Greetings Federation Members –
I hope this message finds you well and energized for an exciting and productive 2026 as we continue to grow from the inside to outside making a meaningful difference.
As we look to the future of our Federation, it is essential that we intentionally develop and support the next generation of Regional leadership. The strength and continuity of our organization depend on creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and shared responsibility in this vital role.
The adjustments being made to the Regional Examiner structure reflect this commitment. By expanding and refining our leadership within each Region, we are ensuring greater depth, continuity, and closer support for our membership, while also preparing capable leaders to carry our standards and vision forward.
This step is not only about meeting today's needs, but about building a sustainable foundation for tomorrow – one that honors the work of those who came before us while empowering the leaders who will guide the Federation into its next chapter. We are committed to identifying future leaders as we move forward on an ongoing basis.
On behalf of the Technical Advisory Committee, I would like to announce three new Regional Examiner appointments as listed below with terms effective immediately:
- Region 2 – Rich Ahlers Sa Bom Nim
- Region 8 – Tory Mitchell Sa Bom Nim
- Region 9 – Brittany Lockhart Sa Bom Nim
We congratulate these members on their appointment and look forward to their Regional leadership and service to the Federation. Additionally, we thank each of the Regional Examiners who agreed to serve another term to continue their efforts and leadership within their Regions.
With these changes, Vicki Kenyon Sa Bom Nim (Region 9) and Jeff Mackey Sa Bom Nim (Region 1) will be stepping down from their roles to support the growth of the next generation of leadership. We are deeply grateful for their many years of dedicated service, steady leadership and meaningful contributions within their Regions and the Federation as a whole. We thank them sincerely for all they have given and appreciate their continued support as we move forward together.
Collectively, our Regional Examiners will support a renewed focus on quality – continuous improvement in this area is vital, as it deepens the underlying capabilities of practitioners – strengthening fundamentals, sharpening understanding and fostering consistency that supports sustained growth and higher levels of performance. The benefits of this focus are clear to us as practitioners, but also serve to elevate the art to the next level.
Please see the updated summary of Regional Examiner Appointments, Term Extensions and TAC Oversight Assignments listed below:
| Region | REX | Salutation | Term Expiration | TAC Oversight |
|
1 |
Andrew Cheever | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | F. Tsai SBN |
|
2 |
Elaine Phillips | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | J. Lockwood SBN |
| Mary Kate Stinehour | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | ||
| Rich Ahlers | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | ||
|
3 |
Tim Clyde | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | S. Fittanto SBN |
| Jonathan Youmans | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | ||
|
4 |
Tommy Brantley | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | R. Cruz SBN |
|
5 |
Carl Vonck | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | C. Cooper SBN |
| Joey LaJoice | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | ||
|
6 |
Hiram Turner | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | B. Corrales SBN |
| James Bennett | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | ||
| Dwayne Townsend | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | ||
|
7 |
Mike Kelly | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | J. Lockwood SBN |
| Sean Cullen | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | ||
|
8 |
Andy Hamer | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | J. Gibbons SBN |
| Tory Mitchell | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | ||
|
9 |
Robert Maderazo | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | J. Duncan SBN |
| Brittany Lockhart | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 | ||
|
10 |
Sean Oulashin | Sa Bom | Dec-2027 | J. Rosenthal SBN |
| Carly Burris | Sa Bom | Dec-2028 |
The outlook for 2026 is bright, and we look forward to your continued active participation as we connect through training and strengthen human relations together. Through shared effort and commitment, we will continue to elevate our practice and our Federation.
We have an exciting year of events scheduled starting with the Virtual Nationals (be on the lookout for registration that will kick off shortly) followed by the National Festival in Salt Lake City from July 16-18 and Moment with the Masters / Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in Minneapolis from November 13-19.
Throughout the year, TAC will continue to offer both virtual and in-person seminars to keep us connected and growing together.
Thank you to our members, instructors and school owners for your dedication and active support. You are deeply valued. Let us move forward with positive energy, strong Moo Do and a shared commitment to making 2026 a truly successful year. We look forward to connecting with you soon.
In Moo Duk Kwan,
Josh Lockwood
Chair, Technical Advisory Committee