September 14, 2014
Minutes Annual Meeting of the USA Fencing Board of Directors September 14, 2014 in Colorado Springs, CO
Present: Nathan Anderson, Don Anthony, Michael Aufrichtig, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Mary Griffith, Diana Hoadley, Lorrie Marcil Holmes, Cody Mattern, Lianne Merchant, Jeff Salmon, Laurie Schiller, Daria Schneider, Doris Willette, Felicia Zimmermann Guests: Dan Berke, Keri Byerts, Kate Drummey, Kris Ekeren, Grant Jones, Melissa Jones, Lee Metcalf, Jim Neale, Kate Reisinger,
I.
General Information and Organizational Items
President’s Report (Appendix A) Question: Are we still looking for an Independent Director to replace Steve Trevor? We are looking for a truly independent director to replace Mr. Trevor. We have requested and received a list of names from the USOC and are reaching out to those individuals to see if they are interested in the position. Motion: (Mr. Aufrichtig) To amend the motion concerning the high school sanctioned event. Second: Mr. Blake. Motion passed. Motion: (Mr. Anderson) To amend the motion concerning a scheduled rollout of events. Second: Mr. Blake Motion passed. II.
Consent Agenda Items Motion: Mr. Anthony To approve the consent agenda. Second: Mr. Schiller
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
1. To approve the minutes of the June 21, 2014 meeting. 2. To approve the financial reports for May 2014. 3. To receive committee reports as submitted to the Board. 4. To adopt the 2014-15 Diversity and Inclusion Plan. Motion: (Mr. Blake) To divide the consent agenda motion to separate the approval of the financial reports. Second Mr. Salmon Motion passed. Motion to approve the consent agenda except for the approval of the May financial report passed. Motion: (Mr. Blake) To postpone financial reports for approval until the next board meeting. Second: Mr. Schiller. Motion passed. III.
Executive Director’s Report (Appendix B)
IV.
Finance Update (Sam Cheris) Sorry about the delays in receiving the financial reports. We discovered a bug in accounting system that resulted in the Profit and Loss not matching the balance sheet. The problem has been corrected. The preliminary net income for the 2013-14 year is $430-470k+. This is not as high as we budgeted. A contributing reason for this was the move of Sr. Worlds to occur in this fiscal year after the budget had been completed. We have requested reallocations from the USOC funding that may assist with the gap in funding. . Some other outstanding items from some vendors and the PSA housing company commission amounts are still being finalized. We do not have final numbers at this time, but should have them by the next meeting. The plan is to have the May, June and July financials by end of this month. Congratulations on the international success that we have had so far. Congratulations to the Women’s Sabre Team and Mariel Zagunis on the Senior World Championship medals and to Sabrina Massialas on her gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Mr. Anthony – Our cadets are showing great success, which really helps with future success. The FIE wants to potentially eliminate cadet championships. We are looking at options on addressing this directly by potentially hosting the 2016 Junior/Cadet Worlds Championships. We will share more information as it becomes available. V.
Vice President Update (Felicia Zimmermann) RPIT – Lee Metcalf and I had a rocky start with the project, but have come out with 6 initiatives. Two of the initiatives will be lead out of the national office with data management and logistics. We are working with Sam and FOC on the other initiatives. We are wrapping up RPIT work and roll the initiatives into the appropriate places, committees and the national office. Mr. Anthony – Thank you to the RPIT team for your perseverance and navigating so that we have an effective outcome. Lee Metcalf has been wonderful about his work on the RPIT. He began working with USA Fencing on the strategic plan, which resulted in additional work for USA Fencing. Due to the contribution from the Daugherty group, Lee has become passionate about the organization and we thank him for his work.
VI.
Legal Update (Jim Neale) The majority of the work has been privileged and confidential information. The legal work has been advising on contract, vendor and personnel issues and advising panels on a number of matters. We were involved in a lawsuit in Indiana that took a lot of time and I want to thank Donald Alperstein for his work on this case. The case has been dismissed. Ms. Ekeren – We are hopeful that the sale of the Tejon building will go through in October.
VII.
New Business Motion: (Mr. Anthony) To approve committee appointments (Appendix C) as provided to the board. Second Mr. Blake. Motion passed. Motion: (Mr. Aufrichtig) To add a waiver for the state of New Jersey to hold a one-time sanctioned event for high school aged participants where classifications can be earned, that does not follow the current age restriction rules. Rationale: All the fencers are members of USA Fencing. But age-restricted rules say either U20 and U17 OR U19 and U16 depending on whether it is after or before the JOs.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
We want to restrict to only HS age, nobody in college OR in grade school. There is no such category. We want to be able to offer classification. Motion: (Mr. Aufrichtig) To amend motion to read: To use the Denise O’Connor High School Tournament as a pilot competition to provide a pathway to award classifications to high school students.
