Perry Kraker – Candidate for Regional Advocate 2025 – Mid-Atlantic

Note: This is a candidate page for a Judge Foundry Election. Information on this page is provided by the candidate, and does not represent the opinions or positions of the Elections Committee or of Judge Foundry. For more information about this election, see the schedule and index for the Elections at the 2025 Annual Meeting.

Nomination Statement

Greetings everyone! My name is Perry Kraker from Eastern North Carolina. Just like our BBQ, I hope you find me the best fit for you. 

In my personal life, I am a proud husband and father. I spend my free time spending as much time as I can with them and our two doggies. I enjoy puns, the beach, theatre, and getting into shenanigans. 

Regarding my experience in the Judge Program, I have previously served as an Area Captain in the Legacy Judge Program and as an Area Communicator for Judge Foundry. I have had the privilege of judging events at over 30 local game stores, head judging events ranging from 8 to 270 players. Additionally, I have coordinated over 8 physical judge conferences and presented at approximately a dozen. My experience also includes working at convention events for over 9 years. Currently, I am involved in two projects: the Missed Trigger Project and the Exemplar Program (please remember to submit your nominations before August 18th!).

Q1: Judge Program Direction

Question: This year, many members are uncertain about our future due to Wizards of the Coast’s announcement of a new Judge Program Manager role. How will you support your region through this uncertainty and potential transition?

Transition can be challenging, but it is during these times that we must remember who we support and maintain clear, open communication. I am committed to ensuring that we keep this at the forefront of our efforts. Judges and those we support should always be informed and engaged. 

Ensuring flat communication is critical to bridge the gap, both geographically and in program engagement. To help facilitate open communication both to and from the new WOTC liaison I plan to utilize multi-pronged communication channels (Discord, Meta Messenger, text messaging, podcasts, and other avenues available to the region). Additionally, I take pride in understanding my audiences and speaking directly to their questions and interests. I will tailor my communication plan to meet the needs of all judges, not only large event judges but judges committed to uplifting localized play. 

Aside from my communication plan, I am also prepared to have dedicated time set aside specifically for the Judge Program. While judges may contact me anytime as urgent needs arise, I believe that having set “office hours” can help build trust in the Regional Advocate position, WOTC, and the community at large. 

Q2: Local Judges and Judging

Question: As a Regional Advocate, how will you support local judges and encourage local judging in your region?

Supporting local judging is a driving force for my love of the JudgeProgram. When I began my judging journey, the common practice was to only certify judges that were employed by a store. While this store sponsorship policy seemed like a good idea on the surface, judges need a place to judge, this severely gatekept the Judge Program and hindered growth in the community. Several excellent judges do not work at a store. Judges, like myself, who simply want to provide support to the community whether at universities, clubs, home events, or small start-up businesses not yet ready to employ staff, would be disqualified from certification.. Judging is all around us. 

A large area of opportunity to expand local judging is to change the narrative about judging and the quality of service judges provide. In addition to supporting the local judges, simultaneously we will begin an advocacy plan to explain the added value of quality judging for local events. Tournament Organizers and store owners need to be reassured that their investment is producing a good return not only financially but in the overall player experience. While we won’t be able to combat every negative judging experience, we are only human, we can certainly create a platform that speaks to the quality of well-ran events and having subject matter experts to support local events. This role is essential in gathering data to make targeted interventions in areas lacking 2k, 5k, or like events. 

Q3: Programs and Projects

Question: How do you plan to use Conferences and other major projects like Exemplar or this year’s Review Competition to support and grow your region?

As a dedicated member of the Exemplar team and someone who has actively participated in and led numerous conferences, I find the most joy in this area. I believe in the power of fellowship and mentorship; our skills are honed through collaboration and open communication. 

Conferences in particular are a unique time to bring together all judges, local and large event, in a unified space to explore our passions, concerns, and achievements. Previous conferences I have held included soft skills, emergency response, and more honed skills development.  I believe having a variety of content that appeals to all judges will attract the most participants and create greater growth in the community. With the support of the larger Judge Program, I would like to host at least 2 conferences during the year, maybe more. 

Unfortunately, praise and camaraderie are often lacking in our program. Now with the new revived Exemplar Program, we have the opportunity to add more positive interactions and uplift the community. Through the Exemplar Program we will be highlighting excellence through Judge Apps and articles, and regionally I will broadcast Exemplar nominations through our social media outlets and Discord channels. The ultimate goal is to display wanted behavior to inspire others and give judges their moment to shine. We are committed to fostering a supportive community by being present and open to one another.