Board of Directors

Jen Ramamurthy - Director & Board Chairwoman Email: director.3@pickleballaus.org

With 25 years as a PE teacher and sports coach, Jen immediately recognised the value of pickleball as a highly inclusive activity to be embraced by participants of all ages and ability levels, and developed into a sport for life.
To enable the development of others, Jen attained IPTPA Level 1 certification to supplement her coaching knowledge, and enjoys regularly running coaching sessions and introductory clinics.

Jen also values the competitive opportunities this sport has to offer, and has coordinated the establishment and running of the Brisbane Doubles Open, the Australian Pickleball Championships, and the Queensland Pickleball Championships over the last few of years.

Jen was a founding member and Secretary of Brisbane Pickleball Club, established and was founding President of the Pickleball Association of Queensland and as a founding board member of Pickleball Australia Association Ltd., is keen to build the presence of Pickleball across Australia for school students through to those participants in the 90+ age bracket.

As Board Chair, Jen hopes to support State Members with development and implementation of programs and policies to drive pickleball growth across Australia while also looking outward and creating connections with the International pickleball scene.

Nick Cooper - Director & Vice Chairman Email: director.4@pickleballaus.org

Nick Cooper was introduced to Pickleball 6 years ago in Colorado, USA by his father-in-law. Having a tennis and squash background, it did not take long before Nick was addicted to Pickleball and the culture surrounding the game.

Nicks passion for this sport has seen him involved in tournament organisation, coaching players, and supporting all and any pickleball events where possible. He is also setting a standard for others to follow having won a number of titles in both Singles and Doubles Events in various tournaments.

Enthusiasm to grow the sport of Pickleball and Nick’s passion for business, led to him to become a member of the Pickleball Australia Association board.

James Sharley - Director Email: director.6@pickleballaus.org 

Like most, I googled Pickleball and found an indoor venue in my nextdoor suburb of Coorparoo. Went to watch and the enthusiastic welcoming players soon had me on the court. Loved the game since. Play regularly and having introduced many family and friends to Pickleball as a great social and healthy activity.

Pickleball, what else could I play that provides for my ten-year-old granddaughter and me to have fun on the court. I have played in tournaments and Championships, but I am no threat to medals, I love the healthy activity and the social nature of our Pickleball.

I have been playing in Brisbane since 2017. I joined the PAA Inc Committee in 2018, then President of Brisbane Pickleball Club for 2019-2020 and I am now serving on the Board of PAA Ltd since January 2020.

Kaden Hensel - Director Email: director.1@pickleballaus.org

Kaden started his Pickleball journey in 2018 becoming an IPTPA Level 2 certified coach. After retiring from professional tennis in the early 2010’s, Kaden immediately noticed the differences between the 2 sports in regards to both culture and inclusivity. Kaden found the warmth and encouragement felt towards players who aren’t aspiring to be champions, along with the well documented health benefits for all ages, made Pickleball an obvious choice for one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Kaden currently competes in Pickleball tournaments around Australia and is the current Australian Doubles Champion as well as the current Pan Pacific Masters Games Singles and Doubles Champion. Kaden’s goal is to compete against many of his former tennis colleagues and friends in the US who have also embarked on a career in Pickleball.

Chris Pascoe - Director Email: director.8@pickleballaus.org

Chris has spent the last 25 years working nationally and internationally in the Hotel, Resort & Hospitality sector. He has held different executive & leadership roles during this time. Sport has been an integral part of his life, growing up playing basketball and karate, representing his university teams in both.

Chris' initiation into pickleball was when asked by his son: 

“Can you please drive me to pickleball?”

"My first time hearing about this new sport and I was hooked. My son asked me to take him to play with his friend, a competitive player. I was surprised to see just 2 people under 50 playing. At best, I was an average tennis player and I remember saying to myself I wouldn’t play such a game. However, they all seemed so happy, that I unwilling agreed to try. I didn’t leave the court for the next hour or two and possibly I may stay here for the next 20-30 years (as long as the body holds out)." 

I have come to realise the amazing people, the fun, the competition, the joy and the amazing community it brings together.

The sport is incredibly popular now,  showcasing technical skill, strategy, dinks & drives. It is going through an amazing transformation and growth phase worldwide and I look forward to being able to assist in any capacity possible in Australia and the greater Oceania region.

 Nikhil Shetty - Director Email: director.10@pickleballaus.org

Nikhil is a seasoned sports administrator with over 13 years experience working in high profile sports like Rugby, Formula 1, MotoGP and most recently Victorian Thoroughbred Racing. Nikhil has also developed extensive experience in digital strategy and innovation, customer experience, brand development and achieving commercial outcomes for iconic Victorian brands like The Age, Swinburne University, Siemens and Brown Brothers. 

Elected at the 2023 AGM, Nikhil focuses on promoting diversity and community engagement. He plays an integral role in ensuring pickleball’s growth is inclusive and accessible across all demographics.

Amy Hill - Director Email: director.11@pickleballaus.org

Amy joined the board in July 2024, bringing extensive expertise from the sports and events industries. She co-founded Podium Global Advisory and has held senior leadership roles, including General Manager of Operations at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. Amy is known for her strategic approach to leveraging sports for community impact. She is committed to supporting pickleball’s growth by enhancing organisational capacity and expanding opportunities for players nationwide.

David Swartz - Director Email: director.9@pickleballaus.org

Elected at the 2023 AGM, David Swartz brings strategic oversight to the board, focusing on governance and operational efficiency to drive impactful initiatives. His leadership is instrumental in fostering the growth of pickleball nationwide, supporting tournaments, and promoting player development. As both a dedicated player and a committed organisational leader, David’s dual contributions highlight his passion for advancing pickleball and building a stronger community for the sport across Australia.

Jodie Dunstan - Director Email: director.7@pickleballaus.org

Jodie joined the Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) Board as Finance Director in March 2024, bringing a wealth of expertise from her extensive career as a non-executive director and senior executive, including roles as CEO, COO, and CFO. With a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), CPA qualifications, and an MBA, she oversees the organisation's financial, risk, and governance functions, supporting the sport's growth and development. 

Her additional studies in Sports Technology and Sports for Good (Torrens University), along with sponsorship through the Australian Sports Technology Network (ASTN) in partnership with Microsoft and GSIC, make her a valuable member of the Technology Committee. Jodie previously served as Treasurer for Pickleball Queensland.

Rohan Sawyer - Director Email: director.5@pickleballaus.org

Rohan is an experienced sports administrator with a background in investment banking, brings extensive leadership experience to the Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) Board, which he joined in 2023 after being nominated at the Annual General Meeting. His career highlights include overseeing the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and serving as CEO of Queensland Rugby League. Now Queensland Managing Director at Bastion Experience, Rohan leverages his expertise in commercial growth and strategic development to support PAA’s mission to grow the sport nationally.