Dear ACF members and affiliates,

I’m Jonathan Rasberry, the ACF’s president over the past three-and-a-half years. Recently, I made the decision to step down from my presidential board position, effective February 28th, 2023. Michael Porcelli will be the acting president through September, when my original term would have ended. In case you need to reach the ACF president, please send future emails to Michael.Porcelli@alabamachess.org.

Since October, my family and I have dealt with three large home insurance claims, including a tornado damaging our house  (no one was hurt) in early January.  The damage was severe enough to force us to move out of the home for what could be 4-8 months.

But more seriously, last month, we had an unexpected death in my wife’s family. Due to the complications with that and the house, I’ll need to focus more on my family at this time. I believe it’s in the ACF’s best interest that someone who can be more present and respond to its needs faster should take the helm.

Michael has experience leading the Louisiana Chess Association and makes chess his full-time venture. I have full faith in his abilities to run the ACF. I will stay in touch with him to ensure no issues come from me backing away.

I’ve loved leading the board for the past 3.5 years and wish this journey could have ended properly in September, but I believe that the board is going in the right direction and look forward to seeing what comes of the ACF’s future!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Rasberry