With a distinguished 42-year U.S. military career dedicated to service, Brigadier General "Jim" COMBS (Retired) now leads "The Pickleball World Federation" ("The PWF") as Chair of the Governing Board. His commitment to community well-being drives his vision for a thriving global pickleball community. His military service culminated in his command of the 40th Infantry Division, for which he earned the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal. This foundation of strategic leadership and operational excellence makes him ideally suited to chair The PWF's Governing Board, guiding the responsible growth of pickleball from grassroots to elite levels and contributing meaningfully to both the sport and society. Beyond his exemplary military career, General Combs has dedicated nearly fifteen years to impactful nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, serving those who serve. As LA Chapter President of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), he tirelessly championed veterans, soldiers, and their families, earning the AUSA's prestigious Lieutenant General Raymond S. McLain Medal. He further supported citizen soldiers as State Chair and later National Vice Chair of Strategy on the U.S. Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Board of Directors, earning its highest honor, the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award, for securing employer support for Guard and Reserve members. General Combs's impact on the military community was profound and multifaceted. His American Legion initiatives addressed critical veteran challenges, including support for incarcerated veterans, specialized care for those with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and significantly improved access to transition programs. His dedication earned him numerous awards, including Man of the Year, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the Order of California by Governor Schwarzenegger, and the Magnolia Medal by Governor Barbour of Mississippi. General Jim Combs's appointment as The Pickleball World Federation Governing Board Chair in January 2025 signals an exciting new era for the sport's global expansion and respect. A distinguished leader with a deep personal passion for pickleball's transformative potential, General Combs is exceptionally well-positioned to guide The PWF. Having witnessed firsthand the sport’s positive impact on diverse communities–including veterans, youth, and seniors–he is committed to The PWF Founders' vision of "building a better world through pickleball". Within his first 60 days, "Jim" successfully secured a comprehensive partnership with IGB Group, a software development company, and is finalizing sustainable partnerships with pickleball equipment manufacturers. General Combs will champion "The PWF Pickleball Movement" worldwide, bringing its benefits to all nations through a unique blend of innovative leadership and responsible governance, while also honoring his unwavering service to the Guard and Reserve in the U.S. and beyond.