Leadership & Staff

Eric Polgar

Executive Director

Eric Joined Chess for Success (CFS) in October 2022 as the new Executive Director, after serving as the Director of Operations and Finance with a similar organization.  

Eric brings 20 plus years of leadership experience and proven results helping people and organizations improve.  He believes chess helps develop and improve skills that are critical to success in life, and is passionate about the CFS mission. In his spare time Eric enjoys camping, being in nature, bringing his dog to the river, traveling and spending time with his family. 

You can email epolgar@chessforsuccess.org to connect with Eric

Patty Deshano

Director of Programs

Patty has over a decade of experience working with youth and youth development programs. From teaching swim lessons to overnight camps, the Boys and Girls Club to outdoor schools, Patty's enthusiasm for youth development is always in full swing. She can often be found working from home with her dogs. Outside of work she loves camping, photography, and spending time with her family.

You can email Patty@chessforsuccess.org to connect about programming

Anne Clingon

Communications and Grants Specialist

Anne has a diverse working background and a passion for making an impact on young lives. She has an English degree from the University of Oregon and experience in various fields including working for City Year in Jacksonville FL to aid underserved students in a 5th grade classroom. It was this experience that made her realize how deep of an impact working with youth can have. This inspired her to find work in the field of education, leading her to Chess for Success. In her free time Anne enjoys going on walks with her 2 dogs, reading, going to Portland Thorns games and spending time outdoors.

You can email Anne@chessforsuccess.org to connect with Anne

Michael Malone

Regional Coordinator

Michael is currently a Regional Coordinator for Chess for Success responsible for almost all the Portland Public Schools after school chess programs. He started as a chess coach in 1992. Then after 31 years, he retired from PPS as a Special Education teacher and Chess coach. He then started working as a Program Manager for CFS in 2013, making him the staff member with the longest history in the organization.

Currently, he enjoys helping out in all the areas of need from curriculum development, program development and from time to time as a Tournament Director.  But, beyond all the different demands, what he enjoys most is interacting with young people and seeing how this incredible game helps them grow in wonderful and unexpected ways.

You can email Michael@chessforsuccess.org to connect about RESJ programming

Chris Hill

Regional Coordinator

Chris brings years of experience in the nonprofit world, first working at the First Coast YMCA in Jacksonville, Florida before moving to Oregon and finding a home with Chess for Success first as a Location Leader for summer programming and now as a Regional Coordinator. Chris has a Bachelor's in History from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a Master's in Political Science at Portland State University. In his spare time Chris enjoys playing FIFA, reading history books, and traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

You can email Chris@chessforsuccess.org to connect about tournaments or rural programming.

Daniel Valdes

Regional Coordinator

Born in Montreal, Daniel lived the first part of his life in Canada, afterwards moving to Mexico where he attended primary school at Bartolome M Salido. After, Daniel and his family moved to Oregon where he attended Corvallis High school and got to spend time alongside his father, who worked at the school he attended. Daniel graduated in 2019 and for the past several years alongside working with Chess for Success, he has focused on his various passions and interests, from working with nature conservation in Mexico, to political work in Oregon.

Email Daniel@chessforsuccess.org to connect

Jax Greenwald

Regional Coordinator

Jax graduated from Reed College in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a focus in developmental and behavioral neuroscience. He has since spent time in related social work and research fields, including working with children with developmental disabilities. He believes that encouraging a growth mindset in young people is crucial to well-being, and his passion for problem-solving and helping others brought him to Chess for Success. In his free time, Jax enjoys hiking, learning about marine biology, playing instruments, and hanging out with his cat, Ziggy. 

You can email Jax@chessforsuccess.org to connect about programming in Hillsboro and Salem

Stephen Owens

Regional Coordinator

Stephen Owens is a lifelong Oregon resident and high-school social studies teacher. Steve has been coaching chess clubs since 2019 and he brings his passion for chess and education to his role at Chess for Success. With a deep love for the game and a commitment to nurturing critical thinking skills in youth, Stephen dedicates his time to teaching chess and empowering young minds. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three children, working on projects around the house, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast.

Email Stephen@chessforsuccess.org for Tillamook County Programming