Second Mr. Blake Motion: (Mr. Salmon) To run the high school event as a junior level event. Second Mr. Blake Amendment passed. Motion passed. Motion: (Nathan Anderson) To adopt an orderly Tournament Scheduling System rollout for USA Fencing for the 2015-2016 Season. 1. National Tournament - Dates and locations are set by Second Monday of February of the current season, rollout next season at 2015 Junior Olympics. 2. Super Regional Tournaments (SYC) - Second Monday of March of the current season 3. Regional tournaments (ROC/RJCC/RYC) - Second Monday of April of the current season, rollout at 2015 Division I Championships) 4. Division Sanctioned Tournaments - USA Fencing asks its Divisions to schedule their tournaments by this time to be included in 2014-2015 USA Fencing online calendar. Second Monday of July of the current season, rollout at 2015 USA Fencing Summer Nationals. Rational: Currently, all of these tournaments are scheduled nearly simultaneously and more conflicts are arising. If we created a proper rollout and had all of the tournaments scheduled in a proper order by Summer Nationals, a USA Fencing athlete could schedule their next season at our biggest tournament of the year: USA Fencing Summer Nationals. Tournament organizers could market all of their 2015-2016 tournaments opportunities to the whole USA Fencing population. Motion: (Mr. Anderson) To amend motion to read: To adopt an orderly Tournament Scheduling System rollout for USA Fencing for the 2015-2016 Season. The National Office will determine and publish rollout dates for the National tournaments, Super Regional Tournaments (SYC), and large regional tournaments (ROC and RJCC). Second Mr. Schiller US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Motion passed. VIII. Good and Welfare We want to congratulate Mr. Alperstein, who was a nominee for USOC Board of Director’s from the NGB Council and made it to the final four candidates. He did not make it to the final two, who were both university athletic directors Mr. Alperstein was nominated by USA Weightlifting Executive Director Michael Massik. Sunil Sabharwal was recognized at Ohio State University and the Fisher College of Business and received the Global Business Excellence Award. Julie Foley, former athlete of Mr. Schiller’s, is the first fencer inducted into the Northwestern hall of fame. Tentative Schedule for upcoming board meetings:
Wednesday December 3, 2014 Conference Call We would like to move the next in person meeting from February at Junior Olympics to the Div. I Nationals in Reno. The national office will send out a survey to see when the best time for this meeting will be. Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Conference Call June 26, 2015 In person meeting, San Jose, CA
Fencing Time was approved by the FIE so we can use it at our WC beginning in October. Congratulations to Dan Berke. Congratulations to Daria Schneider on being inducted into the Columbia University Hall of Fame. Mr. Blake – Challenges all board members to make a donation today via the USA Fencing webpage. Motion (Mr. Anthony) To adjourn to Executive Session. Second Mr. Schiller Motion Passed.
IX.
Executive Session Executive Session July 8, 2014 Present: Nathan Anderson, Don Anthony, Jerry Benson, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Kirsten Crouse, Diana Hoadley, Cody Mattern, Mary Griffith, Jeff Salmon Guests: Kris Ekeren, Jim Neale The USA Fencing Board of Directors heard from the defendant Orestis Herodotou about his violations of USA Fencing Safe Sport policy. Mr. Herodotou's said that he deeply regretted
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
the actions that lead to the Safe Sport violation. He promised to follow the panel plan for his possibility of his early re-instatement of his 2014-2015 suspension and he agreed to provide the USA Fencing National office with all written materials as verification. The Board heard from the Safe Sport Panel Chair John Springgate on his Panel finding and recommendations to the punishment of Orestis Herodotou. The Board voted to uphold the Safe Sport panel's finding and punishment this case by a 9 to 1 vote. USA Fencing Board of Directors voted for a panel in a Safe Sport complaint. Executive Session August 7, 2014 Present: Don Anthony, Jerry Benson, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Kirsten Crouse, Mary Griffith, Cody Mattern, Laurie Schiller, Steve Trevor Guests: Kris Ekeren, Jim Neale USA Fencing Board of Directors voted for a disciplinary panel for a complaint. Executive Session September 14, 2014 Present: Nathan Anderson, Don Anthony, Michael Aufrichtig, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Mary Griffith, Diana Hoadley, Lorrie Marcil Holmes, Cody Mattern, Lianne Merchant, Jeff Salmon, Laurie Schiller, Daria Schneider, Doris Willette, Felicia Zimmermann After hearing from respondent Adam Brewer, the Board voted by a two-thirds majority to accept, with one clarification requested by respondent, the report of a disciplinary panel convened with respect to allegations of certain Safe Sport violations. The sanctions, which are effective immediately, include a full suspension of membership until the conclusion of the 2015 Junior Olympics, and thereafter a suspension of certain other privileges of membership, until the conclusion of the 2016 Summer Nationals.
X.
Adjournment
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Appendix A President’s Report USA FENCING Annual Meeting September 14, 2014
I want to thank our outgoing Board Members Jerry Benson, Kirsten Crouse and Steve Trevor for their service and contribution to USA Fencing. I also want to welcome our new Board Members Michael Aufrichtig, Lorrie Marcil-Holmes and Lianne Merchant. Additionally, I want to thank the National Office Staff for all of their support, input and hosting the Board for a very productive retreat. The opportunity to interact with the Staff and understand the very important work for USA Fencing speaks to the very effective relationship developed over the last year with the Board due to the Governance principles implemented as a part of our Strategic Road Map. The consistent financial progress made over the last year as a result of the diligent efforts of Sam Cheris, Keri Byerts and Kris Ekeren has positioned USA Fencing to be completely out of debt by the end of the calendar year. This progress has been recognized by our bank and we will be able to return $125,000 of the $250,000 CD provided by the United States Fencing Foundation to support our line of credit. This is a major accomplishment for USA Fencing and we appreciate the support from the Foundation. Keri Byerts was also able to secure a second line of credit in the form of a new credit card. The credit care is in the name of USA Fencing and is unsecured. This is the first time in many years that USA Fencing has been deemed credit worthy and had a financial institution provide a card in the organizations name. Our athletes continue to make USA Fencing extremely proud with their outstanding competitive performances. All of our teams fenced strong and there where many outstanding performances. I want to offer special congratulations to our World Champion Women’s Sabre Team of Ibtihaj