Michael Khodarkovsky, Candidate for FIDE Vice President 

I bring more than three decades of leadership, coaching, and administrative experience within the chess world, making me a well-qualified candidate for FIDE Vice President. Currently serving as FIDE Vice President since 2018, I have already demonstrated a deep familiarity with the organization’s governance, priorities, and global membership — experience that would allow for immediate, effective leadership if re-elected or elevated to a broader mandate.

My credentials as a top-level trainer and coach further strengthen my candidacy. As a Councilor of the FIDE Trainers Commission Council (2005–2014), I helped shape international standards for chess education and coach certification. My commitment to excellence in training culminated in receiving the FIDE Senior Trainer title in 2004, reflecting a career-long dedication to developing players and coaches at the highest level. 

My administrative expertise is equally distinguished. Serving as the FIDE Delegate on behalf of the U.S. Chess Federation from 2008 to 2023, I represented American chess interests on the international stage for fifteen years, helping build relationships with federations worldwide and navigating the complex policy landscape of global chess governance.

As a coach, I also served as Captain and Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s Chess Team (2004, 2008–2013) and led the World Youth Teams (2005–2017), guiding players through multiple Olympiads and world championship events. This hands-on leadership of elite national teams gives me firsthand insight into the needs of players, coaches, and the federations alike, including the important role FIDE plays throughout.

Combining top-tier competitive experience, world-class coaching credentials, entrepreneurial vision, and over a decade of direct FIDE governance experience, I am positioned to continue to serve as FIDE Vice President — bringing proven leadership, institutional knowledge, and a genuine passion for growing chess worldwide for the next generation.