Meet The 26-27 Board Candidates So Far
The Michigan Division Board is elected by members at the Annual Meeting in June and serves a one-season term from August 1st through July 31st.
​
Interested in running for a position? It's not too late! Contact nominating chair Beth Vance at bvance@renaissancefencing.com to join the ballot
Lauren Hirsch
Candidate for Chair
At the time that Lauren S. Hirsch, her husband Jonathan and their family entered the world of USAF Michigan Division in late 2012, they had no inkling the impact that the fencing experience would have on the family. From her first lesson at Renaissance Fencing Club, Lauren’s oldest daughter, Alyssa, fell in love with the sport. In short order, Alyssa’s siblings, Gabi and Bobbie, clamored to join in, and all three have gone on to fence foil at Wayne State University and Cleveland State University. After overcoming the mid-life crisis of breast cancer, Lauren couldn’t think of any better way to celebrate than to take up the sport, too – but it is saber for her (sorry kids!). She competes at national, regional, local and international events, and recently, she earned her “E” rating. Having previously served USAF Michigan Division on the committee level and presently serving as Treasurer, she seeks continued service to the organization in the role of Chair.
As an attorney, Lauren S. Hirsch’s over thirty years of experience in law instills in her an appreciation of the fiduciary duty and responsibilities the position of Chair requires, as well as the skillset to handle it effectively. Now a Senior Attorney at Cohen, Lerner and Rabinovitz, P.C., Lauren’ professional experience is in the fields of insurance defense, plaintiff’s personal injury, commercial transactions, business litigation and health insurance subrogation.
Over the years, Lauren paired her personal interests with the desire to support and contribute to her community. She has served as an officer, board and committee member, volunteered as a yoga instructor at Gilda’s Club and participated in significant fundraising efforts for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit, The Sinai Guild, Burton PTA, Make-A-Wish and USA Fencing – Michigan Division. Lauren looks forward to continuing to serve this vibrant community as USAF Michigan Division’s next Chair.
Matthew Jacobs
Candidate for Chair
Matthew discovered fencing in 2022 when his daughter joined Bay Regional Fencing Alliance. That season, he opted to try their beginners’ class for parents and has been in love with the sport ever since. Although he started as a foilist, he has been all in on Epee for the last 18 months earning his E in the 2025 season. Matthew has also served as Chair for the board at BRFA for the past 2 seasons. Outside of fencing, Matthew works as an engineer, enjoys cycling and mountain biking, and loves spending time with his wife, Rachel and daughter, Sophie.
Rex R. Briones
Candidate for Secretary
Dr. Rex R. Briones brings a combination of organizational leadership, professional discipline, and long-standing involvement in fencing to his candidacy for Secretary of the Michigan Division. A Michigan resident currently living in Northville, he has remained closely connected to both the fencing and local communities throughout his career.
Dr. Briones began his fencing journey in the late 1990s at the Fencing Academy of Michigan. He went on to fence for Wayne State University from 1999 to 2003, where he served as Captain of the Men’s Fencing Team from 2001 to 2003. His experience as a collegiate athlete and team leader instilled a strong foundation in communication, coordination, and accountability, skills directly relevant to the responsibilities of Secretary.
Professionally, Dr. Briones is a Doctor of Dental Surgery with extensive leadership and administrative experience. He currently serves as a Staff Dentist and Infection Control Officer at the Detroit VA Medical Center, where he is also a member of the Integrity and Compliance Committee and an attending dentist for the General Practice Residency program. His prior roles include private practice ownership as well as service as a Naval Dental Officer and Department Head, including deployment in support of combat operations in Afghanistan. Across these roles, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to manage documentation, maintain regulatory compliance, and support organizational governance.
Dr. Briones remains actively engaged in the fencing community through his family. His daughter, LilliBelle, currently fences épée with the Plymouth/Ann Arbor Fencing Academy under Maestro Gil Pezza, keeping him closely connected to the current generation of athletes, coaches, and parents in Michigan fencing.
With a deep-rooted history in the sport, proven administrative experience, and ongoing community involvement, Dr. Briones is well-positioned to serve the Michigan Division with professionalism, and dedication.
William Curtis
Candidate for Vice Chair
William has been a member of USA Fencing since 2008, he started with the University of Tennessee Knoxville Fencing Club, and served on the TN Division Board as Secretary and Vice-Chair from 2016-2020 and AL Division board in the same capacities since 2020. He has also been a referee since 2013, and a coach since 2012. William has extensive division event running experience from his tenure as a board member, as well as experience running fencing events and coaching clinics over the last ten years. Most recently, he has moved to Michigan and is an assistant coach at Renaissance Fencing Club. Through his many roles with USA Fencing, Will has developed an extensive network of referees, bout committee personnel, and armory staff and continues to grow his working relationships to the staff essential to the running of fencing competitions.
Dale Svihl
Candidate for Treasurer
In 2000, Dale saw a flyer for Adult Beginning Fencing Classes, he signed up and has been fencing ever since. He as competed in several dozen Division tournaments along with many USFA national competitions. He had served on the board of directors for the West Michigan Fencing Academy for several years, he currently serves as Secretary on the board of directors for the Thornapple Art Council. Dale is a retired Key Account Manager for Ecolab, he now spends his time working part time for the Gilmore Car Museum, many volunteering hours every week and of course Fencing.