USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Fencer. Referee. Committee Member. And now Molly Hill can add another title to her fencing resume: At-Large Member of the USA Fencing Board. 

At its February meeting on Saturday, the USA Fencing Board of Directors appointed Hill as its newest At-Large Director. 

Hill, whose Board role begins immediately, will serve through Aug. 31, 2026. She is completing the term for the seat made vacant by the resignation of Ivan Lee. 

Hill, a Senior Image and Color Engineer at The Walt Disney Studios, brings a wealth of experience to her new role, not just from her professional career but also from her extensive involvement in fencing. As an accomplished epee and foil referee and Certified Referee Observer, Molly has been a familiar face at national tournaments and international cadet events. 

Her commitment to the sport extends beyond the strip, too. She has served on the Referees’ Commission (RC) Ethics and DEIB Committees, demonstrating her dedication to fostering a respectful and inclusive fencing community.

“Fencing has changed my life, and it’s an absolute honor to represent the community that means so much to me,” Hill says. “I’m excited to get to work with the rest of the Board, our talented national office, and all of the hard-working volunteers that keep our organization running. There’s a lot of responsibility and trust placed in the Board, so I promise to prioritize respect, listening, and learning as much as possible in my upcoming term.”

Phil Andrews, USA Fencing CEO, expresses his enthusiasm for Hill’s addition to the Board. 

“Molly’s extensive background in both the operational and competitive aspects of fencing, coupled with her professional expertise, makes her an invaluable asset to our Board,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas she’ll bring to the table.”

Hill’s fencing experience is extensive, including roles as an At-Large Director for the United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs (USACFC), Chair of the Northern California division, and former President of the Rochester Institute of Technology Fencing Club. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in the development of the WFencing Report Card, which she co-authored and published in 2020, further showcasing her dedication to improving the sport's landscape.

In addition to congratulating and welcoming Hill, Andrews expressed his appreciation to special Board members Donald Alperstein and Selina Kaing, who also were in the running for the At-Large Member seat. 

“I continue to be impressed by Donald and Selina's service and dedication not just to the USA Fencing Board of Directors but to the wider fencing movement,” Andrews says. “Selina and Donald are true leaders in our sport, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”

The Board also put forth an update to Bylaw 7.6c of the USA Fencing Amended and Restated Bylaws, aimed at refining the election cycle for At-Large Directors to ensure consistency and clarity in governance structures. 

The proposed amendment would adjust the terms and election years for At-Large Directors, aligning with the Quadrennium and Olympic cycle for a smoother operational flow within USA Fencing's leadership dynamics. The adjustment ensures that the correct number of At-Large Directors are elected at the appropriate times, safeguarding the integrity of the Board's composition and the tenure of its members.

Read the proposed change in its entirety here.

As with all Bylaw changes, USA Fencing invites its members to engage in this process by reviewing the proposed changes and providing feedback. To leave a comment, use the form linked here.

In other business, the Board: 

• Approved clerical and legal updates to the U.S. Fencing Foundation Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and USA Fencing's own Bylaws

• Voted to recognize the United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs as an autonomous sanctioned organizational member, pending approval of the USACFC membership. The move, if approved, would further emphasize USA Fencing's commitment to supporting collegiate fencing nationwide.

• Set its next meeting for 10 a.m. MT (noon ET) on Saturday, May 18, via Zoom.

Members can read the full minutes here.