Board Names Donald K. Anthony Jr. USA Fencing’s Second Member of Honor

NEW YORK, N.Y. — From the fencing strip to the boardroom, Donald K. Anthony Jr. has worn nearly every hat our sport offers.

Now he adds one more: Member of Honor — an accolade the USA Fencing Board of Directors has awarded to Anthony in appreciation of his exceptional leadership, service and contributions in the United States and abroad.

In a roll‑call vote that passed 11–0, the Board approved a motion to name Anthony a Member of Honor. By policy, the honor requires a two‑thirds majority and may be offered no more than twice per calendar year.

Anthony served as president and chair of the USA Fencing Board of Directors from 2012 to 2020, guiding the organization through significant financial recovery and strategic growth. Under his leadership, USA Fencing moved from a sizeable deficit to solid footing, restoring confidence with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He championed diversity and inclusion initiatives that expanded access to fencing for underrepresented communities and represented the United States on the Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation (FIE). He continues his service as head coach of The Ohio State University fencing program, where he mentors student-athletes both on and off the strip.

Beyond governance, Anthony’s résumé spans athlete, coach and entrepreneur.

He founded SwordSport LLC to promote fencing through media, events and education, and he co‑founded the Peter Westbrook Foundation, which uses fencing to empower youth. As a competitor, Anthony represented Team USA at multiple Senior and Veteran World Championships, earning a silver medal at the 2010 Veteran Worlds.

“Don’s leadership has left an enduring mark on every corner of USA Fencing,” says USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews. “From strengthening our financial foundation to expanding access and opportunity, his vision helped position our organization for long-term success. This recognition reflects his many accomplishments and just as importantly, his deep and continued commitment to our fencing community.”

The Member of Honor recognition is new to USA Fencing but rooted in a tradition familiar across the Olympic movement: lifting up those whose volunteer service shapes a sport for generations. The award was created in July 2024 to recognize career contributions from Board members, committee leaders, division officers and other dedicated volunteers.

The inaugural Member of Honor was Donald Alperstein — a former USA Fencing president, longtime legal counsel, Jack Baker Service Award recipient and influential FIE leader — whose decades of guidance helped build the foundation we stand on today.

Anthony’s selection as the second Member of Honor continues that spirit. Congrats, Donald Anthony!