USA Fencing Welcomes Dr. Scott Rodgers PLY as Board Chair

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — History made: Dr. Scott Rodgers PLY — a Paralympic medalist, referee, coach and accomplished photonics innovator — has been elected chair of the USA Fencing Board of Directors, becoming the first active athlete and first member of the parafencing community to lead the Board. 

Elected on Oct. 25, he will serve through the Board’s Annual Meeting in fall 2027 (or at the pleasure of the Board), guiding USA Fencing and USA Parafencing as we advance the 2024–28 Strategic Plan and build toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games — and beyond.

Rodgers is also believed to be the second Paralympian to lead a U.S. national governing body, following Joel Rosinbum PLY at USA Triathlon — a milestone that underscores USA Fencing’s commitment to elevating athlete voices and growing parafencing opportunities nationwide.

“It is an honor and privilege to have been elected by my peers as the chairman of the board for USA Fencing. It is an amazing organization that puts on some of the best fencing events in the world,” Rodgers says. “I am excited to work with my colleagues and all the members of U.S. fencing to continue to improve and grow our sport, and set us up for success well beyond my tenure as Chair.”

A three-time Paralympian (2000, 2004, 2008), Rodgers won bronze at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games — the most recent Paralympic medal for USA Fencing. Earlier this year, he added a silver medal at the Para Fencing World Cup in São Paulo in Men’s Individual Epee B. He has earned 35-plus international medals and numerous U.S. national titles, and has contributed to the sport as a nationally rated referee, armorer and bout committee member. He serves on USA Fencing’s International Relations Committee, representing USA Fencing’s interest on the international Olympic and Paralympic stage.

Off the strip, Rodgers holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech and is a recognized expert in integrated optics and nanophotonics. His work includes 11 patents and a 2007 Department of the Navy Top Scientists and Engineers award. His career features senior leadership roles — including senior director of component technologies, program execution director for advanced program development and director of the Spectrum Systems Laboratory — overseeing complex programs and technology strategy across the aerospace sector.

“Scott’s election is a proud moment for our community,” says USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews. “As our first active athlete — and first leader from our growing Parafencing community — to chair the Board, he brings athlete-centered insight, competitive excellence and inclusive leadership. I also appreciate Scott bringing his experience as a referee, executive and 30-year fencer. I look forward to working with him and our entire board to serve our athletes, coaches, parents, club owners, tournament officials and the entire USA Fencing ecosystem.” 

USA Fencing congratulates Dr. Rodgers on his election and looks forward to working together to serve our members, strengthen our pathway and grow fencing across the United States.
Our volunteer leadership — Board Chair Dr. Scott Rodgers and CEO Phil Andrews — are always open to member feedback. You can reach them at Chair@usafencing.org and p.andrews@usafencing.org respectively, or catch them at a Listening Tour stop.

As he concludes his term as Chair, USA Fencing thanks Damien Lehfeldt for his service as Chair of the Board of Directors since September 2024.