Below are the candidates in the 2024 election.
President
David Ortiz
My name is David Ortiz, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for President of the Texas Chess Association. With a diverse background spanning leadership roles in both the military and education, coupled with extensive experience within the chess community, I am eager to bring my unique blend of skills and passion to take TCA to the next level.
Vision and Goals:
- Expand Scholarships and Opportunities: I am passionate about creating more scholarships and opportunities for students to excel in chess. These initiatives will not only foster talent but also make chess accessible to a broader range of aspiring players throughout our communities.
- Expand the benefits of TCA membership: I aim to enhance the value of TCA membership by offering new and exciting benefits that cater to the diverse needs and interests of our members.
- Nurture organizational reform to meet the needs of our growing membership: As our membership grows, I will prioritize organizational reforms to maximize efficiency and ensure responsive service to our members.
- Establish Financial Sustainability: To secure the future of chess in Texas, I will focus on establishing a strong financial foundation. This includes laying the groundwork for an endowment that will support ongoing programs, tournaments, and player development initiatives for generations to come.
Why Vote for Me
- Experience: I bring a wealth of experience in both chess and organizational leadership. My background has equipped me with the skills needed to manage complex projects, lead diverse teams, and achieve strategic goals. I am a Marine Corps veteran, having served eight years, and currently the Director of Career Services at South Texas Vocational Technical Institute. Previously, I worked as the After School Site Administrator for IDEA Public Schools and for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Chess Program. I was the founding President of the UTRGV Chess Club. I am a Senior Tournament Director, USCF Certified Coach, and FIDE School Instructor. I recently passed my exam to become a FIDE National Arbiter and am scheduled to take the FIDE LEAD School Instructor course at the end of July.
- Contributions to TCA: I joined TCA as a member in 2015 to compete in the Texas Team Championship. From 2019 to 2022, I served as the TCA Region X Director and am currently on the TCA membership committee. I have worked in 30+ tournament sections and served as Deputy Organizer for numerous TCA events, including the 2017 Texas Scholastic State Championships, 2022 and 2023 State Grades, 2022 and 2023 State Girls, 2023 Region X Regionals, and the 2024 South Texas Scholastic Championships.
- Commitment: I am deeply committed to the Texas chess community. I understand the challenges we face and am dedicated to developing effective solutions that benefit all members. Unlike others who are often too busy, I have the time and dedication to ensure that these initiatives are successful.
Vision: I have a clear vision for the future of the Texas Chess Association, one that is inclusive, innovative, and community-focused. Together, we can make significant strides in promoting and developing chess throughout Texas. I humbly ask for your support and your vote in this election. Let’'’s work together to make the Texas Chess Association a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic community for all chess enthusiasts. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Ortiz
Jim Polomsky
For over 30 years, Jim Polomsky has been a driving force in the growth of Houston Chess Clubs. Most recently, he co-founded the Lake Houston Chess Club on the Northeast side of Houston with Don Putnam. Jim has an impressive 36-year history of participating in chess tournaments, achieving a peak rating of 1866. Jim’s leadership experience is extensive. He has been elected/selected to numerous officer roles in several nonprofit organizations, including Membership Director for The Rotary Club of Lake Houston Area, Vice President of Public Relations/President-Elect for Deerwood Toastmasters, and Region V Director for the Texas Chess Association (TCA). These roles, several held for many years, demonstrate his commitment and capability. In June, Jim was named The Rotarian of the Year by his local Rotary Club for 2024!
Academically, Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (1996) from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree in Counseling (1998) from Minnesota State University. He spent 14 years as an English teacher in public schools where he ran chess clubs before, during, and after school hours. In 2013, Jim received a commendation from the Humble ISD School Board and was honored as Teacher of the Year by his peers at Ross Sterling Middle School. Jim has been married for 18 years to his wonderful wife (Laurie), has 2 amazing adult children (Jacob and Devyn), and 3 dedicated dogs. (Leo, Peanut Butter, and Jelly)
For the past decade, Jim has managed a team of real estate agents in Houston, a role that provides him with the flexibility to take on the responsibilities of President of the TCA while continuing his active participation in tournament play. Jim is a Life Member of the TCA and a Life Member of the University of Houston Alumni Organization.
