The United States Chess Federation - Jennifer on a Pow-Wow in Crossville

Jennifer on a Pow-Wow in Crossville

By Jennifer Shahade
March 30, 2012
From left to right: Joe Nanna, Chief Financial Officer; Dan Lucas, Director of Publications; Jennifer Shahade, Chess Life Online Editor; Pat Smith, Chief Operations Officer; Robert McLellan, Management Consultant; Bill Hall, Executive Director; Glenn Petersen, Chess Life for Kids editor I just got back from Crossville, TN, where I attended a strategic planning meeting led by Executive Director Bill Hall to talk about state of the USCF as well as future initiatives. We discussed a broad range of subjects including a topic dear to my heart, USCF social media presence on twitter, facebook and youtube. We also congratulated Pat Smith on her new role as chief operating officer and got an update from her husband Phil on IT initiatives. Daniel Lucas talked about new features coming to Chess Life Magazine, such as "Faces Across the Board", a column by Al Lawrence that will focus on the accomplishments of amateur players. Consultant Robert McLellan, also executive producer of Brooklyn Castle, introduced himself to the gang. The southern hospitality and upbeat work ethic that surrounds the office was a pleasant treat indeed. Now I'm back in Philadelphia, where a major Open norm tournament starts next week. I'll be hosting a couple of Grandmasters at my house during the event so I may have some inside tidbits for you guys here, as well as CLO coverage and US Chess Scoop videos. Stay tuned!