USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In what’s certain to be the second most important election of 2024, we now know the eight individuals running for the USA Fencing Board of Directors.

This year, eight candidates will compete for two open seats created by the departure of Peter Burchard and current Chair of the Board, David Arias, who will not be running for re-election in the 2024 candidate pool, making this a good opportunity to publicly thank both men for their service to USA Fencing.

In January 2024, the Nominating Committee put forth four candidates for the election: Alex Goor, Maria Panyi, Jeffrey Salmon and Terris Tiller. Following a successful petition process, Igor Chirashnya, Iana Dakova, Andrey Geva and Sue Mohebi have also secured their places on the ballot.

That means the final field features eight candidates.

• Igor Chirashnya (Central California Division)

• Iana Dakova (Western Pennsylvania Division)

• Andrey Geva (Gulf Coast Division)

• Alex Goor (Northern California Division)

• Sue Mohebi (Southern California Division)

• Maria Panyi (Gold Coast Florida Division)

• Jeffrey Salmon (Long Island Division)

• Terris Tiller (Colorado Division)

• Voting opens: May 13, 2024

• Voting closes: May 27, 2024

• Winners announced: May 28, 2024

• Terms begin: Sept. 1, 2024

Any USA Fencing member age 18 or older in good standing as of Feb. 1, 2024, and who belongs to a membership class that includes the right to vote is eligible to vote. Eligible membership classes are Life, Competitive, Collegiate Competitive, Supporting, Access, Olympian Life, Paralympian Life, Life Installment and Coach.

To determine which of the candidates will be elected into the two open seats, voting will be conducted using a preferential voting system. In August of 2020, the USA Fencing Bylaws were amended to change the method of voting in elections to use this style of voting. 

Voters rank the candidates in order of preference. The two candidates who receive the best combined ranking will earn seats on the Board.

Members are encouraged to engage with the electoral process by reviewing the candidates’ campaign materials (posted to our website by April 29), attending the Candidate Forums on Zoom, and, ultimately, participating in the voting. 

Eligible voters — don’t miss this opportunity to influence the direction and priorities of USA Fencing!