Growing TCA Membership, Increasing Scholastic Scholarships, and Growing the number of Chess Clubs across Texas are a few of Jim’s projects for the next few years. With your vote, Jim is confident we can lead the Texas Chess Association to new heights.
Jim endorses the following candidates. Jeff French for Vice President, Jonathon Singler for Treasurer and Jon Santos for Secretary. Please vote for them. Thank you for your support!
Vice President
Caleb Brown
What is the future of TCA?
This is a question you should be asking all candidates in this election. And as we look upon 65 years of Texas Knights it is fitting that we ask where are we going? We cannot expect to win if we make moves one at a time without calculating the future. We need a plan. We need a goal. We need a vision. But what vision? I envision a future where Texas is the chess capital of the world. I see the day when our ranks of chess players swell into the hundreds of thousands and our state championships stretch into the tens of thousands. And most importantly, I see the lives of thousands radically transformed for the better through the vital work of our state chess association.
This will not be easy, but it can be done. It requires three things.
One: We need more opportunities to get people in the game. Chess clubs and school chess programs are the backbone of our outreach efforts to the non-chess playing public. It is there that most new players are born. We need to make chess programs commonplace throughout schools and universities in every region of this state. And we need to ensure that a chess club, open to all, is within 30 minutes’ drive of every Texan. TCA can help make this a reality by quadrupling its chess set program, subsidizing chess coaches in schools and creating a mentorship program to support chess club leaders. We can also help clubs with publicity and provide them with resources and connections to further their growth.
Two: We need more opportunities to keep people in the game. We lose a lot of players as they leave high school. Others leave after college. And others still leave at all ages because they feel out of place in our community (women and girls especially). To grow we must cut these losses, and to do that we must keep more people interested in chess and ensure that everyone feels like they belong in our community. TCA can further this goal by radically expanding its offering of tournaments—and not just events that are big money makers but also fun ideas (like a Fisher Random championship) and events that support specific communities (like the girls regional championships mentioned in our bylaws that are almost never held). We can also explore other programming like simultaneous expositions, conferences and chess research competitions.
Three: We need more opportunities to grow people in the game. It is not enough to bring people in and keep them. If we want to grow, we need to uplift them so that they can uplift us by bringing new people into our community. We need to give them a sense of purpose they can only gain by helping others. TCA can do this by inviting them into the fold as tournament directors, organizers, coaches, etc., and providing them with the resources, training and mentorship they need to succeed.
This will not be done in a day. It will take many years to accomplish. We will need strong leaders who have the drive and determination to see it to the end. Sound organizational reforms like expanding fundraising efforts, improving internal controls and revitalizing our committee system will also be needed. And above all the dedication and support of our volunteers will be paramount.
But why do I say these things? I learned to play chess when I was 7 years old. After becoming a tournament director at age 14, I fell in love with helping others through chess. Ever since attending my first membership meeting at age 16 TCA has been my main way of doing so. I have enjoyed serving as a committee member, assistant editor, acting secretary and as one of Texas’s Delegates. I am also a TCA Lifetime Patron Member.
And now, as a junior at Baylor University, I would be honored if you gave me the chance to take the first steps towards making this vision a reality. Please vote for me as your next Vice President. Thank you!
Jeff French
Dear Texas Chess Association Members,
You are at a crucial juncture in our association’s journey, and I am eager to join you as a candidate for Vice President. Your passion for chess and dedication to its advancement across Texas inspire me deeply.
Imagine a Texas Chess Association that not only supports competitive players but also empowers local clubs, schools, and communities. Together, we can expand outreach programs, enhance educational initiatives, and foster a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels.
As your Vice President, I will prioritize transparency, communication, and collaboration. Your ideas and concerns will shape our strategy, ensuring that our association serves its members effectively and inclusively.
Let’s build a stronger chess community together. Your vote for Vice President of the Texas Chess Association will enable us to achieve new heights and make a lasting impact on the chess landscape in our state.
