MEETING MINUTES

Tennessee Division of USA Fencing

Executive Committee Meeting

 

Date: Wednesday July 23, 2025 at 6:00 pm CST/7:00 pm EST

 

Attendees: Stephanie Toussaint, Landon Springfield, Rachel Ward, Dan Moore, Stuart Bernstein, Kathy Dillard, Alexandria Johnson, Kim Tomasi, Marti Lang

Minutes: Prepared by R. Ward on Sunday, February 27, 2025

 

Treasury: K. Dillard noted that the division is +$783.77 for the year, with a total treasury balance of $8,849.26.

 

Bylaws Amendment Update: Toussaint gave an update on communications with the National Office regarding proposed amendments to the TNDF bylaws.

In particular, the current board proposed that section 6.2 should be revised to allow TN member clubs to appoint a voting club representative to the board at any time during the season, as opposed to the current rule stating that club representatives can only be appointed during the annual meeting. In addition, it would be useful to amend section 8.2 to clarify the specific ways that a board vote can be carried out.

The TNDF is in the process of getting approval from the National Office to approve said changes. Because any such changes can only be officially voted on during the annual meeting, Moore requested a vote to approve the changes to the bylaws contingent upon approval from the National office. At the end of this meeting, this motion was unanimously approved.

TNDF Patches: Ward noted that 100 patches with the new TN logo were on hand. The meeting attendees discussed potential ways to price and distribute the patches, and it was determined that this would be further discussed at another board meeting.

 

Elections for the 2025-2026 season: The following people were elected to the new board unopposed:

 

Chair: Daniel Moore

Vice Chair: Landon Springfield

Secretary: Kavita Karlekar

Treasurer: Alexandria Johnson

Member at Large: John Tomasi

Club Representative, Lang Fencing: Michael Xie

Club Representative, Nashville Academy of Fencing: Katlyn Dillard

 

Future Business:

·        Bernstien noted that the division should use the excess funds in the treasury in a way to add value to the experience of Tennessee fencers. This was generally agreed upon, and ways to move forward will be discussed at future board meetings.

·        Moore expressed an interest in initiating a High School Fencer program in the coming season.

·        The potential new student club at Lipscomb University was discussed. It was noted that once they had registered as a USA Fencing Club, the board would be empowered to assist them with equipment loans

·        Bernstien will coordinate with the appropriate members of the newly elected board to transfer control of division financial and online resources.

·        Toussaint noted that it was important to be cautious of phishing emails on division accounts.

·        Moore requested that clubs send in tournament requests soon.

·        Moore requested that the new board members send him their contact information.

·        Everyone wished the new board Good Luck in the coming season!

 

Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 CST