LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

DAVID ARIAS MUCH OF THE LAST YEAR HAS INVOLVED TRANSITION.

NOW IT’S TIME TO GET TO WORK.

Phil Andrews embodies this work ethic in every way. Since starting as our new CEO in August, Phil has attended tournaments and visited with clubs large and small throughout the United States. He’s also addressing complex operational problems, managing a staff that includes many new faces, launching new initiatives in coaching education and fundraising, and simply getting to know the fencing community. That last point is important because getting to know a community means asking tough questions and speaking openly and honestly about the issues we face. Congrats on a great start, Phil!

The Board of Directors has been focused on moving us forward as well. During our annual meeting on Oct. 30, we worked through a long agenda that included action on protecting transgender rights, developing goals for our Paralympic fencing program, assigning a new team of volunteers to 20 different committees and working groups, selecting Board Advisors, changing the way disciplinary matters are handled, approving new Trustees to the United States Fencing Foundation, and evaluating our youth development programs.

These initiatives came from our fencing community — a committee, a fencer, a Board member, or our national office staff. I hope you’ll join us and help make a positive impact on USA Fencing this season.

David Arias President, USA Fencing Board of Directors