Welcome to the state of the region post!

It’s been quite a while since the January update. My goal for this year to write monthly about our region was blown away by busy-ness in my personal life. Some person thought it was a good idea to have a kid, buy a new house, move into it, and sell the old house. All at the same time — the sanity of these decisions was not considered. Change is ever constant, but now my life is settling down. As many of you know, the Regional Coordinator Selection process has kicked off and our region is up for renewal. I have decided that I won’t be seeking another term.

Now since I still control this blog, I will wax poetic about some thoughts I have about our region, RCs in general, and Doctor Who.

For those of you who wish to skip my sentimental thoughts, please Ctrl+F for THE FUTURE.

 

Welcome back, now along for the ride!

(There isn’t in fact another reference to that phrase in this post.)

Our region has had 4 RCs functioning under various labels, from Chris Richter, to Dan Stephens, to Steven Briggs, and currently myself. Under each of these RCs, we’ve looked a little different. First we were the Midwest region with Richter at the launch of the Regional Coordinator program. Then Dan Stephens lead us as we split into the Central region and at different times had Pennsylvania or Missouri included. When Steven Briggs took control, we were the restored Midwest: far and away the largest region in the world, at one point containing 1/6th of the entire worldwide population of judges. It was an amazing moment when we split to form the Great Lakes region as 1/3rd of the grand old Midwest. We were setup for success and you all knocked it out of the park.

So, What’s Next? More on that in moment, just Ctl+F for THE PRESENT.

 

Welcome back folks who tried to escape my thoughts! Onto the RC Role.

(Yep, not another reference to that phrase either. Consider that one a gift to myself).

The RC role is one of the toughest positions in the program. It sits in a zone that is unique even among the advanced roles: dealing with all of the stakeholders in the Magic community. They work with Wizards, TOs, Players and Judges to support the goals of Organized Play in their region. The position requires focus and dedication, as well as intense communication and essentially around the clock availability. While at the RC conference this year, listening to my colleagues regarding their work, I sat amazed at the good that this group does.

The RCs are the most influential group in the program and I respect each one of them for their commitment and passion. No one takes this task up lightly and we all have our own approach to building and supporting a region. Some directly work with the judges in their region, while others lead the leaders and use a delegated system to work with the judges in their region. It’s as varied as the judges in those regions. Each RC and region relationship is unique a little bit like the relationship between the Doctor and his Tardis on Doctor Who. Together they can do some amazing things.

Now as to why I’m stepping down and for all of you wishing to skip to the end CTL+F for RC WHO.

 

Welcome back folks who tried to escape for a third time! I want to discuss the reason why I’m stepping down.

(Yep, no other reference to that one either. Run a joke into the ground? Why yes, I will!)

First, my term is up. My term ending forced a mental review of my ability to fulfill the role, which is what the NNWO intended. I examined my ability to perform the role over the next two years. The term limit was extended at the last RC conference. Given the personal life changes I mentioned above, I took a look around my day job, my life, the state of the region, and did a real measurement of what my bandwidth would be. All of that led me to realize that I couldn’t have 28 hours of committed work a day and only 24 hours in the day. RCs don’t have Time Turners and the Tardis comparison is a metaphor. It was best for me personally and for the region to have a new RC. So I decided to step down. The RC position is regenerating and a 5th RC is coming.

John Temple has applied to be our RC. I support his candidacy 100% and even wrote a recommendation for him inside the RC selection process. John has been my right hand man ever since I became an RC. If you are a fan of The West Wing, he is my Josh Lyman. He’s been a sounding board and an advisor. He’s done so much work to put my vision into action. John has an immense passion for Judges and Judging. He is well connected inside and outside the region. I’m excited to see what his vision is for the region and I trust that he will do an outstanding job.

I’ve been honored to serve as your RC. I love this region, I think quite selfishly that I have the best region in the world. Every success we’ve experienced is due to all of your work and every failure was likely due to my own failings.

Great Lakes Judges! Before I go, I just want to say you were fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. And you know what? So was I!