Mohammed, Eliza Stone, Dagmara Wozniak and Mariel Zagunis . I also want to congratulate Mariel on her individual Silver Medal and being selected by the USOC as the Athlete of the Month. Congratulations are also in order for Sabrina Massialas who took Team USA’s first Gold Medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. Our relationship with FIE continues to move forward and a number of our Committee, Commission and Counsel members attended meetings in Lausanne over the summer. We will continue to work closely with the FIE as we focus on making our sport successful in Rio in the eyes for the IOC. Major criteria for success will be television and internet exposure. With significant reduction in the Marketing Staff in the FIE office we will work with other Federations especially in the Pan Am Zone to meet the goals set out in the FIE Communication plan produced last year. I would also like to congratulate the Italian Fencing Federation and Alessandro Noto on the very successful Flash Mob initiative supported around the world on September 7, 2014. US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Over the last two years USA Fencing has addressed the most critical goals facing the organization at the beginning of the Quad as identified in our Strategic Plan. These were financial stability and governance. Now that those critical elements are in place we are in a position to address the other areas in the plan that will impact our ability to grow more membership, visibility and financial revenue. We have put plans in place to address the growth and development of our referees and those are beginning to be executed. We also are going to continue to work on our tournament structure to optimize the experience of our athletes, parents, volunteers and spectators. With these initiatives in place this will allow USA Fencing to focus on the element required for our success in the areas of Marketing and Alumni development to build and diversify our revenue streams and grow our budget. I want to thank Ron Daugherty, Lee Metcalf and Daugherty Solutions for their ongoing support of USA Fencing. Without their partnership, advice, counsel and resources we would not have been able to make the tremendous progress in our Governance and other critical areas that have allowed us to eliminate the External Auditor and USOC concerns we faced for many years. I also want to thank Phil Reilly and CMD for the generous donation of $50K in pro-bono marketing services along with Jim Neale and Norton Rose for the pro-bono legal support we have received over the last two years. USA Fencing is well positioned for continued success and we are very fortunate to have a passionate and very competent National Office staff under the excellent leadership of Kris Ekeren. Donald K. Anthony, Jr.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Appendix B
To:
USA Fencing Board of Directors
From:
Kris Ekeren, Executive Director
Date:
September 10, 2014
Subject:
Executive Director’s Report
____________________________________________________________________________ Please see the updates on the progress made on USA Fencing’s identified business objectives. Optimize Leadership/Operational Effectiveness The Governance Task Force completed their work on the updated bylaws. The National Office is recommending the streamlining of some committees to assist with the strategic alignment roadmap. The Referee Program Improvement Team (RPIT) is providing recommendations in partnership with the FOC and National Office to implement new referee initiatives. In an effort to measure operational effectiveness and customer service, Sarah Ross will be sending surveys to members after they interact with the National Office. Achieve /Maintain Financial Solvency, Stability & Sustainability The National Office will be meeting monthly to review budget reports and YTD numbers to ensure the 2014-15 budget remains on target and make adjustments if needed. The membership renewal numbers look strong through the month of August. Generate Sustainable Revenue from Internal and External Sources We are in the final stages of hiring a Director of Marketing. Once the position is filled, we will evaluate the option of hiring a Director of Development to build our development program, work with the Foundation, and increase individual gifts. The National Office partnered with Tim Morehouse and Fencing in the Schools to apply for the P&G grant offered to NGBs through the USOC. Grant Jones took the lead on the project and we received a $15K grant to start a FITS program in Colorado Springs (Winter 2015). In addition, Kate Reisinger applied for a Veterans Administration grant to support Paralympic Fencing. We have received notification that USA Fencing will receive a $90K grant to help with wheelchair fencing clinics and equipment. There will be a number of special events surrounding the upcoming International events, which will allow us to meet with many of our members and potential donors. Optimize Qualification and Tournament Process Thanks to Christy, her team, and the TIP group for their continued work on the qualification process. We anticipate that there will be further revisions for 2015-16 season as we learn from the current season experiences. US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Grow and Promote the Sport of Fencing Kelly Bowen, Membership Manager, is spearheading several initiatives. The first project was to promote the College Membership which has been well received and expected to grow as the new membership type is communicated. Thanks to Laurie Schiller for his assistance in sending out information to several groups. Kelly is also communicating with the National Federation of High Schools to establish a relationship with the group. We are still refining the club recognition program to provide an easy acknowledgement program for clubs. Seth Kelsey has been working with the Events staff to implement outreach programs at the Portland NAC. The weekend will include a school assembly to promote fencing, clinics at the venue, and working with the local clubs and Oregon division to connect clinic participants to ongoing programs. Cody Mattern has also been assisting with the efforts. Improve Sports Performance and Development The High Performance plan was submitted to the USOC in August and the presentation went well. The National Office should receive information on our funding in late September. I also want to highlight that the recently awarded VA grant will significantly assist the wheelchair program. I want to congratulate all of our athletes on their excellent results last season. Specifically, I would like to mention the Women’s Saber Team gold medal at World Championships and Mariel for her silver medal at the event. Congratulations to Sabrina Massialas for her gold medal performance at the Youth Olympic Games, bringing home the first gold medal for Team USA. We are looking forward to the 2014-15 season as we draw closer to Rio. In addition, we continue to work on initiatives that will impact our sports performance, including International Relations and Referee development. Transform Culture of Fencing Leadership and Governance The National Office continues to work with the Board of Directors and committees to address operational and governance issues. Refine Organizational Structure of Fencing in the US The National Office is recommending to the Board of Directors that additional resources (volunteer and staff time) be allocated to review the organizational structure of USA Fencing. Specifically, the structure review should detail how clubs, divisions, regions, and the National Office interface to promote the mission of the organization. If additional information is needed, please let me know.