About Us

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association (CMSCA)

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association (CMSCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth through chess and related educational activities such as coding and robotics. Our mission is to provide accessible learning opportunities and foster a community that nurtures critical thinking, strategic skills, and personal growth. At CMSCA, we believe that chess is more than just a game—it is a powerful educational tool that can shape young minds, instill lifelong skills, and build meaningful connections.Our team is composed of passionate individuals who are committed to creating impactful experiences for students across the Southeast region. The CMSCA Board of Directors comprises dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the success of our tournaments, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. Meet our board members:Together, our board is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of young chess players, supporting their growth on and off the chessboard. Whether you are a parent, student, or educator, we are here to provide opportunities that inspire the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Feel free to reach out to us directly via the email addresses above—we look forward to connecting with you!

Sirisha Kothapalli, Senior Tournament Director

Fernando Maisonett

President
Email: president@cmsca.orgFernando Maisonett serves as the President of CMSCA, driving our mission to promote chess as a powerful educational tool that enhances problem-solving skills and academic excellence. His involvement with CMSCA spans over a decade, beginning when his first child participated in a CMSCA chess tournament.Professionally, Fernando is a Senior Vice President at a Global Bank, where he designs and builds advanced systems within the Data Science domain. With his extensive expertise, he creates solutions that drive operational efficiency, foster innovation, and focus on risk reduction and mitigation. His work involves developing robust data models and integration strategies that enhance decision-making, manage potential risks, and ensure resiliency and compliance across the organization.Fernando’s professional skills translate seamlessly to his leadership at CMSCA. His experience in strategic planning, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making directly supports the organization’s growth and operations, ensuring that programs are both efficient and impactful. His emphasis on risk management is mirrored in his dedication to creating a secure and inclusive environment for young players to learn and thrive.As president, Fernando is committed to expanding access to chess for all youth, ensuring that every student—regardless of background—has the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow intellectually. He works closely with the board to provide a clear vision for CMSCA’s programs, inspire new initiatives, and strengthen community ties, bringing the same strategic approach to CMSCA that he applies in his professional work.

Alex Olinger

Vice President of Tournaments
Email: tournaments@cmsca.orgAlex Olinger is the newly appointed Vice President of Tournaments at CMSCA, a role he embraces with enthusiasm and dedication. His journey with CMSCA began in 2011 when he participated in his first rated chess tournament as a young player. This early experience ignited a passion for competitive chess and a commitment to fostering that same excitement among today’s youth. In his new role, Alex will oversee the planning and management of CMSCA’s tournaments, working to ensure that each event is well-organized and offers a positive, enriching experience for all participants.Professionally, Alex is a Math Teacher at Ardrey Kell High School, where he inspires students to explore and appreciate the logic and beauty of mathematics. His work as an educator equips him with valuable skills in communication, structured planning, and mentorship—qualities that he brings directly to CMSCA. His teaching experience helps him create engaging, supportive environments where young players can learn, compete, and grow. Alex’s ability to break down complex concepts and build confidence will be pivotal in making CMSCA’s tournaments accessible to players of all skill levels, providing a platform for both intellectual development and friendly competition.Although Alex is new to his leadership role at CMSCA, his professional background as an educator will undoubtedly enhance the organization’s mission. His passion for fostering a growth mindset, encouraging strategic thinking, and promoting inclusivity aligns perfectly with CMSCA’s goals. As he takes on this role, there is great anticipation for the innovative ideas and fresh perspectives he will bring to tournament management, making events more engaging and educational for young participants.As Vice President of Tournaments, Alex looks forward to expanding opportunities for young chess enthusiasts and collaborating with the CMSCA board to introduce new initiatives, refine tournament formats, and strengthen community outreach. With his passion for both teaching and chess, we are excited to see the positive impact he will have in supporting CMSCA’s mission and nurturing the next generation of chess players.