Thank you for considering me as your advocate and leader in chess. Should I secure the post of Vice President, rest assured that I will also continue to fulfill my duties as Texas Knights Editor.
In addition, please consider Jim Polomsky for President, Jon Santos for Secretary, and Dr. Johnathon Singler for Treasurer. Together, as our leadership team, along with your invaluable support, there are no bounds to what we can achieve for the advancement of chess in Texas.
Secretary
Amy Jones
Over the last several years, I have grown into a chess coordinator, tournament director, organizer, and even a fledgling chess player. The journey began when I volunteered for the small task of reserving a room at the library for my children and their friends to start a monthly chess club. I naively underestimated the impact chess would have on all of us. What I found was not just a game to challenge the mind, but an unending list of benefits packaged within a diverse community where respect, understanding, encouragement, and support among players is common.
Along with my growth in chess program and facilitation skills, I’ve grown in my belief that supporting and encouraging chess growth and opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds is a worthwhile effort. The chess community gives its members an experience that can’t be found anywhere else. It is my desire to be a part of the growth of chess in Texas. I want to see thriving chess programs across the state, ample opportunities to compete in all regions, and increased participation of schools, female players, players in rural areas, and older adults.
Involvement with chess has been a blessing to me and my family, and I have a desire to help expand the reach of chess to more Texans. Appreciation and desire are a good start, but I am also qualified and ready to serve. Below is a list of experiences that have prepared me to serve TCA.
- Certified Public Accountant (2005-Present) – worked in tax, financial audit, and internal control audit for banks; skills/qualities: organized, reliable, trustworthy, deadline-oriented, persistent, creative problem-solver
- West Texas Women Certified Public Accountants (2003-2013): Board member (2005-2013) – Scholarship Committee Member; Seminar Committee Chair: organized annual educational seminars for CPAs
- Lubbock Homeschool Network Board (2016-2019) – President (2018-2019) for organization with more than 2000 member families; established new events; hosted educational seminars and leader summits; updated policies for clarity and fairness
- SPHERE Homeschool, Inc. (2016-present) – Founder; President; Chess Program Coordinator; teacher (speech, leadership, and chess); nonprofit governance; fundraising
- Tournament Director (2022-present) – Directed at 31 rated events including the 2023 and 2024 TCA Regional Championships
- Chess Tournament Organizer (2020-present): Co-Organizer of the Health Checkmate Tournament for players who missed the State Scholastic Championship in 2020; Organizer of the first Post-Lockdown rated event in Lubbock in 2021; Organizer or Co-Organizer of more than 30 rated events in Region I since 2021; handled promotion, communication, registration, venue, prize acquisition, and other details for events.
- Region I Scholastic Representative (November 2023-present)
As you can see, I have experience working with nonprofits, skills that are desirable for a Secretary, and I have been actively involved in chess in Region I. As a former farm girl, I know how to take what resources I have and twist them into what I need. I am hard-working, resourceful, and motivated to make things happen. I have valuable skills that can be used to help grow and develop the community further and bring chess to more individuals and families across the state. All I need to get started is your vote!
Thank you,
Amy Jones
Jon Santos
Jon Santos is a veteran Chess Coach in the North Houston area for more than 20 years. He has traveled across the United States to 46 of our 50 States to teach Chess to students; Texas is still his favorite place to be. He has dedicated many years serving the local Houston Scholastic Chess community by coaching After-School Chess Programs, Organizing local tournaments, hosting several Chess Camps throughout the Summer, and doing countless chess lectures In-Person and Online.
Jon holds a B.A. in Education (K-12) from the University of Houston-Downtown and has taught countless subjects to Public, Private, Online and the Homeschooling Community. He has greatly enjoyed teaching Texas History while in the classroom and enjoys being involved with his Men’s Group at his Church and Outreach Ministries. Jon has a young family and enjoys taking them to the beach, camping, bass fishing, and to baseball games.
Jon is running for Secretary to be a leading force in growing Chess Scholarships for high-school students and to bring high-quality Tournaments that exceed expectations. He believes that when we elect leaders with strong organizational skills we can achieve great things. Jon is counting on your vote to grow TCA and better Tournaments across Texas!