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Committee and Task Force Appointments – 2014-2015 Board of Directors Ex Officio: Kris Ekeren
Athlete Advisory Group Staff Liaison: Seth Kelsey US Fencing Representative to NGB Council and USOC Assembly USOC Athlete Representative USOC Athlete Representative – Alternate General Counsel Associate General Counsel Legal Resource Group Official Historian Secretary Parliamentarian Standing Committees Audit Committee Staff Liaison: Keri Byerts Budget Committee Election Committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Nominating Committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Additional Principal Committees Fencing Officials Commission Term expires:
Donald Anthony (President), Nathan Anderson, Michael Aufrichtig, David Blake, Sam Cheris (Treasurer), Mary Griffith, Diana Hoadley, Lorrie Marcil Holmes, Lianne Merchant, Jeff Salmon, Laurie Schiller, Cody Mattern, Daria Schneider, Doris Willette, Felicia Zimmermann (Non-Voting) Cody Mattern (Chair), Holly Buechel, Greg Chang, Ryan Estep, Daria Schneider, Jeff Spear, Rafael Suarez, Natalie Vie, Doris Willette, Iris Zimmermann-Nowack Executive Director Kris Ekeren President Donald Anthony Cody Mattern Daria Schneider Jim Neale Steve Sobel Donald Alperstein , Sam Cheris, Aaron Clements, Thomas Hanahan, Paul Levy, Julio Mazzoli, Alex Wood Andy Shaw Nathan Anderson, Melissa Jones Laurie Schiller Diana Hoadley (Chair), David Arias, Jerry Benson, Allex Gruman, Daria Schneider Sam Cheris (Chair), Ind Dir (TBD) Jan Viviani, Keri Byerts (nonvoting member) David Blake, Dan Berke, Michael McTigue, Nicole Ross, Lauren Willock Stacey Johnson, Wes Glon, Ivan Lee, Steve Trevor, Athlete TBD
Sam Cheris (Chair), Doug Findlay (Vice Chair), Mary Frye (Vice Chair) Sharon Everson (Secretary)
2015
Sam Cheris, Francisco Martin, Mark Stasinos
2016
Sharon Everson, Doug Findlay
2017
Peter Burchard, Derek Cotton, Mary Frye
2018
Gerrie Baumgart, William Becker, Vladimir Lilov
Board Liaison: Jeff Salmon Staff Liaison: Kate Reisinger Tournament Committee Board Liaison: Mary Griffith Staff Liaison: Christy Simmons Tournament Oversight Committee
Ex-Officio: Iana Dakova (FIE Arbitrage 2013 - 2016) Brandon Rochelle (Chair), David Blake, Sheryl Eberhardt, Nikki Franke, Alan Geller, Mitchell Hofing Carla-Mae Richards, Jeff Spear, Natalie Vie, Brenda Waddoups George Kolombotavich – FOC Liaison Eliminate Committee
Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Veterans Committee Board Liaison: Nathan Anderson Staff Liaison: Grant Jones Youth Development Committee – subgroup of Tournament Com Board Liaison: TBD Staff Liaison: Christy Simmons
Philippe Bennett (Chair), Jim Adams, Bill Becker, Rinaldo Campana, Paul Levy, Drew Ridge, Delia Turner, Judith Offerle Jennie Salmon (Chair), Kirsten Crouse, Michael D’Asaro, Tyler Jacobson, Jacqueline Leahy,Linda Merritt, Tasha Martin Poissant, Iris Zimmermann-Nowack
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Committees of the Board Clubs Committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Compensation Committee Board Liaison: Sam Cheris Staff Liaison: Keri Byerts Divisions and Sections Task Force Board Liaison: David Blake Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Equipment Technology Committee Technical Resource Group Board Liaison: David Blake Staff Liaison: Christy Simmons Ethics Committee Board Liaison: Lorrie Marcil Holmes Staff Liaison: Kate Reisinger Hall of Fame Committee – subcommittee of Marketing Board Liaison: Laurie Schiller Staff Liaison: Dir. of Marketing IT
Becomes Member Services Resource Team Sam Cheris (Chair), Brendan Bâby, Diana Hoadley, Lauren Willock
Donald Alperstein, Gerrie Baumgart, Jerry Benson, Fernando Delgado, Allen Evans, Richard Weiss, Edwin Hurst (Advisor)
Ron Herman (Chair), Dan Dechaine, Ted Li, Michael Mergens, Brian Rosen, Athlete TBD Bill Murphy, Matt Porter
Jim Neale (chair), David Arias, Stacey Johnson, Lewis Siegel, Stevel Sobel, Athlete TBD
Andy Shaw (Chair), Richard Cohen, Stephen Khinoy, Arnie Messing, Carla-Mae Richards, Doris Willette
Bill Walker, Dick Richards, Sri Kasi, Dan Berke, David Blake, Joe Salisbury, Teddy Sherrill
Board Liaison: Nathan Anderson International Relations Task Force Board Liaison: Donald Anthony Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Marketing & Communications Committee
Don Anthony, Carl Borack, Sam Cheris, Iana Dakova, Stacey Johnson, Francisco Martin, James Williams, Cathy Zagunis, Iris Zimmermann-Novak, Sunil Sabharwal Phil Reilly (Chair) ,Carl Borack, Allex Gruman, Lawrence Molloy
Board Liaison: Donald Anthony Staff Liaison: MKT Dir, Nicole Jomantas Parents Committee – Member Services Resource Team Staff Liaison: ROC Committee – subcommittee of tournament committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Task Forces National Points Task Force
Completed
Board Liaison: Sam Cheris Staff Liaison: Sport Performance Task Force Team Operations Task Force
Completed Completed
Sports Medicine Task Force Board Liaison: Cody Mattern Staff Liaison: Kate Reisinger Paralympic Development Resource Group – Task Force Board Liaison: Cody Mattern Staff Liaison: Grant Jones
Jeremy Summers (Chair), John Carollo, John Heil, Aladar Kogler, Dr. Donald DeMay, Greg Chang, Cody Mattern TBD (Chair), Dennis Aspy, Ginny Boydston, Michael D’Asaro, Pia Douglas, Sharon Everson, Terry Harkey, Jon Moss, Sean Shumate, Les Stawicki, Alan Bouwcamp,
High School Task Force Board Liaison: Michael Aufrichtig Staff Liaison: Kelly Bowen Collegiate Task Force Board Liaison: Laurie Schiller Staff Liaison: Kelly Bowen
George Janto, Holly Buechel, Tom Tishman, Laura Kirk, Michael D’Asaro, Dan Torchia, Walt Dragonetti
Carla Corbitt, Emik Kaidanov, Melody Lowman, Andy Tulleners, Patric Wallace
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Resource Teams Safe Sport Resource Team
Sports Performance Resource Team Member Services Resource Team
Dwayne Nicholson, Bradley Baker, Kevin Powell, Vero Piacentini, Lauren Rath, Sarah Kauffman, Jerry Benson, Julianna Sikes, Rob Raeihle Sam Cheris, Keeth Smart, Jeremy Summers, Iana Dakova, Buckie Leach, Ron Brandt, Maya Lawrence Kirsten Crouse, Amanda Uhry, Fernando Delgado, Iris Zimmermann-Novak, Jerry Benson
Athlete Representatives marked in Italics
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Present: Nathan Anderson, Don Anthony, Michael Aufrichtig, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Mary Griffith, Diana Hoadley, Lorrie Marcil Holmes, Cody Mattern, Lianne Merchant, Jeff Salmon, Laurie Schiller, Daria Schneider, Doris Willette, Felicia Zimmermann Guests: Dan Berke, Keri Byerts, Kate Drummey, Kris Ekeren, Grant Jones, Melissa Jones, Lee Metcalf, Jim Neale, Kate Reisinger,
I.
