After meeting with senior USCF staff, and examining the USCF's finances with a team of Certified Public Accountants including Chair of the USCF Finance Committee Stanley Booz, the USCF Executive Board has reorganized the national office in New Windsor, NY.

The reorganization plan includes the extremely painful decision to cut 17 staff, effective immediately.

"We have daunting challenges ahead," stated USCF President Beatriz Marinello. "However, I want to send a message to our 90,000 members that we are moving decisively to meet these challenges head-on."

"With a leaner staff, our cash flow will improve," added Marinello. "Then we can address other pressing needs, such as office technology upgrades, improvements to Chess Life magazine, and new web-based initiatives to improve member services."

"During this transitional period, as we do the things that must be done, I ask our members for patience and understanding."

In the short term, Grant Perks, CPA, a member of the USCF Finance Committee, will serve as Office Manager. Perks will focus on improving cash flow, preparing financial reports, and improving accounting systems.

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.