Ultimate authority at the American Go Association resides with an elected Board of Directors, who select the President. Four of the AGA’s seven directors are up for election this year for two year terms. Ten candidates are running, 
Gurujeet Khalsa (top row, far left) and Feng Yun (top row, second from left) in the Eastern region, Bob Barber (top row, middle) and Lisa Scott (top row, second from right) in the Central region, Steven Burrall (top row, far right), Jeff Horn (bottom row, far left) and Chris Kirschner (bottom row, second from left) in the Western region and Jie Li (bottom row, middle), Chuck Robbins (bottom row, second from right) and Zhiyuan Zhang (bottom row, far right) for the At Large seat (Note: Thomas Hsiang has withdrawn his candidacy for the At-Large seat).
The E-Journal asked all candidates to explain “Why I’m running for the AGA Board” in 140 characters (the length of a tweet); the results are below. Complete candidate statements are posted on the AGA website. We hope to do follow-up questions later in July.
All AGA chapters with two or more members can vote for the director in their region in this election. Chapters with 2-4 members get one vote; 5-9 members gain an additional vote; and larger chapters get an additional vote for each ten additional members. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters in early July, the results will be tallied and announced at the US Go Congress in Black Mountain, NC, during the first week of August. All full AGA members may vote for the At-Large Director. All ballots must be received by August 3.
“Why I’m running for the AGA Board”:
Eastern Region
Gurujeet Khalsa: AGA membership is shrinking. I want to see go as a premier US mind sports game. My top priority is growth by removing the barriers to entry.
Feng Yun: “I have a wealth of experience worldwide, and will serve to promote go in this country for everyone, not just an AGA privileged few.”
Central
Bob Barber: Since I no longer make it to every Go Congress, serving on the Board will keep me in the loop while helping the AGA.
Lisa Scott
Western
Steven Burrall
Jeff Horn
Chris Kirschner
At-Large
Jie Li: My goal is to make the AGA an open, strong, and professional organization for go players.
Chuck Robbins
Zhiyuan Zhang: I want to ensure that the AGA Board benefits everyone, not just strong players, & bring my financial expertise to help ensure a viable AGA.