General Information and Organizational Items
President’s Report (Appendix A) Question: Are we still looking for an Independent Director to replace Steve Trevor? We are looking for a truly independent director to replace Mr. Trevor. We have requested and received a list of names from the USOC and are reaching out to those individuals to see if they are interested in the position. Motion: (Mr. Aufrichtig) To amend the motion concerning the high school sanctioned event. Second: Mr. Blake. Motion passed. Motion: (Mr. Anderson) To amend the motion concerning a scheduled rollout of events. Second: Mr. Blake Motion passed. II.
Consent Agenda Items Motion: Mr. Anthony To approve the consent agenda. Second: Mr. Schiller
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
1. To approve the minutes of the June 21, 2014 meeting. 2. To approve the financial reports for May 2014. 3. To receive committee reports as submitted to the Board. 4. To adopt the 2014-15 Diversity and Inclusion Plan. Motion: (Mr. Blake) To divide the consent agenda motion to separate the approval of the financial reports. Second Mr. Salmon Motion passed. Motion to approve the consent agenda except for the approval of the May financial report passed. Motion: (Mr. Blake) To postpone financial reports for approval until the next board meeting. Second: Mr. Schiller. Motion passed. III.
Executive Director’s Report (Appendix B)
IV.
Finance Update (Sam Cheris) Sorry about the delays in receiving the financial reports. We discovered a bug in accounting system that resulted in the Profit and Loss not matching the balance sheet. The problem has been corrected. The preliminary net income for the 2013-14 year is $430-470k+. This is not as high as we budgeted. A contributing reason for this was the move of Sr. Worlds to occur in this fiscal year after the budget had been completed. We have requested reallocations from the USOC funding that may assist with the gap in funding. . Some other outstanding items from some vendors and the PSA housing company commission amounts are still being finalized. We do not have final numbers at this time, but should have them by the next meeting. The plan is to have the May, June and July financials by end of this month. Congratulations on the international success that we have had so far. Congratulations to the Women’s Sabre Team and Mariel Zagunis on the Senior World Championship medals and to Sabrina Massialas on her gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Mr. Anthony – Our cadets are showing great success, which really helps with future success. The FIE wants to potentially eliminate cadet championships. We are looking at options on addressing this directly by potentially hosting the 2016 Junior/Cadet Worlds Championships. We will share more information as it becomes available. V.
Vice President Update (Felicia Zimmermann) RPIT – Lee Metcalf and I had a rocky start with the project, but have come out with 6 initiatives. Two of the initiatives will be lead out of the national office with data management and logistics. We are working with Sam and FOC on the other initiatives. We are wrapping up RPIT work and roll the initiatives into the appropriate places, committees and the national office. Mr. Anthony – Thank you to the RPIT team for your perseverance and navigating so that we have an effective outcome. Lee Metcalf has been wonderful about his work on the RPIT. He began working with USA Fencing on the strategic plan, which resulted in additional work for USA Fencing. Due to the contribution from the Daugherty group, Lee has become passionate about the organization and we thank him for his work.
VI.
Legal Update (Jim Neale) The majority of the work has been privileged and confidential information. The legal work has been advising on contract, vendor and personnel issues and advising panels on a number of matters. We were involved in a lawsuit in Indiana that took a lot of time and I want to thank Donald Alperstein for his work on this case. The case has been dismissed. Ms. Ekeren – We are hopeful that the sale of the Tejon building will go through in October.
VII.
New Business Motion: (Mr. Anthony) To approve committee appointments (Appendix C) as provided to the board. Second Mr. Blake. Motion passed. Motion: (Mr. Aufrichtig) To add a waiver for the state of New Jersey to hold a one-time sanctioned event for high school aged participants where classifications can be earned, that does not follow the current age restriction rules. Rationale: All the fencers are members of USA Fencing. But age-restricted rules say either U20 and U17 OR U19 and U16 depending on whether it is after or before the JOs.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
We want to restrict to only HS age, nobody in college OR in grade school. There is no such category. We want to be able to offer classification. Motion: (Mr. Aufrichtig) To amend motion to read: To use the Denise O’Connor High School Tournament as a pilot competition to provide a pathway to award classifications to high school students.
Second Mr. Blake Motion: (Mr. Salmon) To run the high school event as a junior level event. Second Mr. Blake Amendment passed. Motion passed. Motion: (Nathan Anderson) To adopt an orderly Tournament Scheduling System rollout for USA Fencing for the 2015-2016 Season. 1. National Tournament - Dates and locations are set by Second Monday of February of the current season, rollout next season at 2015 Junior Olympics. 2. Super Regional Tournaments (SYC) - Second Monday of March of the current season 3. Regional tournaments (ROC/RJCC/RYC) - Second Monday of April of the current season, rollout at 2015 Division I Championships) 4. Division Sanctioned Tournaments - USA Fencing asks its Divisions to schedule their tournaments by this time to be included in 2014-2015 USA Fencing online calendar. Second Monday of July of the current season, rollout at 2015 USA Fencing Summer Nationals. Rational: Currently, all of these tournaments are scheduled nearly simultaneously and more conflicts are arising. If we created a proper rollout and had all of the tournaments scheduled in a proper order by Summer Nationals, a USA Fencing athlete could schedule their next season at our biggest tournament of the year: USA Fencing Summer Nationals. Tournament organizers could market all of their 2015-2016 tournaments opportunities to the whole USA Fencing population. Motion: (Mr. Anderson) To amend motion to read: To adopt an orderly Tournament Scheduling System rollout for USA Fencing for the 2015-2016 Season. The National Office will determine and publish rollout dates for the National tournaments, Super Regional Tournaments (SYC), and large regional tournaments (ROC and RJCC). Second Mr. Schiller US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Motion passed. VIII. Good and Welfare We want to congratulate Mr. Alperstein, who was a nominee for USOC Board of Director’s from the NGB Council and made it to the final four candidates. He did not make it to the final two, who were both university athletic directors Mr. Alperstein was nominated by USA Weightlifting Executive Director Michael Massik. Sunil Sabharwal was recognized at Ohio State University and the Fisher College of Business and received the Global Business Excellence Award. Julie Foley, former athlete of Mr. Schiller’s, is the first fencer inducted into the Northwestern hall of fame. Tentative Schedule for upcoming board meetings:
Wednesday December 3, 2014 Conference Call We would like to move the next in person meeting from February at Junior Olympics to the Div. I Nationals in Reno. The national office will send out a survey to see when the best time for this meeting will be. Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Conference Call June 26, 2015 In person meeting, San Jose, CA
Fencing Time was approved by the FIE so we can use it at our WC beginning in October. Congratulations to Dan Berke. Congratulations to Daria Schneider on being inducted into the Columbia University Hall of Fame. Mr. Blake – Challenges all board members to make a donation today via the USA Fencing webpage. Motion (Mr. Anthony) To adjourn to Executive Session. Second Mr. Schiller Motion Passed.
