WFDF Welcomes New Staff Members

The World Flying Disc Federation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new executive staff members. Samantha Kehl (USA) was appointed Director of Communications and Social Media, Dillon Richardson (CAN) as Director of Membership Services and Sport Development, and Oleksandra Boliak (UKR) as Executive Assistant. These full-time consultancy positions will support the growth of the expanding organization.

As Director of Communications and Social Media Samantha oversees media and communications initiatives for WFDF. She joined WFDF in March 2024, bringing 20 years of communications and marketing experience to the role through her previous work as a consultant and with an international insurance company. She received her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. Samantha works with the Executive Committee on both internal and external communications, manages WFDF’s social media strategy, and serves as the primary point of contact for coordination with the media. Samantha’s expertise will help to align WFDF’s overall communications strategy with the priorities in the Strategic Plan as WFDF strives to be an invaluable source of information for the global Flying Disc community. 

Dillon joined WFDF as Director of Membership Services and Sport Development in April. He serves as the main point of contact for WFDF member associations. Dillon joins WFDF with experience at national and international sport federations and organizing committees. In his last role at the International Paralympic Committee as the Para Powerlifting Development Manager, Dillon launched initiatives that were recognized, winning awards from the IPC and British Council. He received his master’s degree from the University of Windsor. Dillon will play a key role in implementing services to support growth in National Federations and Continental Associations, and collaborating to deliver sport development initiatives.

Executive Assistant Oleksandra Boliak joined WFDF in March with prior experience as a project manager and coordinator for projects and sports events in the framework of European Week of Sport and Erasmus+ Sport programs funded by the European Union (EU). She has previously worked as a specialist in the development of non-Olympic sports at the Sports Committee of Ukraine, which included cooperation with the Ukrainian Flying Disk Federation (UFDF). She received her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University. Oleksandra will support the Executive Committee officers and Secretary General of WFDF with various administrative tasks, and help to coordinate Continental Associations and Commission activities.

“In adding these new full-time roles WFDF increases our capacity to implement the core strategies outlined in our most recent Strategic Plan.” said WFDF President Robert “Nob” Rauch. “We are thrilled to have these newly appointed staff members contributing to our success as a robust global organization that can provide support to member national federations, host world-class championship events, promote and grow the sport, and increase the visibility of its disciplines to a level approaching many of the globally recognized Olympic sports.”

Adding these new roles with full-time capacity is a step forward in the transition to ‘WFDF 3.0’ and WFDF looks forward to these team members contributing to WFDF’s mission: To support and promote the inclusive growth and development of all flying disc sports and spirit of the game.