Goal

Educate the public about chess.

Chess Education Foundation Team

Ryan Velez
President & CEO

Ryan is a top 1% player and has achieved the National Master Title. He is a multi-time state champion, has served in various chess roles at the state and national levels, and has helped educate over 10,000 people on how to play chess. Ryan also helps organize chess tournaments in Kentucky.

John Simons
Treasurer & NTD

John is a National Tournament Director, the highest certification. He has worked at over 30 national chess tournaments and has been responsible for pairing thousands of players together at various competitions. John has served as the Kentucky Scholastic Coordinator, is a multi-time state team champion, and has helped teach over 10,000 people how to play chess.

Richard Williams
Secretary

Richard is a senior level tournament director and has had many state level roles to help serve chess, including vice president, treasurer, secretary, and scholastic coordinator. He has worked at various national level chess tournaments and has been coaching for almost a decade. Richard is also an attorney in Kentucky.

Allen Priest
Board Member

Allen Priest is the former US Chess President and long time supporter of chess in Kentucky. He is also a CPA, and serves many different communities within Louisville, KY.

James Peden
Board Member

James Peden is a retired JCPS teacher and a former Louisville Metro Council member. At both the government level all the way down to the individual level, James has been an avid chess supporter for decades. James is helping Chess Education Foundation grow and we are grateful to him.

Eric Yussman
Board Member

Eric worked for LG&E for 17 years analyzing utility planning, operations, legislation, regulation, technology, and economics. He has a masters in Public Policy and a Bachelors in Psychology from U of L. Eric is a huge local supporter of chess and opened the first dedicated chess club in Kentucky since the Louisville Chess Club back in the 1800s.

Conway Stone
Board Member

Conway is an avid Wednesday Night Chess attendee. He has been a big supporter of all CEF does, and helps us with fundraising. Conway has strong connections to various musicians throughout the country, and often hosts them at his home. Conway also authored the book Dream High, and has done motivational speaking for many years.

Russ Wallace
Board Member

Russ is another avid Wednesday Night Chess attendee who has been helping the Chess Education Foundation continue its mission for several years. He wanted to know how he could help CEF keep everything going, and has been true to his word. We are grateful for his board service.