Rob Davidson (President)
rob.davidson@naysso.org
Rob graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Mathematics, then lived in Seoul, S. Korea for 8 years, teaching English, attended a Korean language program, and earned his Masters degree in Economics before returning to the US in 2011. He grew up playing tennis and found pickleball in July of 2014. It has since become a very influential part of his life, and he is so excited to get more people playing, especially more younger athletes. One of his favorite things about pickleball is its multi-generational playability. He has literally seen 3 generations of family members on a court playing together. With PLS, he feels that more youth athletes will be encouraged to participate in pickleball, as an alternative to some of the more traditional sports, and help lead the sport into becoming more wide spread throughout the ages, as well as assisting youth athletes with the financial burdens of higher education.
Tanyat Pham (Vice President)
tanyat.pham@naysso.org
Ms. Pham was introduced to pickleball in early 2017, and with all passion and vision, she quickly became an Ambassador for the sport. She possesses a diverse background in healthcare services and teaching, business marketing and strategic planning. She has successfully developed, planned, and executed pickleball programs and tournaments, including the online referee program “What’s The Call?” during the Covid lockdown.
Ms. Pham earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Health Science from accredited universities in America. Her post-graduate study in organizational leadership and business development along with her 20+ years philanthropic experiences in non-profit fundraising and strategic planning compliment the PLSF’s mission. Besides being a pickleball referee, she’s also a certified pickleball teaching professional and bilingual in Vietnamese. Ms. Pham loves teaching and giving back to the sport while building a stronger America and a better world!!
Gerald “Jerry” Newport (Treasurer)
grn01@aol.com
Gerald R. Newport graduated with a degree in Sociology and Physical Education Coaching from SUNY Brockport. In the ensuing years, ‘Jerry’ worked in multiple school districts in upstate New York filling multiple roles one as Director of Public Safety. He coached a variety of sports teams. While working with school Districts he facilitated Drug intervention and parenting program ‘Parent to Parent’ facilitating workshops to hundreds of parents
In 2002 Gerald was recruited by the Federal Government once again to serve in the Federal Government following 911 as Deputy Federal Security Director, overseeing thousands of employees. In these positions, he traveled the globe, protecting America, but always adding information about various cultures; a passion he developed as a child.
In April of 2015 he fractured his neck causing blunt force to his spinal cord. Following 2 weeks of being paralyzed from the neck down and 3 years of recovery he’s now playing pickelball, downhill skiing, waterskiing, and golfing once again.
Pam Leslie (Secretary)
PLeslie_PLSF@yahoo.com
Pam Leslie has spent 30+ years in Healthcare as a Registered Nurse working predominately in Critical Care and Cardiology. She was introduced to Pickleball about 4 years ago and enjoys all aspects of the game. In addition to tournament play, she assists in Tournament Operations and is also a Pickleball Referee.
Pam graduated from the University Of California, Long Beach and holds a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing and a Masters Degree in HealthCare Administration. Pam strongly believes that as we continue to face complex issues in our society, a higher education will prepare students to meet challenges with grit and determination. Education is a holistic journey that explores facets of individuality, perseverance, and skill. She is honored to help young athletes achieve their dreams and continue to promote the sport of Pickleball.
(General Director)
Vacant. The General Director (GD) is responsible for coordinating our fundraising efforts (namely our annual PLS Fundraiser pickleball tournament). If you are interested in this position, please contact Rob Davidson at rob.davidson@naysso.org