Board Member Spotlight: John Siminerio

Strong leadership is at the heart of Queens Gambit’s impact, and Board Chair John Siminerio exemplifies exactly what that looks like in action.

As Managing Director of Enterprise Strategy at Cigna, John focuses on turning complex challenges into clear decisions and meaningful action. A proud Pittsburgh boomerang, he returned to the region after more than a decade in Washington, D.C., and is deeply committed to helping the next generation build confidence, think independently, adapt, and keep learning.

So what inspired him to join Queens Gambit?

“I joined because I see the lessons of chess come alive every time I play with my daughters. Chess is time tested, played across cultures and centuries, and yet it feels more relevant than ever. It gives kids a testing ground to try out decisions, test theories, and get feedback quickly.”

For John, chess is a powerful life tool.

“Chess teaches focus, resilience, and the ability to recover from setbacks. It gives kids a safe environment to practice making decisions and owning the results. In a world that changes so quickly, learning how to think critically, adapt, and keep moving forward is priceless.”

Looking ahead, he is excited about what’s possible for Queens Gambit.

“I hope Queens Gambit continues to expand into more schools and communities, reaching kids who might not otherwise be exposed to chess. Just as importantly, I want to see us grow a deeper bench of instructors who inspire students both on and off the board.”

Fun fact. John plays keyboard in a local dad band that covers everything from classic rock to 90s alternative.

A strategist, mentor, and lifelong learner, John brings the kind of thoughtful leadership that helps Queens Gambit continue growing its impact and preparing students to think ahead, make decisions, and step confidently into what comes next.