While there are definitely more than three items to ponder for both the "right" and "wrong" categories, here are ones that come to mind:

Right:
1. Grown an organization capable of producing elite fencers in all weapons, from the ground-up, who are competitive with the top ranks of world fencing. We now have a respected position and voice in world fencing.
2. Cultivated a national fencing community providing broad opportunities to enjoy the sport both recreationally and competitively (for many countries, fencing is elite and inaccessible to anyone but professional and/or fully committed athletes).
3. Transitioned to a more “in-the-moment” media organization, effectively leveraging social media at the very least for the benefits of our membership.

Wrong:
1. There is a fundamental lack of communication and guidance from the organization to support clubs to help them start, grow, and operate their businesses.
2. Our national presentation of fencing desperately needs to be overhauled, to improve the experience for fencers, spectators, coaches, officials, and [potential and actual] sponsors.
3. We must significantly improve efforts to market, brand, and publicize fencing outside our own community, to leverage our history, successes, and demographics, and to grow the sport.

Overall, I have seen USA Fencing grow and evolve over the last decade in spite of several significant missteps. I see excited kids come through the doors of our club every day and I know that the club experience is where it all begins for many, if not most fencers. It is essential that USA Fencing truly strive to understand fencing in the club context so that we optimize our ability to continue outreach to USA communities. This is how we will ultimately develop future Olympic champions, but also create opportunities for families and individuals to enjoy fencing for life.

I am running for the Club Director position. My background is diverse, including more than a decade working for the FIE and with USA Fencing, and I have extensive connections in world and national fencing in addition to a corporate resume in technology communications/marketing, journalism, and entrepreneurial endeavors. My background encompasses owning and running fencing clubs (including currently), competing nationally and internationally, being section officer/chair and a USA Fencing board member, coaching, and being a fencing parent and coming from a historical European/Russian fencing family. I have been to every Summer Nationals since 2001 as well as every Olympic Games and 22 world championships in the same time frame. I understand not only how to fence, but how the fencing community and world work at a broad level--locally, domestically, and internationally. I believe fencing clubs are the essential elements where fencing is cultivated, and where we reach communities with our sport. They are our lifeblood and are vital to ensuring fencing achieves its full potential in such a diverse (geographically, culturally, etc. etc.) country as the USA.

Here is my published candidate statement.

I would appreciate your vote and, if elected, will strive to fulfill the value it represents. Thank you very much.

Serge Timacheff