SEA is proud to welcome Robynne Chutkan, Jack Hellmann, and Sarah Robertson to the Board of Directors. “Robynne, Jack, and Sarah are terrific additions and bring a diverse set of experiences and strengths to the SEA Board,” says Chair Amrit Kanwal. “We are fortunate to have their leadership and support.”

Robynne Chutkan
Robynne is a gastroenterologist, best-selling author and D.C. resident. Born and raised in Jamaica, Robynne earned her B.S. at Yale University, where she played on the squash team, and completed her M.D. at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. Robynne is a longtime supporter of SEA’s Citizenship Tour and is co-chairing SEA’s effort to launch squash programs at historically Black colleges and universities.

“SEA gives me a platform to work on two things I’m passionate about: squash and democratizing access to quality education,” Robynne says. “I took a 20 year squash hiatus and then started playing again a few years ago. I’m slower but more competitive than I was back in college, and if the knees weren’t so creaky, I’d happily play every single day. I’m particularly excited to be working on the SEA HBCU initiative, and have met so many wonderful and passionate people through those efforts.”

“Robynne is a dynamo,” says Tim Wyant, SEA’s Executive Director. “She brings to the Board an infectious enthusiasm for the game and a positive, can-do vision for how we can make the squash community more inclusive, and the SEA network more successful.”

Jack Hellmann
Jack  is the CEO of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., an operator of 116 freight railroads worldwide. He completed his B.A. at Princeton University, where he played on the squash team, earned an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, and completed an M.A. from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Jack lives in New Canaan, CT and is involved with efforts to launch an SEA program in nearby Bridgeport.

“The opportunity to join an organization that has been so extraordinarily successful at changing lives through education and squash is a privilege,” Jack says. “And to be joining SEA at a moment in time when the depth and breadth of its organizational capabilities is at an inflection point is truly exciting.”

“While Jack has had an extraordinarily successful business career, it is his down-to-earth nature, kindness, enthusiasm, and love of family that distinguish him,” says David Kay, CEO of MetroSquash and SEA Board Member. “His can-do spirit and boundless energy will be a fantastic addition to the SEA Board.”

Sarah Robertson
Sarah serves on the boards of the Environmental Defense Fund, the Robertson Foundation, and SEA member program CitySquash. Previously, she served as board chair of Girls Prep Lower Eastside and was a member of the advisory board of Teach for America New York. Sarah assists with communications and workshops at PAVE Academy, a partner school of CitySquash’s Brooklyn site. Since joining the Board, Sarah has spearheaded SEA’s efforts to create safe, high-quality, in-person educational and athletic opportunities for students in the pandemic. Sarah completed her B.A. at Duke University, worked as a staff writer for the Wall Street Journal, and is a freelance writer, with pieces in such publications as The New York Times, Mindful Magazine, and Duke Magazine. The mother of four avid squash players, Sarah leads meditation classes for kids and women and resides in Brooklyn, NY.

“I’ve seen firsthand how transformational the work of SEA programs are and I’m thrilled to be joining the Board,” Sarah says. “Working with the SEA team to help promote squash and academic excellence and bring opportunities to more kids across the country is energizing and exciting.”

“Sarah will be a powerful addition to the Board,” says fellow Director Justin Lungstrum, who chairs SEA’s Nomination & Governance Committee. “She brings a wealth of junior squash experience and insight, and her unmatched energy will be a true asset for the network.”