Treasurer
Jonathon Singler
Dr. Jonathon Singler, Candidate for Treasurer of TCA:
For half my life, I immersed myself in the world of chess, viewing it as a lens into human relationships. Professionally, in service to others, I rebuilt the Alaska State Affiliate, earning US Chess awards for membership growth, from forging indigenous and local partnerships as Vice-President, State Delegate, and Scholastic Director. Volunteering for social advocacy, I co-founded a chess nonprofit dedicated to writing grants and organizing fundraisers for veterans with disabilities, prison rehabilitation, Girl Scouts’ leadership development, and low-income family programs. In 2023, I earned a Doctor of Education degree from Webster University and developed the first U.S. chess minor degree, of which, I am a professor, overseeing course design and program evaluation to transform future chess educators.
My chess story began nearly two decades ago in Southeast Texas. My friends and I started a high school chess club. Chess was not prominent in our city. Amateur players gathered at a local café on weekends, playing to win a free coffee or meal donated by an older gentleman who freely gave to others what chess gifted him; a touch of humanity. Years later, serving as Alaska State Delegate, I partnered with major TCA leaders to support their US Chess legislative motions because they were passionate about you, the Texas membership, who do so much for our communities. Returning home to serve where my chess story began is exhilarating and humbling.
My TCA Treasurer candidacy represents chess passion beyond the board and values individuals, communities, and organizations. I have been a TCA member for three years, inspired by the dedication of past and present leaders who have sacrificed and played a great game of Texas chess. I believe we can still improve our position as the largest and most active US Chess State Affiliate. As TCA Treasurer, I aim to enhance chess accessibility across Texas by securing more funds, fostering partnerships, and ensuring transparency. I have helped raise and distribute over $100,000 for 7,500+ stakeholders, promoting access to chess education and competition, backed by community trust and vision.
If you are willing to vote in confidence for my elected service to you and our state, I promise to serve with ambition and integrity. I also endorse Jim Polomsky for President, Jeff French for Vice-President, and Jonathan Santos for Secretary, as I believe in our collective potential to advance Texas’s chess position statewide and nationally with US Chess. Thank you for your membership!
Anna Marie Zunig-Gonzalez
Dear Texas Chess Association Members,
My name is Anna Marie Zuniga-Gonzalez, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Treasurer of the Texas Chess Association. My personal and professional journey has equipped me with the skills and passion necessary to contribute meaningfully to our association. I’d like to begin by stating that females are significantly underrepresented in the game of chess, a disparity that not only limits the potential of many talented young minds but also deprives our community of diverse perspectives and skills. As a mother of two daughters, I see firsthand the impact of role models and opportunities on their development and confidence.
We must address this imbalance urgently. By increasing our efforts to support and encourage young female players, we can foster a more inclusive and dynamic chess community. The future of chess depends on our commitment to nurturing and empowering all players, regardless of gender.
Furthermore, I bring to this position a wealth of experience from my previous role as a National Bank Examiner for the Department of the US Treasury. In this capacity, I developed a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of financial systems, and a commitment to ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. These are crucial qualities that I will bring to the role of Treasurer to ensure our association’s financial health and integrity.
In addition to my background in finance, I have spent the past 20 years as a K-12 Educator, where I have had the privilege of shaping the minds of young learners across various disciplines. This role has honed my organizational skills, my ability to manage resources effectively, and my dedication to educational excellence—all of which are essential for managing the financial operations of the Texas Chess Association.
Moreover, as an Education Consultant for the State of Texas, I have worked closely with educators, administrators, and policymakers to enhance the educational landscape of our state. This experience has provided me with a unique perspective on the intersection of education and finance, and I am eager to leverage this knowledge to benefit our chess community.
I am passionate about chess and its potential to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills in players of all ages. I am committed to promoting these values within our association and ensuring that we have the financial stability to support our programs and initiatives.
I would be honored to serve as your Treasurer and to work alongside each of you to continue advancing the mission of the Texas Chess Association. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Warm regards,
Anna Marie Zuniga-Gonzalez
