US Chess Names Fred Abousleman as Executive Director

US Chess Names Fred Abousleman as Executive Director

US Chess is pleased to announce the selection of Fred Abousleman as executive director. He was hired after an extensive nationwide search that saw 50 candidates interviewed by the US Chess Executive Board.

“The executive board is very excited to have Fred lead our operations team,” said Kevin Pryor, president of the board. “His organizational and leadership skills will enable him to hit the ground running, but his experience with developing donor pipelines is what we believe is our next level to achieve as a 501(c)3 corporation.”

Executive Board Vice President John Fernandez agrees: “Fred’s career spans nonprofit leadership, public service, and national policy, and that perspective matters. Fred knows what good looks like, from governance and operations to building sustainable development pipelines. His leadership comes at an important moment for US Chess and will help us operate more effectively and advance our mission the governing body for Chess in the United States.”

Abousleman begins Jan. 14.

Photo by Aragon Photos

Who is Fred Abousleman?

Fred Abousleman brings more than 25 years of transformative leadership to the US Chess Federation, where his passion for community building, education, and empowerment converges with the strategic power of chess. Throughout his distinguished career, he has championed the growth of nonprofit organizations nationwide, securing millions in new revenue, expanding membership bases, and delivering programs that change lives.

Building Communities, Amplifying Impact

As president of A/R360 Consultants, Fred led a boutique consulting firm that became a trusted partner to nonprofits and associations seeking breakthrough results. His team's decades of collective expertise helped organizations navigate complex challenges in board governance, strategic planning, and program delivery — turning vision into measurable success.

At the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, the world's premier training center for organizational and therapeutic specialists, Fred and his team helped develop over 50 certified courses taught to 2,000 students by 100 instructors. The Institute strengthened its position as the authority in Gestalt certification and training.

Leading at Scale

Fred's executive acumen shines through his work with the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments, where he directed operations for a $41 million organization serving 24 local governments and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Managing a team of 170, he orchestrated critical services spanning human services, transportation, economic development, and environmental stewardship — proof that collaboration across jurisdictions creates lasting regional impact.

Shaping National Policy

In Washington, D.C., Fred served as executive director of the National Association of Regional Councils, representing regional planning agencies from coast to coast. He elevated the voice of regional collaboration in national policy debates, delivering advocacy, technical assistance, and training that empowered communities to shape their own futures.

His federal service as a community planner with the U.S. Department of Transportation took him into communities nationwide, where he helped design solutions for better access and mobility. This hands-on work informed his deep understanding of how infrastructure and planning decisions ripple through communities.

From Grassroots to Leadership

Fred's political acumen was forged in the trenches — as field director for a major presidential campaign and legislative director for Senate leadership in the New Mexico State legislature. These experiences taught him the art of building coalitions, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, and turning ideas into action.

Recognition and Expertise

As a visiting fellow at the Library of Congress, Fred has contributed to public discourse by developing briefings for members of Congress. He has also published work on planning and policy issues that shape how communities develop. His dual master's degrees in public administration, and community and regional planning provide the intellectual foundation for his practical achievements.

His expertise reflects the breadth of his impact: multiple awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation, a Hammer Award for Reinventing Government, and a National Civic League All-American City Award.

Why Chess Matters

For Fred, chess is far more than a game — it's a foundational tool for critical thinking, youth engagement, collaboration, mentorship, and community building. From his first chess club in a New Mexico grade school to his current role leading US Chess, he has witnessed firsthand how 64 squares can unlock our potential and bring us together.