IX.
Executive Session Executive Session July 8, 2014 Present: Nathan Anderson, Don Anthony, Jerry Benson, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Kirsten Crouse, Diana Hoadley, Cody Mattern, Mary Griffith, Jeff Salmon Guests: Kris Ekeren, Jim Neale The USA Fencing Board of Directors heard from the defendant Orestis Herodotou about his violations of USA Fencing Safe Sport policy. Mr. Herodotou's said that he deeply regretted
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
the actions that lead to the Safe Sport violation. He promised to follow the panel plan for his possibility of his early re-instatement of his 2014-2015 suspension and he agreed to provide the USA Fencing National office with all written materials as verification. The Board heard from the Safe Sport Panel Chair John Springgate on his Panel finding and recommendations to the punishment of Orestis Herodotou. The Board voted to uphold the Safe Sport panel's finding and punishment this case by a 9 to 1 vote. USA Fencing Board of Directors voted for a panel in a Safe Sport complaint. Executive Session August 7, 2014 Present: Don Anthony, Jerry Benson, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Kirsten Crouse, Mary Griffith, Cody Mattern, Laurie Schiller, Steve Trevor Guests: Kris Ekeren, Jim Neale USA Fencing Board of Directors voted for a disciplinary panel for a complaint. Executive Session September 14, 2014 Present: Nathan Anderson, Don Anthony, Michael Aufrichtig, David Blake, Sam Cheris, Mary Griffith, Diana Hoadley, Lorrie Marcil Holmes, Cody Mattern, Lianne Merchant, Jeff Salmon, Laurie Schiller, Daria Schneider, Doris Willette, Felicia Zimmermann After hearing from respondent Adam Brewer, the Board voted by a two-thirds majority to accept, with one clarification requested by respondent, the report of a disciplinary panel convened with respect to allegations of certain Safe Sport violations. The sanctions, which are effective immediately, include a full suspension of membership until the conclusion of the 2015 Junior Olympics, and thereafter a suspension of certain other privileges of membership, until the conclusion of the 2016 Summer Nationals.
X.
Adjournment
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Appendix A President’s Report USA FENCING Annual Meeting September 14, 2014
I want to thank our outgoing Board Members Jerry Benson, Kirsten Crouse and Steve Trevor for their service and contribution to USA Fencing. I also want to welcome our new Board Members Michael Aufrichtig, Lorrie Marcil-Holmes and Lianne Merchant. Additionally, I want to thank the National Office Staff for all of their support, input and hosting the Board for a very productive retreat. The opportunity to interact with the Staff and understand the very important work for USA Fencing speaks to the very effective relationship developed over the last year with the Board due to the Governance principles implemented as a part of our Strategic Road Map. The consistent financial progress made over the last year as a result of the diligent efforts of Sam Cheris, Keri Byerts and Kris Ekeren has positioned USA Fencing to be completely out of debt by the end of the calendar year. This progress has been recognized by our bank and we will be able to return $125,000 of the $250,000 CD provided by the United States Fencing Foundation to support our line of credit. This is a major accomplishment for USA Fencing and we appreciate the support from the Foundation. Keri Byerts was also able to secure a second line of credit in the form of a new credit card. The credit care is in the name of USA Fencing and is unsecured. This is the first time in many years that USA Fencing has been deemed credit worthy and had a financial institution provide a card in the organizations name. Our athletes continue to make USA Fencing extremely proud with their outstanding competitive performances. All of our teams fenced strong and there where many outstanding performances. I want to offer special congratulations to our World Champion Women’s Sabre Team of Ibtihaj Mohammed, Eliza Stone, Dagmara Wozniak and Mariel Zagunis . I also want to congratulate Mariel on her individual Silver Medal and being selected by the USOC as the Athlete of the Month. Congratulations are also in order for Sabrina Massialas who took Team USA’s first Gold Medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. Our relationship with FIE continues to move forward and a number of our Committee, Commission and Counsel members attended meetings in Lausanne over the summer. We will continue to work closely with the FIE as we focus on making our sport successful in Rio in the eyes for the IOC. Major criteria for success will be television and internet exposure. With significant reduction in the Marketing Staff in the FIE office we will work with other Federations especially in the Pan Am Zone to meet the goals set out in the FIE Communication plan produced last year. I would also like to congratulate the Italian Fencing Federation and Alessandro Noto on the very successful Flash Mob initiative supported around the world on September 7, 2014. US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Over the last two years USA Fencing has addressed the most critical goals facing the organization at the beginning of the Quad as identified in our Strategic Plan. These were financial stability and governance. Now that those critical elements are in place we are in a position to address the other areas in the plan that will impact our ability to grow more membership, visibility and financial revenue. We have put plans in place to address the growth and development of our referees and those are beginning to be executed. We also are going to continue to work on our tournament structure to optimize the experience of our athletes, parents, volunteers and spectators. With these initiatives in place this will allow USA Fencing to