MADISON – US Chess Federation has chosen Ranae Bartlett as its Executive Director.

Since September 2023, she had served as Director of Operations. Since Feb. 10, Bartlett had worked as the federation’s Interim Executive Director.

US Chess, a 501(c)3 organization, has an educational mission to “empower people, enrich lives and enhance communities through chess.” (new.uschess.org)

“I felt compelled to apply for the position when the previous Executive Director, Carol Meyer, decided to pursue other opportunities. I was already working for US Chess as Director of Operations, and I needed to step up and help the organization in the transition while a nationwide search for an executive director occurred,” Bartlett said.

After founding Madison City Chess League or MCCL in 2013, she served as its Executive Director for 10-plus years and conducted 80-plus tournaments. Since 2020, she has acted as Education Director for ChessKid.com.

“Chess has been a passion for me for over a decade. The kids who have been a part of MCCL also competed on state and national levels,” Bartlett said.

“Joining US Chess seems like a natural progression. It appears that the stars have aligned to put me in a position to continue to grow chess on a national stage,” she said.

“Ranae Bartlett is an accomplished leader in both the chess community and in her hometown,” US Chess President Randy Bauer said. “As a volunteer, she has led our Chess in Education Committee and has served on her city’s school board and currently on its city council.”

“Bartlett was clearly the strongest and best-suited selection among several excellent candidates,” US Chess Vice President Kevin Pryor said. “She’s the right person to lead the organization. We look forward to all that she will do.”

“I appreciate the trust and confidence the Executive Board has placed in me,” Bartlett said. “I look forward to helping US Chess plan for the future while meeting its mission to empower people, enrich lives and enhance communities through chess.”

US Chess has headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. Since becoming Director of Operations, Bartlett has travelled there once monthly and will continue as Executive Director.

She also will continue to represent District 5 on Madison City Council. “A majority of our council members have full-time jobs in addition to their service on the council,” Bartlett said.

Bartlett’s work with US Chess Federation can benefit MCCL. “One advantage I have as Executive Director is that I enter the position having been an active member of US Chess, conducting tournaments and hosting events to advance US Chess’ mission to ‘empower people, enrich lives and empower communities through chess,’” she said.

“I can relate to joys and challenges all members face as they navigate our organization,” Bartlett said.

Before living in Madison, Bartlett worked as an Assistant General Counsel for a Fortune 500 company.