Your National Slate

Fencing during the 2004-2008 quad has seen unprecedented growth and success. We have cheered those who brought home medals, not only from the Olympics, but also from the Veterans World Championships, Cadet and Junior Worlds and Wheelchair World Championships—as well as our multiple medals from World Cups and Pan American Championships. Our membership has grown by nearly 25%, 125 new clubs have been formed, and opportunities have been established across the country for our Youth fencers to learn and compete. We have placed US representatives on all of the FIE commissions. We have taken a small step forward with the implementation of on-line membership applications.

But there is much to be done to harness the energy and potential of these positive developments, to manage the growth of our organization to ensure that it continues to thrive. As nominees, we also recognize that there are significant challenges ahead: financial issues loom large, and we will need to implement a search for a new executive director, as well as to address questions of tournament structure and organizational governance. We also recognize that there is a need for transparency and accountability on the part of the USFA leadership at all levels, and pledge to keep the membership informed on a regular and timely basis.

Finally, a patchwork of great ideas and quick fixes will not serve our members well. The organization is complex and multi-faceted—changes in one area have effects in others, so a comprehensive and coordinated plan must be put in place.