During its regular meeting at the 2003 US Open Championship in Los Angeles, California, the USCF Executive Board has unanimously agreed to add two new senior staff members. FM Paul Truong has been named the Director of Marketing and Public Relations. This is an unpaid position. Mike Nolan has assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer.

The additions are a sign of the Executive Board's firm determination to take all steps necessary to return the organization to good health. Recognizing that time is critical, the newly restructured Executive Board is moving quickly to correct past problems at the USCF. Aggressive plans are being developed to substantially increase revenues while cutting unnecessary expenses.

Mr. Truong, who will report directly to the Executive Board, is particularly tasked with bringing in new revenues. He has 16 years of high-level marketing, management and public relations experience. Paul also has 33 years of chess experience, as well as being rated a master by FIDE, the international regulating body for chess. The FIDE master's long involvement with promoting chess, including the creation of the United States Women's Chess Olympiad Program, will help him to promote and enhance the popularity of chess nationwide.

Mr. Nolan will also report directly to the Executive Board, and will be responsible for overseeing all USCF operations. He has long been active in USCF governance, including extended service as a member of, and Parliamentarian to, the Board of Delegates, the Federation's highest ruling body. In addition to his chess credentials, he has an MBA and has taught college courses on management.

The Executive Board has begun a nationwide search for a person to replace Frank Niro, who recently resigned as Executive Director for reasons of health.

Beatriz Marinello, the newly elected President of the Federation expressed her happiness and satisfaction that the appointment of Paul and Mike will help jumpstart the USCF on the road to a prosperous future.

The United States Chess Federation, founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with more than 90,000 members. For more information, please see http://www.uschess.org.