US Chess Personnel Transitions: Joan DuBois and Traci Lee

US Chess is sad to announce the departure of two long-time employees, Joan DuBois and Traci Lee, effective November 10, 2020. Joan, who was responsible for TLAs and Affiliate Relations, is retiring and Traci, who is a Membership Associate, is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

Executive Director Carol Meyer says, "There are few words that can adequately describe what Joan and Traci have meant to US Chess. They both have spent most of their adult lives with our organization; Joan with nearly 51 years of service and Traci with 35 years. They have been dedicated to US Chess and its members for many decades. I hope you will join me in wishing them both well as they move into new chapters."

US Chess Executive Board President Mike Hoffpauir echoes that sentiment, saying, "No words can express the sentiments of a grateful membership about the services Joan and Traci have provided to all of us over these many years! We wish them both the best in whatever endeavors they choose to undertake, but we also hope they enjoy some time with their families before diving in again."

Neither position is being replaced; their duties are being absorbed by the rest of the US Chess staff.

From their staff bios:

Joan is in her 51st year working for US Chess, currently known to many of our organizers around the country for making sure their TLAs appear online and print correctly. That’s not a typo—50 plus years, starting in 1969. The only other place she has worked besides US Chess was an eight-week stint at a girl scout camp, though she worked hard to become a pro bowler! She also loves fishing and riding her motorcycle—a CanAm Spider. So what has kept her interested in chess for so long? “Anyone can play and it makes one think and plan ahead and understand there are consequences for decisions we make, even in real life. Working for US Chess has brought many wonderful people into my life.”

Traci started with US Chess in April 1986. She has found that she likes that “chess can help children in their everyday decision making and problem solving in the classroom.” Outside of work, she loves photography and being a part of transporting animals across the United States to rescues, fosters or forever homes.