FIDE Appoints Tris Ann Richards to Women's Chess Role

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has been appointed Tris Ann Richards as the new FIDE Commissioner for Women's Chess, as part of a significant leadership change with a view to improving the future of women's participation and development in chess. Tris replaces Anastasia Sorokina, who has served as the Commission's leader for several years, during her tireless tenure of expanding opportunities for women and girls in the global chess community.

Tris Ann Richards is a well-known global chess personality, and is well-qualified to take on her new role. Previously, she was a member of the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess where she participated actively in the development of the initiatives of the Commission and was a leader of several of its large-scale projects. Her appointment comes as a continuation of FIDE's efforts to promote women's leadership in the worldwide chess community.

In addition to her work with FIDE, Tris is also the first woman to become President of the Saint Lucia Chess Federation. Her contributions to the game of chess as a player, administrator, official and instructor are seen in her roles as a Woman Candidate Master (WCM), a FIDE Arbiter and a certified chess instructor. She was honored with the 2022 FIDE Women's Award in the Game Changer category for her work to advance the game in the Americas.

Key Highlights:

• Tris Ann Richards replaces Anastasia Sorokina as the Commission Chair of Women's Chess
• Chief chess executive with administrative, teaching and international federation knowledge and experience
• FIDE seeks to continue to enhance women's chess development with a new leadership

Expressing her gratitude following the appointment, Tris said:

"I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility. This appointment is a testament to the outstanding leadership and mentorship of Dana Reizniece and Anastasia Sorokina, whose guidance has prepared me to continue the important work we have begun together. I am sincerely grateful for the trust and support, and I look forward to working to achieve our shared goals and vision for women in chess across the world."

On the occasion of the new leader, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his gratitude to the previous Chair and congratulations to Tris on her new post.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Anastasia Sorokina for her tireless efforts and the important work she has provided to women's chess throughout the years, as well as welcome Tris Ann Richards to the Chair of the Commission, where she brings her experience, passion and years of dedication in the field of chess development. I wish her every success in her new role”.

FIDE also recognized Anastasia Sorokina's outstanding contribution during her tenure, as her leadership contributed to the development of opportunities for girls and women in chess and to the furtherance of the mission of the Commission on the international chess scene.

Under the leadership of Tris Ann Richards, the Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess, the Commission has come to a time to continue the work it has already been doing, to encourage more women and girls to participate, compete and lead in the international chess world.