New ICA Board Conducts First Board Meeting; Peoria's Patrick Cohen Assumes Duties as Downstate Vice-President

 

After assuming office February 1, the ICA Board held its first telephonic meeting Wednesday, Feb. 8. A quorum was established shortly after 7:30 and while little business was accomplished, board members were able to get acclimated to the procedings and agreed to meet again March 8.

Metro Vice President Kevin Taylor has asked that the boad undertake a SWOT assessment -- looking at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relating to the 55-year old 501 (c) (3) as the Illinois affiliate to US Chess.  The board is being tasked to complete a survey addressing these ideas when prepared by President Bill Feldman.

Any community members who would also like to complete the survey are welcome to do so.

Greater Peoria Area Tournament Director Patrick Cohen has now replaced Murrel Rhodes as the Downstate VP -- Rhodes recommended Cohen as his successor after Rhodes won the recent election as a write-in.

The Executive Board ratified Cohen earlier in the day Feb. 8 in time for his inclusion in the meeting.

Two At-Large positions are available on the ICA Board with terms turnning through 12/31/17.

Numerous committee opportunities are also available including the Bid Committee, the Youth Committee, the Website Committee, the Broughton / Awards Committee, the Warren Junior Scholars oversight committee, a new Finance Advisory Committee, and potentially, the Veteran's Committee.

Additionally, US Chess has charged all state affiliates with the creation of a "Women's Coordinator" so candidates are sought for that opportunity.

Further information about all these postings will be listed on the site in the near future -- but interested parties may contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Although board meetings historically have been closed to members themselves, any member of the chess community may contact the board to ask that a topic be discussed. It is also hoped that a form of the agenda will be posted in advance of meetings to allow community members to contact their favorite board member -- or to allow board members to conduct independent research on the topic.

Comments at the board meeting promoted the hope that the ICA is entering a new era of transparency and communication with the Illinois chess population.