Independent Director Kelly Watson Elected as USATT Board Chair

New Jersey-Based Vice President and Managing Partner with IBM Consulting Assumes Board Leadership Role in Second Term with USATT

(Colorado Springs, CO – March 10, 2025) – USA Table Tennis (“USATT”) today announced that Kelly Watson, an Independent Director beginning her second full term with the organization, was elected in a unanimous vote to serve as the Chair of the USATT Board of Directors during the Board’s regular meeting last week in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Watson, who is in her second term as a USATT Board, succeeds Richard Char, who will stay on the USATT Board as an Independent Director in his second full term.

“I’m honored and thrilled to be elected as the Chair of the USATT Board,” said Watson. “I have large shoes to fill in following the incredibly successful term led by Richard Char and thank him for his leadership. I look forward to working with the entire Board, our excellent and dedicated staff, and the USATT membership to grow and strengthen our organization and the sport of table tennis.”

Watson, who is one of four Independent Directors on the twelve-member USATT Board, has served in the role of Vice President and Managing Partner with IBM Consulting since 2021.  She has more than 30 years of business, operations and P&L experience. She currently leads a global team of professionals driving a range of financial, risk, operational and technology solutions to clients in the Life Sciences Practice.

Currently residing in New Jersey with her husband, Derek, and they are the proud parents of two adult children.  Watson serves on the board of several not-for-profit organizations as well as a financial institution.

A fierce advocate for developing leadership skills, Watson has been recognized on a number of occasions for her leadership roles. Her list of awards includes receiving the 2022 Girl Scouts USA Women of Distinction Award; a Generation W Inspired Leadership award; and being named by Consulting Magazine as a Top 25 performer for Excellence in Leadership. Watson received a Bachelor of Science from Fordham University in public accounting and finance. She is a certified public accountant in New York and New Jersey.