Jerry Nash (BA, MDiv, MA) is an educator who believes in the power of chess to enable student success. His time as a classroom teacher includes elementary school (Mathematics, Social Studies, and physical education), high school (English and French) and the university (Writing). His 30+ years of experience as an educator and as a leader of professional development for educators have provided ample evidence that chess as an educational tool can produce a marked increase in student engagement and skill development.

As a result, Nash has emerged as a leader in the growing international Chess in Education movement, and his work has been recognized by national and international organizations.
In 2015, Nash was awarded Chess Educator of the Year by the University of Texas at Dallas.
In 2019, Nash was appointed to the FIDE-EDU (International Chess Federation Chess in Education Commission) High Quality Standards Workgroup.
In 2021, Nash led the FIDE EDU Strategy Group and FIDE-EDU Certification and Endorsement Group, both tasked with outlining FIDE’s goals and strategies for Chess in Education over the next four years.
Also in 2021, Nash was awarded the title of Goodwill Ambassador for Chess in Education by the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation in Hungary.
Also in 2021, Nash led the FIDE EDU Strategy Group and FIDE-EDU Certification and Endorsement Group, both tasked with outlining FIDE’s goals and strategies for Chess in Education over the next four years.
In December of 2021, Nash was appointed Senior Adviser for Chess in Education for FIDE EDU.
In November of 2022, Nash was appointed Chairman of the Chess in Education Commission for the International Chess Federation (FIDE EDU), responsible for the global development of CIE.

As National Chess Education Consultant for Chess in Education – US and Chairman of the Chess in Education Commission for the International Chess Federation (FIDE EDU), Mr. Nash works with educators and government leaders around the world. His mission is to advance chess as an educational tool. His collaborations include the development of training and resources for the education community to build sustainable and scalable Chess in Education (CIE) initiatives.

A featured speaker at educational conferences and leadership meetings around the world, Mr. Nash relates the stories that support the case for chess as an educational tool. The fact that chess can introduce academic and 21st-century skills to students is a message that resonates with both the education and business communities.