focus on the element required for our success in the areas of Marketing and Alumni development to build and diversify our revenue streams and grow our budget. I want to thank Ron Daugherty, Lee Metcalf and Daugherty Solutions for their ongoing support of USA Fencing. Without their partnership, advice, counsel and resources we would not have been able to make the tremendous progress in our Governance and other critical areas that have allowed us to eliminate the External Auditor and USOC concerns we faced for many years. I also want to thank Phil Reilly and CMD for the generous donation of $50K in pro-bono marketing services along with Jim Neale and Norton Rose for the pro-bono legal support we have received over the last two years. USA Fencing is well positioned for continued success and we are very fortunate to have a passionate and very competent National Office staff under the excellent leadership of Kris Ekeren. Donald K. Anthony, Jr.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Appendix B
To:
USA Fencing Board of Directors
From:
Kris Ekeren, Executive Director
Date:
September 10, 2014
Subject:
Executive Director’s Report
____________________________________________________________________________ Please see the updates on the progress made on USA Fencing’s identified business objectives. Optimize Leadership/Operational Effectiveness The Governance Task Force completed their work on the updated bylaws. The National Office is recommending the streamlining of some committees to assist with the strategic alignment roadmap. The Referee Program Improvement Team (RPIT) is providing recommendations in partnership with the FOC and National Office to implement new referee initiatives. In an effort to measure operational effectiveness and customer service, Sarah Ross will be sending surveys to members after they interact with the National Office. Achieve /Maintain Financial Solvency, Stability & Sustainability The National Office will be meeting monthly to review budget reports and YTD numbers to ensure the 2014-15 budget remains on target and make adjustments if needed. The membership renewal numbers look strong through the month of August. Generate Sustainable Revenue from Internal and External Sources We are in the final stages of hiring a Director of Marketing. Once the position is filled, we will evaluate the option of hiring a Director of Development to build our development program, work with the Foundation, and increase individual gifts. The National Office partnered with Tim Morehouse and Fencing in the Schools to apply for the P&G grant offered to NGBs through the USOC. Grant Jones took the lead on the project and we received a $15K grant to start a FITS program in Colorado Springs (Winter 2015). In addition, Kate Reisinger applied for a Veterans Administration grant to support Paralympic Fencing. We have received notification that USA Fencing will receive a $90K grant to help with wheelchair fencing clinics and equipment. There will be a number of special events surrounding the upcoming International events, which will allow us to meet with many of our members and potential donors. Optimize Qualification and Tournament Process Thanks to Christy, her team, and the TIP group for their continued work on the qualification process. We anticipate that there will be further revisions for 2015-16 season as we learn from the current season experiences. US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Grow and Promote the Sport of Fencing Kelly Bowen, Membership Manager, is spearheading several initiatives. The first project was to promote the College Membership which has been well received and expected to grow as the new membership type is communicated. Thanks to Laurie Schiller for his assistance in sending out information to several groups. Kelly is also communicating with the National Federation of High Schools to establish a relationship with the group. We are still refining the club recognition program to provide an easy acknowledgement program for clubs. Seth Kelsey has been working with the Events staff to implement outreach programs at the Portland NAC. The weekend will include a school assembly to promote fencing, clinics at the venue, and working with the local clubs and Oregon division to connect clinic participants to ongoing programs. Cody Mattern has also been assisting with the efforts. Improve Sports Performance and Development The High Performance plan was submitted to the USOC in August and the presentation went well. The National Office should receive information on our funding in late September. I also want to highlight that the recently awarded VA grant will significantly assist the wheelchair program. I want to congratulate all of our athletes on their excellent results last season. Specifically, I would like to mention the Women’s Saber Team gold medal at World Championships and Mariel for her silver medal at the event. Congratulations to Sabrina Massialas for her gold medal performance at the Youth Olympic Games, bringing home the first gold medal for Team USA. We are looking forward to the 2014-15 season as we draw closer to Rio. In addition, we continue to work on initiatives that will impact our sports performance, including International Relations and Referee development. Transform Culture of Fencing Leadership and Governance The National Office continues to work with the Board of Directors and committees to address operational and governance issues. Refine Organizational Structure of Fencing in the US The National Office is recommending to the Board of Directors that additional resources (volunteer and staff time) be allocated to review the organizational structure of USA Fencing. Specifically, the structure review should detail how clubs, divisions, regions, and the National Office interface to promote the mission of the organization. If additional information is needed, please let me know.
