2025 Humboldt Bay Pickleball Club
Board Members 

President

I first discovered pickleball in Humboldt one week after early retirement in 2017, not realizing at the time how much it would consume and enrich my life. Having a previous background and interest in competitive sports that evoke much fun, laughter and social experiences like ping pong, volleyball and racquetball, I quickly became addicted not only to the game itself, but the community of people that I have met through pickleball.

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My thirty year career with the Federal government provided me with extensive training and experience working effectively as a member of a team, the importance of effective interpersonal communication, listening and representing all interests, and effective meeting management. I have served over 10 years on several other boards as President and other positions in the past, but none as satisfying and rewarding as the Humboldt Bay Pickleball Club.  

Vice President

As a long-term resident and business graduate of Humboldt State University (prior to its status change), I have been fortunate to make Humboldt my home, expanding my career—from finance to commercial lending and now as a RE/MAX Realtor. Over the past couple of years, I began hearing more and more from friends, and friends of friends, about how much they enjoy playing pickleball. Heather Rust encouraged me to try it; her passion for pickleball was contagious, but it’s also the game itself that fosters such a cheerful, diverse, welcoming and kind environment. By serving on the board, I hope to contribute my decades of professional experience to help grow this remarkable pickleball community.

Secretary

I discovered Pickleball while visiting my sisters in South Carolina.  I was pleasantly surprised to find so many great venues here in Humboldt County.  I've been hooked since February.  I am honored to serve as Secretary.  I've been involved in many non-profit clubs and organizations, mostly related to animal welfare.  I've learned that clubs can't survive unless folks step up.  I've filled just about any position you can think of including President, Treasurer, Membership, Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media, etc.  I'm currently the CFO for a local non-profit (Bless The Beasts of Humboldt County).  Although I am new to the sport, I would like to support the growth of Pickleball in Humboldt by serving as your secretary.

Treasurer

I picked up pickleball on a whim last year, and like so many of us, was quickly hooked and have been playing regularly ever since. I’m so appreciative of what the Club has done to promote pickleball in Humboldt—we have so many playing options for a relatively small community! I look forward to serving as treasurer, working with the incoming board to support our membership, and continuing to promote the growth of pickleball in our area. 

 

My professional background is in healthcare market research and project management. I’ve served on previous boards in a variety of capacities, including treasurer, and currently am the executive director of Frye’s Care Home, an assisted living community in Eureka. My husband, Dave Hayes, and I live in Eureka with our 13 year old son, and just sent our daughter off for her first year of college. 

Website/Membership Manager

I was introduced to pickleball by my friend, Jerry Phillips, who was also my tennis instructor 30 years ago at CR! January 2024, he took me to Larson Park for a lesson, and I was hooked!  Pickleball has brought me so much joy and renewed health in my life. I am excited about the growing sport of pickleball in our community, and I am honored to serve as your Website/Membership Manager while sharing my passion and enthusiasm for pickleball.

I was born and raised in Humboldt County and received a fine arts degree from Humboldt State University. I have been the owner/operator of Art of Hair Studio for over 20 years and co-owner/operator of The Fig Twig Market for the past 12 years. I have years experience with managing large events, websites, and social media.

Look forward to seeing you all on the courts!

Social Media Manager

I have been playing pickleball for about a year and lived in Humboldt for about 10 years. I learned how to play in a class taught by Jerry Saner at the McKinleyville Activity Center. I have a tennis background, but have transitioned to pickleball because the sport can be played all year round and the pickleball community is so active here that I can always find a group to play with when I have free time!

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In this position I would like to give back to the club by helping increase visibility of club events and awareness of opportunities to play pickleball in our area. I have years of experience using multiple social media platforms. I currently manage my department’s Instagram account (Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt) and have personal Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter accounts. I look forward to helping the club use social media to reach current and future pickleball players in Humboldt.