De Knudson                                               SOLID VALUES
2100 Slaten Court                                        PROVEN LEADER
Sioux Falls, SD 57103                                 MOVING FORWARD
(605) 338-9431
knudson1@home.com

Dear USCF Elector:

I would appreciate your vote for the USCF Board. As you may know, I am one of ten candidates running for four open spots.

The campaign slogan I have chosen fits me very well. My SOLID VALUES include honesty, integrity, enthusiasm and friendliness. Also, I am extremely organized and work hard to improve any project I undertake. Good communication is necessary in all organizations – including the United States Chess Federation where I believe maintaining an accurate rating system and reporting ratings in a timely manner via the Internet should be the number one priority.

Secondly, I am a PROVEN LEADER as founder and organizer of the Governor’s Cup Chess Tournament here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The sixth Governor’s Cup will take place from September 21 – 23. Check our Web site for more details: www.sdchess.org or call or email me if you would like more information. Maybe you would like to be your state’s representative to this popular tournament.

In 1999 I was named Organizer of the Year with IM John Donaldson for organizing the 1999 National High School Championship as well as the Governor’s Cup. I am also the president of the Sioux Empire Chess Foundation in South Dakota and have been very active and successful promoting scholastic chess in our great state of South Dakota. I served as president of the South Dakota Chess Association from 1998 – 2000. Becoming a "chess mom" ten years ago has led to more than I ever imagined!

MOVING FORWARD - If elected to the Executive Board, my first order of business would be the financial stability of the United States Chess Federation. To accomplish this goal, I would work hard finding more sponsors and raising other funds as I have done here in South Dakota.

My candidacy for the USCF Executive Board represents a commitment to the health and growth of the federation. My experience in the real world of civic and social service will serve the needs of a changing role for chess in our society. I will work diligently for improved communication with our members and a strong support system for our organizers and affiliates. As an organizer, a grass roots scholastic promoter, a successful fund-raiser, and as a former president of a state association, I will bring solid leadership skills to the Board.

I have enclosed my resume to provide you with further information regarding my leadership experience.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions relative to my candidacy.

I would be honored to receive your vote for this important challenge.

Sincerely,

De Knudson

_______________________________________________________________________

De Knudson                                              SOLID VALUES
2100 Slaten Court                                       PROVEN LEADER
Sioux Falls, SD 57103                                 MOVING FORWARD
(605) 338-9431
knudson1@home.com