEO.
Santorum has been in the industry for more than 40 years, including serving as CEO of the PTR for 38 years, where he grew quadrupled the size of the organization During his tenure at the PTR, he also created three additional racquets organizations for pickleball, padel, and platform tennis, including PPR, now the world’s largest pickleball certification association.
He joined The Directors Club (DCA) as a consultant 14 months ago, and since then has helped the organization grow by 60 percent. But DCA Founder and President Jarrett Chirico says Santorum’s greatest impact in this industry cannot be measured in percentages—“it is measured in people.”
“For 40 years, Dan has been one of the most respected and accomplished leaders in the racquets industry,” says Chirico. “For me personally, this decision carries an even deeper meaning. Trust is not something you give away easily. It is earned slowly, through countless conversations, difficult moments, shared victories, honest disagreements, and the simple test of whether someone is there when you need them. Dan has earned my trust. I trust his judgment. I trust his heart. I trust his character. And I trust him with something that means more to me than I can adequately put into words: the future of The Directors Club.
“Dan gives you his time. He listens. He remembers. He shows up. His career has been defined not simply by what he has built, but by the people he has helped along the way. His influence and character have earned him the admiration and trust of an entire industry, including recognition with The Directors Club Lifetime Achievement Award.”
“The opportunity to lead DCA is exciting as well as a tremendous honor,” says Santorum. “Helping to improve the careers of leading racquets directors, who play a key role in our industry’s success, is both rewarding and humbling. I appreciate Jarrett’s support and confidence. Looking forward to working with our amazing team to take DCA to new heights.”