Former world No.7 Kathy Rinaldi has been appointed US Federation Cup captain in place of Mary Joe Fernandez.
Rinaldi, 49, takes over an expanded position which will also involve working with Team USA players throughout the WTA Tour season and a much closer liaison with the USTA's player development.
"Kathy brings a rare combination of skills to the Fed Cup captaincy," USTA president Katrina Adams said in a statement.
"She was a top-10 player when competing on the WTA Tour and now is a top-flight coach with impeccable credentials."
Rinaldi won three WTA singles titles and two doubles crowns during a playing career that ended in September 1997.
In 1981, she became at 14 years, 91 days the youngest player to win a match at Wimbledon, a record that stood until 1990.
Fernandez resigned after eight years as captain, saying that the expanded role did not fit in with her other work and family commitments.
The United States, winners of a record 17 Federation Cup titles, last won the women's team competition in 2000 and were runners-up in 2010.