Trinh Le

Vice President of Equipment
Email: equipment@cmsca.orgTrinh Le serves as the Vice President of Equipment, playing a crucial role in ensuring that all CMSCA events are well-equipped with chess sets and other necessary resources. Her involvement with CMSCA spans over a decade, beginning when her oldest child first joined a CMSCA chess tournament. As the key member behind tournament logistics, Trinh ensures that resources are readily available for players, allowing them to focus fully on the game. She also leads fundraising efforts through the sale of chess equipment at tournaments, which provides essential support for CMSCA’s programs and activities.Professionally, Trinh is an HR and Technology Leader at a major utility company, where she is a senior expert in managing the company’s Training and Compliance application. Her deep expertise in technology, process optimization, and organizational development supports effective employee training, regulatory compliance, and improved performance across the organization.Trinh’s professional skills align seamlessly with her role at CMSCA. Her ability to manage complex logistics, streamline processes, and ensure compliance directly benefits CMSCA’s operations, helping the organization run efficient and well-organized events. Her people-centered leadership, honed through years of experience, fosters a positive environment at tournaments, ensuring young players feel supported and encouraged.Trinh’s strategic approach, keen attention to detail, and dedication to youth development ensure that every tournament runs smoothly and that CMSCA’s programs have the resources needed to succeed.

Wing Chu

Treasurer
Email: treasurer@cmsca.orgWing Chu is the Treasurer of CMSCA, responsible for overseeing the financial health and sustainability of the organization. With over 20 years of involvement, Wing has been a key figure in CMSCA’s growth and evolution, witnessing the transformative impact of chess on young minds. His unwavering dedication has played a vital role in supporting CMSCA’s mission, ensuring programs are offered free or at minimal cost to reach as many youth as possible.In his role as Treasurer, Wing manages the budget, fundraising efforts, and financial planning, making certain that every dollar is used effectively to support CMSCA’s initiatives. His strategic approach to financial management ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, allowing the organization to maximize its impact.Outside of CMSCA, Wing is a successful entrepreneur and businessman, owning and operating multiple Kumon Learning Centers. Through his Kumon centers, he helps young students build strong foundations in math and reading, empowering them for lifelong academic success. Wing’s entrepreneurial expertise and passion for education align perfectly with CMSCA’s goals, bringing valuable insights and business acumen to the table.Wing’s long-term commitment, financial expertise, and dedication to youth development have been instrumental in helping CMSCA expand its outreach and achieve its goals. His leadership continues to be a driving force in the organization’s mission to make chess accessible to all.

Sirisha Kothapalli

Senior Tournament Director
Email: td@cmsca.orgSirisha Kothapalli is the Senior Tournament Director of CMSCA, bringing over a decade of dedicated service to the organization. Her journey with CMSCA began when her oldest child first participated in a CMSCA tournament, sparking a passion for chess that has fueled her involvement ever since. In her current role, Siri meticulously plans and manages each tournament, ensuring that events are well-organized, enjoyable, and enriching for all participants. Her leadership has helped shape CMSCA’s tournaments into some of the most respected and player-friendly events in the region.Outside of CMSCA, Siri is a private chess tutor who is deeply admired and loved by her students. With her warm and encouraging teaching style, she helps young players build skills, confidence, and a genuine love for the game. Siri also teaches chess at several schools on behalf of CMSCA, actively supporting the growth of school-based chess clubs. Her ability to make complex strategies understandable and fun fosters a supportive environment where young players can thrive.As Senior Tournament Director, Siri’s professional expertise and passion for teaching directly benefit CMSCA’s mission. Her experience as a private tutor not only brings a nurturing approach to tournament management but also supports CMSCA’s broader goal of promoting chess education and growth. Her commitment to providing educational, inclusive, and positive experiences both at tournaments and in her lessons continues to make a lasting impact on countless young players.Looking ahead, CMSCA is excited about the new ideas and initiatives Siri will bring to further enhance the tournament experience. Her dedication to expanding opportunities for young chess enthusiasts, combined with her love for the game, ensures that CMSCA will continue to be a welcoming and enriching environment for all. Siri’s unwavering commitment to chess education makes her an invaluable part of the team as CMSCA grows and reaches more players.