BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At Pickleball University, our passionate Leadership Team is committed to creating an exceptional experience for every player. They help oversee the care of our courts and facilities, guide event planning, and support the efforts of the many amazing volunteers and members who help bring it all to life. Thanks to their dedication, Pickleball University is more than just a place to play—it’s a vibrant, welcoming community.
Mari Colacino
PRESIDENT
Mari is from North Carolina. Being a snowbird, Mari and her husband would come to Vero. They played Pickleball at Pocahontas Park when the lines were still drawn by chalk. They made so many friends and decided to move here permanently. Mari also enjoys bicycling, reading, and visits with her son, a professor at the University of Michigan.
Mari has been a part of Pickleball University from its inception and served as President in 2018, helping establish the foundation for the thriving club it is today.
Dave Caswell
VICE PRESIDENT
Dave was born in Rhode Island. After high school graduation he joined the Air Force and served 4 years.
In 1980, he moved to Maine, where he met his wife. While in Maine, Dave earned his Pilot's License and a plumbing and heating license.
Dave and his wife built a hospitality business over the next 20 years. When they sold their business, they moved to Vero Beach. Soon after, Dave joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he flew missions for the Coast Guard for 15 years.
Dave was among the first of 30 people to join PBU where he has done maintenance and served on past boards.
Dave continues to enjoy playing pickleball, golf and doing projects in his home woodworking shop.
Henry Habgood
TREASURER
Henry came to Vero from Wilton, CT after spending 15 years working in the NY/CT area as a Financial Advisor. He finally came to his senses three years ago and moved down to Vero, where he took up pickleball at Pocahontas and has been playing ever since.
He works in town at Washburn Capital, but in his free time he is either playing pickleball on the North courts or spending time with his wife and two young children.
Margaretta Andrews
SECRETARY
Margaretta Andrews lived on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts for 45 years year-round, working and volunteering primarily in the nonprofit world. She retired in 2024 after serving as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Nantucket, and now spends half the year in Vero and half in Nantucket.
A member of PBU since 2023, Margaretta enjoys playing as much pickleball as she can, between other activities, and spending time with her family, which includes her husband, two grown daughters and three grandchildren. She is looking forward to serving on the board of such a vibrant welcoming club!
Ralph F. Carley
DIRECTOR
Ralph F. Carley moved to Vero Beach six years ago from Mirro Lake, New Hampsire, to be closer to his children, grandchildren, and siblings, while enjoying the warmer winter climate. He spent 45 years owning and operating a custom home repair business before retiring in 2025. Previously, he was an active member of a pickleball club in Wolfboro, NH, where he volunteered at tournaments and helped set up and maintain equipment. In his free time, Ralph enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and working on home projects.
Bill Creadon
DIRECTOR
Retiring in 2017, after owning a plastic machining and fabrication company in southeast Pennsylvania, it was time to sail to the Bahamas. Exploring the Abacos for the winters landed me on a pickleball court in Marsh Harbour. Having played tennis on a frequent basis, pickleball was a natural progression. I got hooked on pickleball and now play everyday. Still sailing, fishing, kayaking, and messing with boats, Vero Beach became my new home. My engineering background always steers me to creating things and the last 40 years it was all in "plastics".
Chuck O'Hanlon
DIRECTOR
Chuck O'Hanlon grew up in West New York, NJ where he was a PE teacher for 31 years. He also owned and operated a racquetball club/ nautilus fitness center.
As one of the original founders of PBU, he served on the board as VP from 2018-2023. "It's great to be back on the board." He is looking forward to working with the board and club members to make PBU the best pickleball club in Florida.
Dale Samson
DIRECTOR
Dale Samson is a passionate pickleball player and outdoor enthusiast who thrives on staying active and enjoying life beyond the sidelines. A retired air traffic controller and experienced pilot, Dale brings a disciplined, detail-oriented mindset to everything he does, balanced by a love for family, adventure and relaxation in nature.
When he’s not on the pickleball court, you’ll likely find Dale casting a line on the water, embracing his love for fishing and the calm it brings. A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he rarely misses a chance to cheer on his team. Whether in the air, on the court, or outdoors, Dale values freedom, precision, and the simple pleasures that come with an active lifestyle.
Doug Vitunac
DIRECTOR
Doug Vitunac is a Vero local, and a graduate of Vero Beach High School, class of 1998, University of Florida 2003, and Florida Coastal School of law, in 2006. He is an equity partner
in the law firm of Collins Brown Barkett, Chtd., where he has practiced since 2006.
Doug’s introduction to pickleball came when he was hired by PBU to negotiate the lease and license agreements with the City. Later, his neighbor and popular gate keeper, Richard Schlitt, taught him how to play.
Doug also enjoys surfing and community work and is involved in a number of local charitable organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis of Vero- Treasure Coast, Youth Sailing Foundation, and We Care.