Eric Fast, the College Squash Association’s first Chair of the Board of Directors after its governance structure change in 2017, passed away in July in Greenwich, Connecticut. Fast was seventy-four years old.
Along with the crucial role that Fast played in shepherding the newly reconstituted CSA into its new generation, he shared his passion for squash across the entire community. He previously served on the board of US Squash, while also showing meaningful support to the Squash & Education Alliance (SEA) and the club squash team at his alma mater, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
CSA’s outgoing Chair and Fast successor, John Nimick, shared his thoughts about Fast’s impact and passing:
“Eric Fast gave the new College Squash Association, as founded in 2017, a Chairman of gravity and great experience. All the newly elected Board Members were inspired by his leadership to work together to create a new and effective model for governing and expanding college squash. Eric made a tremendous impact on a new vision for the CSA. We are greatly saddened by his passing, especially remembering how much good cheer, matter-of-fact management, and positivity with which he embraced his role.”
According to Fast’s obituary, he channeled the lessons of his upbringing – “the importance of hard work, a commitment to doing what is right, and a sense of humility” – into great success both as a professional and a family man. His experience as a leading investment banker and chief executive was only surpassed by his dedication to his wife, three daughters, and their families.
“Working with Eric was awe-inspiring,” said CSA Executive Director & League Commissioner David Poolman. “He set an excellent example for our coaches, board members, and me personally, putting our new entity on the right path from the start. I feel very lucky to have been appointed to this role by Eric and to have had the opportunity to learn from him up close for two impactful years.”
More details about Fast’s life can be found here. One option to make a gift in lieu of flowers is to contribute to SEA’s Scholarship Fund in his name.
