Answer the Call: Nominations Open for 2026 USA Fencing Board of Directors Seats
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by Bryan Wendell
Three At-Large Director positions — two elected, one appointed — are open for service in 2026. Nominations close Jan. 12.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — As the Olympic & Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028 approach, USA Fencing is calling for nominations to help shape the future of fencing in the United States.
The USA Fencing Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations — including self-nominations — for three At-Large Director positions on the Board of Directors. These seats, currently held by Molly Hill, Damien Lehfeldt and Abdel Salem OLY–EGY, will be filled in accordance with the updated USA Fencing bylaws: two seats elected by the membership and one seat appointed by the Board of Directors.
Nominations for any of these positions are open through Jan. 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. MT.
This is a rare opportunity to help guide a national governing body at a moment when fencing participation, visibility and competitive success continue to grow. The Board needs leaders who bring vision, accountability and a service-first mindset.
Two At-Large Directors To Be Elected
Members will elect two individuals to four-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2026, and concluding Aug. 31, 2030.
One At-Large Director To Be Appointed
Per the bylaws, the third open seat will be filled through Board appointment. The appointed director will also serve a four-year term beginning Sept. 1, 2026, and concluding Aug. 31, 2030.
Application Process
To apply as a potential candidate for the 2026 USA Fencing Board of Directors Election, please submit the following by 5 p.m. MT on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, to nominations@usafencing.org:
- Resume or executive bio detailing your education, work experience and skills relevant to serving as an At-Large Director.
- Written responses (250 words or fewer per answer) to these questions:
- Why are you applying to be a USA Fencing BOD member?
- What Board (or Committee) experience do you have previously, either inside or outside of the sport?
- How do you envision your role and responsibilities as a board member for USA Fencing?
- What do you envision as the top three priorities for USA Fencing and why? (Please rank the goals and priorities you’ve chosen.)
- What involvement have you had in USA Fencing and/or what involvement have you had in any other organizations that might be relevant to this role?
- Please share any additional information you think would be relevant or you’d like us to know.
In addition, all candidates must sign a qualifying affirmation. Please complete the Board of Directors affirmation (available here) and submit it with your application.
Finally, all candidates must have a current Conflict of Interest Declaration (if you do not have a current COI declaration, that can be completed here), SafeSport trained certification, USA Fencing background check current by the deadline of Jan. 12, 2026, to be considered.
What the Nominating Committee Is Seeking
USA Fencing especially values diversity of background and experience. The Nominating Committee will prioritize individuals with:
- Prior board experience or senior leadership in complex organizations
- Expertise in growth, service, finance, collegiate athletics, fundraising or strategic planning
- A demonstrated ability to collaborate, support the CEO, understand governance vs. operations, and help lead USA Fencing forward
Graduates of USA Fencing’s Leadership Academy are particularly encouraged to apply.
Timeline at a Glance — Board of Directors Election 2026
- Jan. 2, 2026: Window for nominations opens
- Jan. 12, 2026: Window closes at 5 p.m. MT
- Jan. 15, 2026: Nominating Committee reports to Membership and the Board.
- The Nominating Committee will present at least (but not a maximum of) one candidate for appointment (for one position), and a minimum (but not maximum of) 4 for election (for two positions).
- Feb. 14, 2026: USA Fencing Board of Directors to select an appointed At-Large Director at their Winter Meeting.
- Mar. 1, 2026: Nominating Committee deadline to add any candidates for appointment that were not selected by the Board to the Ballot.
- Mar. 2, 2026: Nominating Committee election candidates announced to Membership.
- Mar. 2, 2026: Petitions Open.
- Mar. 31, 2026: Petition deadline, 5pm MT.
- On or before April 15, 2026: Final ballot announced
- April 29, 2026: Bios and one-minute candidate videos posted
- TBA: General election opens (date to be determined by Election Committee)
- TBA: General election closes (date to be determined by Election Committee)
- TBA: Winners announced (date to be determined by Election Committee)
- Sept. 1, 2026: Terms begin for new At-Large Directors
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Board Election
When is the deadline to apply to be a candidate?
All application materials must be received by 5 p.m. MT on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
How many people can run?
The Nominating Committee will select at least one nominee for each of the two elected At-Large Director positions plus two additional nominees, for a total of four candidates.
Will nominees be considered for the elected or appointed seats, or both?
Nominees will be considered for all seats — appointed and elected.
When will nominees be announced?
USA Fencing will announce the final slate of nominees on March 2, 2026. After that, additional individuals may petition onto the ballot. The final ballot will be released on or before April 15, 2026.
When is the election?
The general election will occur in May 2026 (exact dates to be finalized by the USA Fencing Election Committee).
Who is eligible to vote?
Any USA Fencing member age 18 or older in good standing as of 60 days prior to election, and belonging to a voting membership class (Life, Competitive, Collegiate Competitive, Supporting, Access, Olympian Life, Paralympian Life, Life Installment, Coach) may vote.
How do I nominate a candidate?
Submit a self-nomination or suggest a potential candidate by emailing nominations@usafencing.org and following the instructions found on USAFencing.org.
Who is on the 2026 Nominating Committee?
Chair: Harrison Hue
Board Liaison: Andrea Pagnanelli
Membership: Harrison Hue, Andrea Pagnanelli, Iana Dakova, Cody Mattern OLY, Ellen Geddes PLY(Athlete), Kat Holmes OLY (Athlete)
