John Sturk
Candidate for S.A.M. National Secretary
Ballots go out in early May. Make sure your Assembly's contact info is up to date
by emailing the National Office at [email protected].
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by emailing the National Office at [email protected].
E-ballots will be distributed by Mailchimp from [email protected].
Make sure you whitelist the address so it doesn't go to spam!
S.A.M. Leadership Positions
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Other Leadership Positions
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S.A.M. Accomplishments
- 3-time recipient of Presidential Citations from PNPs Bowers, Bowman, and Spence
- Talent Chair, S.A.M. Chicago Celebration in 2019
- 2-time recipient, Dean's List Award for Individual Membership Recruitment
- Led Assembly 3's recruitment strategies to win Membership Growth Awards in 2016, 2018, and 2024
- Established Assembly Resource Committee to provide guidance and resources for assemblies to expand their programming and membership
- Led S.A.M. Leadership Forums, online meetings to discuss assembly leadership and best practices for operating an assembly.
- Initiated the S.A.M. Community, a private members-only online forum to engage members
- Assisted PNP Bruce Kalver with publishing the Backstage S.A.M. Podcast.
- Coordinated and assisted in designing the MagicSAM.com re-launch in 2021.
- Today, I help out the S.A.M. Web Team with website operations, serve as co-chair of the S.A.M. Marketing Committee, help out as the Advertising Coordinator for M-U-M Magazine, and serve on the Convention Planning Committee.
As National Secretary, it would be my responsibility to:
- Maintain an accurate and complete record of S.A.M. Council meetings and actions.
- Facilitate communication among National Council officers, members, and stakeholders.
- Compile the biannual "Blue Book" reports from officers and committees.
- Act as point-of-contact for organizations and individuals wanted to correspond with the National Council.
Why would I want this gig?
What I think I can bring to the role is a record of dedicated service to the S.A.M. plus an aptitude for organization and technology. My understanding of how to use tech to communicate would be a major strength. Mainly, I look at this as an opportunity to serve the S.A.M. using my talents, and help build a strong future for our Society. As someone who was involved in day-to-day operations of the S.A.M. during my presidency, I bring a great deal of experience to the Secretary's office.
Another strength I bring to the job is my experience in dealing with governing documents like constitutions, bylaws, and Robert's Rules. As an undergrad at Michigan State, I served as the Internal Vice-President of the campus-wide Residence Halls Association, and consulted with many campus organizations on creating governance documents. I also taught leaders in the way to use Robert's Rules for more efficient meetings, rather than allowed procedure to obstruct progress. During my internships in the Michigan Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives as an undergrad, I often would coach my bosses on floor procedure in order to help them achieve their goals.
Another strength I bring to the job is my experience in dealing with governing documents like constitutions, bylaws, and Robert's Rules. As an undergrad at Michigan State, I served as the Internal Vice-President of the campus-wide Residence Halls Association, and consulted with many campus organizations on creating governance documents. I also taught leaders in the way to use Robert's Rules for more efficient meetings, rather than allowed procedure to obstruct progress. During my internships in the Michigan Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives as an undergrad, I often would coach my bosses on floor procedure in order to help them achieve their goals.
Other stuff I do:
- My day job is as a Web Content Specialist for the American Bar Association. I help keep the website updated with the latest content generated by members, and keep up to date on the latest trends and best practices in web design and UX.
- I also perform around Chicago as an improv piano accompanist and teacher for institutions like The Second City, iO Chicago, The Revival Theater, Baby Wants Candy, and The Annoyance Theater.
- Occasionally I produce my own public magic show, Magic Mondays.
Other Factoids About Me:
- 2015-2019, Co-Founder, Chicago Magic Lounge. Director of Magic Operations, 2015-2018; Music Director/Roundtable Coordinator/Production Associate, 2018-2019
- 2007-2015 Project Coordinator, Fun Incorporated (magic manufacturing company). Developed new magic products for market, inside sales, and e-commerce management
- Former magic shop demonstrator, Magic, Inc. - Chicago and Wunderground Magic Shop - Detroit
- Associate of the Inner Magic Circle, The Magic Circle, London. Member since 2018
- Member, Academy of Magical Arts, since 2015
- Member, International Brotherhood of Magicians, since 2007
- Summer 2006 - Full time street magician, Mackinaw City, MI
- Former Intern, U.S. House of Representatives, Fall 2003
- Former Intern, Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate
- BA, Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, Michigan State University '06
- BA, Journalism, Michigan State University '07