USA Fencing Election 2026: Nominating Committee Announces Initial Slate of Board Candidates, Issues Call for Petitions

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The USA Fencing Nominating Committee has announced its initial slate of candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors election, and the petition window is now open for members who wish to add their names to the ballot.

Two At-Large Director seats will be filled by membership vote this year. This election comes after the Board of Directors appointed Jeremy Sirota as an At-Large Director at its February meeting, with his term beginning Sept. 1, 2026, alongside the two elected directors.

The Nominating Committee advanced the following seven individuals to the ballot, listed alphabetically by surname:

• Bruno Cheron (North Texas)
• Greg Husisian (Virginia)
• Nona Lim (Northern California)
• Tim Ringel (Metropolitan NYC)
• Caterina Rovati (Central Florida)
• Abdel Salem OLY–EGY (Colorado)*
• Heather Shankwiler (Georgia)

*Incumbent.

(Note, the Nominating Committee also advanced Damien Lehfeldt to the ballot, but he has elected not to run for another term on the Board.)

The slate of candidates is not yet final. USA Fencing members now have the opportunity to petition for a spot on the ballot, as outlined below.

You can read more about the election at usafencing.org/election2026.

The petition process provides an opportunity for members to nominate themselves for the election. The petition window is now open and closes March 31.

Under the USA Fencing Bylaws (Section 9.3.b), prospective candidates must meet several requirements. Key among them: petitions must include signatures from no fewer than 6% of voting members in good standing, drawn from at least 4% of officially recognized clubs as their primary affiliation, with a minimum number of signatures from each of USA Fencing's six regions.

Here are the specific numbers for this cycle, based on eligible voting members as of July 31, 2025:

• Total signatures required: 965 (6% of 16,077 eligible voting members)
• Clubs represented: 29 (4% of 729 officially recognized clubs)
• Minimum signatures per region: 58 (6% of the 965-signature threshold, from each of USA Fencing's six regions)

In addition, prospective candidates must fully participate in the standard nomination process and identify the position for which they seek election. Prior to or simultaneously with the submission of petitions, the prospective candidate must submit in writing their willingness to serve, hold a current USA Fencing background check, a submitted conflict-of-interest disclosure and a Qualifying Affirmation.

Important note: To be eligible to petition onto the ballot, candidates must hold an active USA Fencing membership, be current on their SafeSport training and have a completed and passed background check.

All petitions must be conducted on paper with handwritten signatures; electronic petitions are not permitted.

Petitions may be submitted to nominations@usafencing.org with hard copies sent to:

USA Fencing Nominations 210 USA Cycling Point, Unit 120 Colorado Springs, CO 80919

All petitions must arrive no later than 5 p.m. MT on March 31, 2026.

• Links you need:
• Find the current Board of Directors petition template here.
• If you have not already, please complete the Board of Directors affirmation (available here) and submit it with your application.
• All candidates must have a current Conflict of Interest Declaration. If you do not have a current COI declaration, that can be completed here.

1. Members have until March 31 to gather signatures and file their petitions.
2. The National Office will authenticate petitions and signatures, and the Election Committee will determine whether petitioners meet the qualifications to be added to the ballot.
3. The final ballot will be announced on or before April 15.
4. The election will be held May 13–31, 2026.
5. The two successful candidates will serve four-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2026.