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Committee and Task Force Appointments – 2014-2015 Board of Directors Ex Officio: Kris Ekeren
Athlete Advisory Group Staff Liaison: Seth Kelsey US Fencing Representative to NGB Council and USOC Assembly USOC Athlete Representative USOC Athlete Representative – Alternate General Counsel Associate General Counsel Legal Resource Group Official Historian Secretary Parliamentarian Standing Committees Audit Committee Staff Liaison: Keri Byerts Budget Committee Election Committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Nominating Committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Additional Principal Committees Fencing Officials Commission Term expires:
Donald Anthony (President), Nathan Anderson, Michael Aufrichtig, David Blake, Sam Cheris (Treasurer), Mary Griffith, Diana Hoadley, Lorrie Marcil Holmes, Lianne Merchant, Jeff Salmon, Laurie Schiller, Cody Mattern, Daria Schneider, Doris Willette, Felicia Zimmermann (Non-Voting) Cody Mattern (Chair), Holly Buechel, Greg Chang, Ryan Estep, Daria Schneider, Jeff Spear, Rafael Suarez, Natalie Vie, Doris Willette, Iris Zimmermann-Nowack Executive Director Kris Ekeren President Donald Anthony Cody Mattern Daria Schneider Jim Neale Steve Sobel Donald Alperstein , Sam Cheris, Aaron Clements, Thomas Hanahan, Paul Levy, Julio Mazzoli, Alex Wood Andy Shaw Nathan Anderson, Melissa Jones Laurie Schiller Diana Hoadley (Chair), David Arias, Jerry Benson, Allex Gruman, Daria Schneider Sam Cheris (Chair), Ind Dir (TBD) Jan Viviani, Keri Byerts (nonvoting member) David Blake, Dan Berke, Michael McTigue, Nicole Ross, Lauren Willock Stacey Johnson, Wes Glon, Ivan Lee, Steve Trevor, Athlete TBD
Sam Cheris (Chair), Doug Findlay (Vice Chair), Mary Frye (Vice Chair) Sharon Everson (Secretary)
2015
Sam Cheris, Francisco Martin, Mark Stasinos
2016
Sharon Everson, Doug Findlay
2017
Peter Burchard, Derek Cotton, Mary Frye
2018
Gerrie Baumgart, William Becker, Vladimir Lilov
Board Liaison: Jeff Salmon Staff Liaison: Kate Reisinger Tournament Committee Board Liaison: Mary Griffith Staff Liaison: Christy Simmons Tournament Oversight Committee
Ex-Officio: Iana Dakova (FIE Arbitrage 2013 - 2016) Brandon Rochelle (Chair), David Blake, Sheryl Eberhardt, Nikki Franke, Alan Geller, Mitchell Hofing Carla-Mae Richards, Jeff Spear, Natalie Vie, Brenda Waddoups George Kolombotavich – FOC Liaison Eliminate Committee
Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Veterans Committee Board Liaison: Nathan Anderson Staff Liaison: Grant Jones Youth Development Committee – subgroup of Tournament Com Board Liaison: TBD Staff Liaison: Christy Simmons
Philippe Bennett (Chair), Jim Adams, Bill Becker, Rinaldo Campana, Paul Levy, Drew Ridge, Delia Turner, Judith Offerle Jennie Salmon (Chair), Kirsten Crouse, Michael D’Asaro, Tyler Jacobson, Jacqueline Leahy,Linda Merritt, Tasha Martin Poissant, Iris Zimmermann-Nowack
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Committees of the Board Clubs Committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Compensation Committee Board Liaison: Sam Cheris Staff Liaison: Keri Byerts Divisions and Sections Task Force Board Liaison: David Blake Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Equipment Technology Committee Technical Resource Group Board Liaison: David Blake Staff Liaison: Christy Simmons Ethics Committee Board Liaison: Lorrie Marcil Holmes Staff Liaison: Kate Reisinger Hall of Fame Committee – subcommittee of Marketing Board Liaison: Laurie Schiller Staff Liaison: Dir. of Marketing IT
Becomes Member Services Resource Team Sam Cheris (Chair), Brendan Bâby, Diana Hoadley, Lauren Willock
Donald Alperstein, Gerrie Baumgart, Jerry Benson, Fernando Delgado, Allen Evans, Richard Weiss, Edwin Hurst (Advisor)
Ron Herman (Chair), Dan Dechaine, Ted Li, Michael Mergens, Brian Rosen, Athlete TBD Bill Murphy, Matt Porter
Jim Neale (chair), David Arias, Stacey Johnson, Lewis Siegel, Stevel Sobel, Athlete TBD
Andy Shaw (Chair), Richard Cohen, Stephen Khinoy, Arnie Messing, Carla-Mae Richards, Doris Willette
Bill Walker, Dick Richards, Sri Kasi, Dan Berke, David Blake, Joe Salisbury, Teddy Sherrill
Board Liaison: Nathan Anderson International Relations Task Force Board Liaison: Donald Anthony Staff Liaison: Kris Ekeren Marketing & Communications Committee
Don Anthony, Carl Borack, Sam Cheris, Iana Dakova, Stacey Johnson, Francisco Martin, James Williams, Cathy Zagunis, Iris Zimmermann-Novak, Sunil Sabharwal Phil Reilly (Chair) ,Carl Borack, Allex Gruman, Lawrence Molloy
Board Liaison: Donald Anthony Staff Liaison: MKT Dir, Nicole Jomantas Parents Committee – Member Services Resource Team Staff Liaison: ROC Committee – subcommittee of tournament committee Board Liaison: Staff Liaison: Task Forces National Points Task Force
Completed
Board Liaison: Sam Cheris Staff Liaison: Sport Performance Task Force Team Operations Task Force
Completed Completed
Sports Medicine Task Force Board Liaison: Cody Mattern Staff Liaison: Kate Reisinger Paralympic Development Resource Group – Task Force Board Liaison: Cody Mattern Staff Liaison: Grant Jones
Jeremy Summers (Chair), John Carollo, John Heil, Aladar Kogler, Dr. Donald DeMay, Greg Chang, Cody Mattern TBD (Chair), Dennis Aspy, Ginny Boydston, Michael D’Asaro, Pia Douglas, Sharon Everson, Terry Harkey, Jon Moss, Sean Shumate, Les Stawicki, Alan Bouwcamp,
High School Task Force Board Liaison: Michael Aufrichtig Staff Liaison: Kelly Bowen Collegiate Task Force Board Liaison: Laurie Schiller Staff Liaison: Kelly Bowen
George Janto, Holly Buechel, Tom Tishman, Laura Kirk, Michael D’Asaro, Dan Torchia, Walt Dragonetti
Carla Corbitt, Emik Kaidanov, Melody Lowman, Andy Tulleners, Patric Wallace
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
Resource Teams Safe Sport Resource Team
Sports Performance Resource Team Member Services Resource Team
Dwayne Nicholson, Bradley Baker, Kevin Powell, Vero Piacentini, Lauren Rath, Sarah Kauffman, Jerry Benson, Julianna Sikes, Rob Raeihle Sam Cheris, Keeth Smart, Jeremy Summers, Iana Dakova, Buckie Leach, Ron Brandt, Maya Lawrence Kirsten Crouse, Amanda Uhry, Fernando Delgado, Iris Zimmermann-Novak, Jerry Benson
Athlete Representatives marked in Italics
US Fencing Board of Directors 2014-2015 September 14, 2014 Minutes
