Melinda Matthews Named US Chess Safe Play Manager

Melinda Matthews, who joined US Chess in April 2017, has been named as the US Chess Safe Play Manager. Matthews is currently the managing editor for all publications. She served as Chess Life’s second female editor from 2018-2020, edited Chess Life Kids through February 2023, and has written for both CLO and Chess Life since 2010. She was appointed chair of the Safe Play Advisory Group in June 2023 and has been part of the Safe Play investigation team since its inception.

US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett said, “The appointment of Melinda Matthews to the position of Safe Play Manager is a demonstration of the commitment of US Chess to provide a safe environment for all chess players. She will be responsible for further developing and managing our Safe Play program, and will lead our Safe Play Advisory Group that continues to suggest improvements to our Safe Play Policy and its implementation.”

Matthews, who will continue working with publications while transitioning into her new role, said, “I am looking forward to building a robust, holistic Safe Play program that will incorporate education, screening, reporting tools, and policies for appropriate conduct in chess. I believe strongly in our mission to ‘Empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through chess’ and that includes creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all.”

For more information on the US Chess Safe Play Program, please click here.