Ranae Bartlett honored as member of Alabama Chess Hall of Fame
MADISON – Ranae Bartlett, Mayor-Elect of Madison and founder of Madison City Chess League or MCCL, was inducted into the Alabama Chess Hall of Fame during Labor Day weekend.
Alabama Chess Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals in the Alabama chess community. These individuals may be great champions, tournament directors, organizers, writers or coaches.
The 2025 Class of Alabama Chess Hall of Fame was inducted during a ceremony at the Alabama State Chess Championship in Chelsea. Various officials of Alabama Chess Federation attended.
“Ranae Bartlett has contributed immensely to Alabama chess through the accomplishments of MCCL, a league that has greatly uplifted chess, and especially scholastic chess, in the Madison area,” Scott Varagona said. Varagona is Editor of the Alabama Chess Federation’s magazine, “Alabama Chess Antics,” and is Chairman of the Alabama Chess Hall of Fame.
After founding MCCL in 2013, Bartlett served as its Executive Director for 10plus years and conducted 80-plus tournaments. Since 2020, she has worked as Education Director for ChessKid.com.
“Ranae is also wellknown for her work in support of chess for girls in this state. MCCL has organized the most editions of the Alabama All-Girls Championship since the tournament’s inception in 2018,” Varagona said.
“In more recent years, Ranae’s positive influence on chess has been felt on the national level, as she has held various high-ranking positions in the US Chess Federation, including serving as Executive Director,” Varagona said.
In other civic service, Bartlett was a member of Madison Board of Education. She held the positions of Vice President and President.
Currently, Bartlett represents District 5 on Madison City Council and serves as President Pro Tempore. She has held key roles on the council, including Finance Committee Chair and Council President.
After her successful campaign and bid in the Madison municipal election in August, Bartlett will take office as Mayor of Madison on Nov. 3.
Beyond public service, Bartlett’s career has spanned non-profit leadership and corporate law. From 1999 to 2003, Bartlett served as Assistant General Counsel for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and oversaw complex litigation.
Bartlett is married to Todd Guthrie. Their son, Michael Guthrie, graduated from the University of Alabama with bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering and mathematics.
