NEW YORK (NWN) — Jane Brown Grimes, a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport as an executive who played roles on the WTA Tour and the Hall’s forerunner, the US Tennis Association, has died at age 80.
Hall announced the death of Brown Grimes on Wednesday, based on information from his daughter, Serena Larson. Hall said Brown Grimes died Tuesday at his home in New York City.
“Jane devoted her life to the game of tennis, and the sport has benefited greatly from her intelligence, grace and dedication,” said Mike McNulty, USTA President and President of the Board. “With her unparalleled dignity, Jen elevates our sport from the most local grassroots to the highest level of professional sport. She will be missed.”
Brown Grimes opened the New York Development Office for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1977 and was executive director of the Rhode Island-based hall from 1981–86, then its president and CEO from 1991–2000, overseeing the restoration of its historic buildings. And the field.
In 1986, she became the Managing Director of the Women’s Professional Tennis Council, the predecessor of the WTA. She was Chair of the Board, President and CEO of USTA in 2007–08.
Brown Grimes, who served on International Tennis Federation committees and Grand Slam committee, was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014.
“As the leader of the three major tennis organizations, Jane had a tremendously positive and widespread influence throughout the sport,” said Hall’s former CEO Mark Steining. “She was a shrewd leader who did everything with the highest level of grace, skill and intelligence. I am grateful that I considered her my friend and mentor.”
In addition to Larson, Brown Grimes has two sons, five grandchildren, and his brother, according to Hall.
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