Ocean State Chess Association is the Official R.I. State Affiliate of the United States Chess Federation
Frank C. DelBonis, President & Director
Frank DelBonis is Rhode Island’s highest-certified Tournament Director, serving as an Associate National USCF Tournament Director with more than three decades of experience. Throughout his career, Frank has devoted himself to advancing chess and supporting the growth of the game at every level. He has directed over 300+ U.S. Chess Federation tournaments, including national events, and currently organizes the majority of chess tournaments in Rhode Island through OSCA, which also manages the state’s High School, Middle School, and Elementary School Chess League competitions.
Frank has a long history of regional leadership as well. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Chess Association (MACA) and has played an active role in supporting state affiliates and chess clubs across Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. In recognition of his contributions to the region, Frank was elected President of the New England Chess Association (NECA) in 2024 and currently serves in this this position.
As a chess coach, Frank has led his high school and middle school teams to numerous Rhode Island State and League Championships, with his teams qualifying for and competing in 14 U.S. National Championships. In addition to his chess leadership, Frank is a longtime Social Studies and ESL teacher, chess coach, and adjunct professor who has dedicated his career to supporting students and promoting educational opportunities through chess.
Frank holds a B.A. from the University of Rhode Island and an M.A. from Brown University. He is also the founder and former 27-year President of the South East New England Chess Association (SENECA) and now oversees all Ocean State Chess events for the U.S. Chess Federation’s Rhode Island State Affiliate.
For more than 35 years, Frank has worked to build chess programs and support students in inner-city communities. He has never taken compensation for his work with Ocean State Chess, instead continuously reinvesting all proceeds to benefit schools, higher education institutions, and the improvement of chess tournaments throughout Rhode Island.
Email: frank@oceanstatechess.com
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Kevin Carriere, Vice-President, Chairman of the Board, & Director
Kevin Carriere is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Stonehill College with a deep passion for education and chess. Born, raised, and now residing in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, Kevin has been playing chess since childhood passed down from his grandfather. He has a PhD in Psychology and a Master’s of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a BA from Clark University. He is the College Chess Club Advisor for the Stonehill Chess Club and is committed to promoting chess and fostering a love for learning among students. Kevin is currently a USCF Tournament Director and is working towards his Senior TD Certification in order to further contribute to the Rhode Island chess community. His ;eadership skills have helped OSCA thrive this past year.
Email: krcarriere@gmail.com
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Daniel A. Amadio, Treasurer & Director
Daniel Amadio, is a Local USCF Tournament Director, and has been a chess coach for almost 30 years. He earned a Math Degree from the University of Rhode Island and Teaching Certification after MAT courses at RI College. Dan is a humble and dedicated teacher and coach to his students and everyone in the Rhode Island Chess Community. He has been the Instructional Lead Math Teacher at Central Falls High School for many years. His teams have won many state championship titles including 3 consecutive undefeated seasons in the Rhode Island Chess League, and his students have attended the U.S. Chess Nationals 4 times. Dan has provided the students of Central Falls with opportunities for personal growth and success over the years. He teaches advanced math for the Upward Bound Program at R.I. College and he is a very strong player.
Email: danamadio@yahoo.com
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Kayla (DelBonis) Bell, Secretary & Director
Kayla DelBonis Bell is the oldest daughter of OSCA President Frank DelBonis and has been actively involved in supporting her father and the Rhode Island chess community for much of her life. She graduated Summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree. A successful businesswoman, Kayla recently became a newly certified U.S. Chess Tournament Director, further demonstrating her commitment to the growth and organization of competitive chess. Known for her positive demeanor and encouraging spirit, she brings enthusiasm, leadership, creativity, and dedication to everything she does. She is very artistic and recently has designed all of OSCA’s Tournament flyers. Kayla looks forward to helping Ocean State Chess effectively run and wants to strengthen the organization, expand girls’ and women’s chess opportunities throughout Rhode Island, and continue to grow chess while carrying forward her father’s legacy into the future.
Email: kayladelbonis@gmail.com
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Adam Bryant, Member-At-Large & Director
Adam Bryant, is the newest member of the OSCA Board of Directors. He is a former elementary school teacher who is currently a legal-aid lawyer who devotes his time to helping the public. Adam is truly an “adult improver” who recently became obsessed with chess during the past few years. He recently also became a USCF Certified Club Tournament Director for OSCA. You’re likely to see him at a local R.I. tournament and chess clubs with his carpool buddy – 91 year old chess player Boris Zhevelyuk.
Email: atbryant@pm.me
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Michael Clark, Member-At-Large & Director
Michael Clark, a lifelong Rhode Islander, former Rhode Island High School Chess Champion, and chess player for 29 years, brings a deep love for the game and professional expertise in technology and cybersecurity to the Ocean State Chess Association. He is passionate about using technology to expand access to chess while protecting the integrity of competition. Mike, rated over 2000, also strongly advocates for in-person tournaments that build community. Finally, Mike is always working to ensure the Rhode Island Chess Community strikes the right balance between digital innovation and the traditions that make chess so rewarding.
Email: detente.tiers3z@icloud.com
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Jennifer Rolfsema, Director of Player Engagement & Women-Girls Chess Coordinator
Jennifer renewed her interest in chess after watching the Queen’s Gambit and playing online chess during the pandemic. Her Uncle Larry taught her how to play during family holiday visits to Pennsylvania as a teenager. Jennifer holds a BGD and BFA from Rhode Island School of Design with a minor in Art History; Business Management certificate from Johnston & Wales University where she was a graphic designer in-house. She also attended Studio Arts Center International in Florence, Italy and Endicott College in Beverly, MA. She is the Creative Director for CreativeChica: graphic design, fine art and celebration services working regularly with the public, small businesses/corporations and non-profits since 2006. In addition, she is a real estate agent, licensed in Rhode Island for buying, selling, investing and commercial. Jen feels that we are lucky to have a local community of interest at all levels in chess, through libraries, school clubs and open play and tournaments. She is eager to help the leadership, volunteers, coaches and fellow players help to support chess here in Rhode Island. Jennifer has been recently certified as a U.S. Chess tournament director, and happy to be a part of the board to contribute to strategic goals, represent women in chess and play.
Email: creativechica@hotmail.com
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If you are interested in volunteering or serving on the Board of Directors, please contact us!
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