Chair of the Governing Board, ThePWF —

 

Brigadier General James COMBS (U.S. Army, Ret.) brings a foundation of strategic leadership and operational excellence to his role as Chair of the Governing Board for The Pickleball World Federation (ThePWF). His appointment in December 2024 signals an exciting era for the sport’s global expansion, driven by his blueprint for a thriving worldwide pickleball community and his commitment to ThePWF's guiding principle, "Building a Brighter World Through Pickleball", a goal well-aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the IOC objective.

 

General COMBS’s distinguished 42-year U.S. military career, culminating in his command of the 40th Infantry Division and recognition with the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, is genuinely aligned with guiding the responsible growth of pickleball from grassroots to elite levels.

 

Beyond his military service, he has dedicated nearly fifteen years to impactful nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. He tirelessly championed veterans, soldiers, and their families, notably earning the Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal as LA Chapter President of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Further demonstrating his commitment to community well-being after his retirement, General COMBS served as State Chair and National Vice Chair of Strategy on the U.S. Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Board of Directors, receiving its highest honor, the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award.

 

A strategic leader dedicated to pickleball's positive impact on diverse communities—including youth, women, adaptives, seniors, and military—General COMBS, known to many as "Jim", has already delivered results in his first 60 days. He secured a comprehensive partnership with IGB Group (software development) and a sustainable agreement with Little Simple (pickleball equipment) to donate free "Welcome Bundles" to member countries. 

 

"Jim" will transform The Pickleball Movement^TM into a global force for good, securing its independent future and ensuring its transformative power reaches all nations across the globe. His mission: A worldwide movement governed by the "Infinite Game" mindset and collaborative, values-driven leadership.