Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, we’ll talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence!
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Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, we’ll talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence!
Damien Lehfeldt, USA Fencing Board Chair, on the Difference Between Governance and Operations
First to 15: The USA Fencing Podcast
38 minutes 10 seconds
1 month ago
Damien Lehfeldt, USA Fencing Board Chair, on the Difference Between Governance and Operations
Damien Lehfeldt — chair of the USA Fencing Board of Directors and coach at Nova Fencing Club — joins First to 15 to demystify governance vs. operations inside an NGB. He shares his path from athlete to coach to board chair, how the board sets strategy while staff executes, and why the 2024–28 Strategic Plan centers on “growth, growth, growth” (memberships, clubs, brand, referees, and parafencing). We dig into the Governance Task Force proposals (including the flexible 4-4-4 board model), the importance of independent directors, and how he and CEO Phil Andrews collaborate without crossing lanes. Plus, quick hits on Damien’s governance mantra, his “magic wand” for clubs, and why governance is pure épée.
First to 15: The USA Fencing Podcast
Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, we’ll talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence!
