The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) has announced the results of its first-ever member-led election, confirming ten newly-elected At-Large Board Directors who will now serve alongside the Continental Federation Chairs. This marks a significant milestone in the sport’s governance, with representation spanning Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Oceania.
A Landmark Election
On 27 May 2026, all GPF Full Member Countries in good standing participated in the historic vote, with the GPF opening nominations for said positions back in March. Conducted through an independent third-party platform, the process was overseen and verified by the Nominating and Vetting Committee, ensuring transparency and credibility.
This election signals a new era for pickleball governance, shifting towards a member-led structure where national federations have a direct say in shaping the sport’s global direction.
The Ten At-Large Directors
In alphabetical order, the newly-elected At-Large Board Directors are:
- Chandler Carney (Chile) – A former Division I volleyball player, now spearheading pickleball growth in South America through Chile Juega Pickleball.
- Cynthia Clark (Canada) – Recognised for her leadership in Canadian pickleball development and international outreach.
- Roger Keevy (South Africa) – A key figure in expanding pickleball across Africa, bringing organisational expertise and grassroots focus.
- Ngoc Nguyen (United States) – An advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in pickleball, with strong ties to community programmes.
- Rika Riordan (Japan) – Chairperson of Pickleball Japan, instrumental in unifying Japan’s governing bodies earlier this year.
- Ruth Rosenquist (United States) – Known for her marketing and communications expertise, helping pickleball reach wider audiences.
- Raymond Schuster (Samoa) – A pioneer in Oceania, working to establish pickleball pathways in Pacific nations.
- Steve Sidwell (United States) – Serving as Vice President of GPF, with extensive experience in governance and officiating standards.
- Leonardo Stango (Venezuela) – A driving force in Latin America, promoting competitive play and grassroots expansion.
- Erika Von Heiland Strader (United States) – A former Olympian, now dedicated to coaching and instruction within pickleball.
What This Means for Pickleball
The At-Large Directors will chair key committees within GPF, covering areas such as membership, officiating, marketing, coaching, and community development. Their collective expertise reflects the sport’s rapid globalisation, with pickleball now firmly established across continents.
This election also underscores pickleball’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that voices from diverse regions shape its future.
Looking Ahead
The newly-elected directors will begin their terms immediately, working alongside the five Continental Federation Chairs: Javier Regalado (Americas), Jen Ramamurthy (Oceania), Babatunde Epoyun (Africa), Aditya Khanna (Asia), and Marcin Matysik (Europe). Together, they form a governance team tasked with guiding pickleball through its next phase of international growth.
As pickleball continues to surge worldwide, this board represents both continuity and change—experienced leaders blending with fresh voices, all united by a shared mission: to professionalise, expand, and safeguard the sport’s future.
In short: pickleball’s governance has taken a decisive step forward. With ten new At-Large Directors joining the fold, the GPF is now better positioned to balance global representation with local realities, ensuring the sport thrives from grassroots to elite competition.
