Ryan Wood – Candidate for Board of Directors 2025

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

The judge community is once again standing at a crossroads. With Wizards of the Coast seeking a new Judge Manager, the future of our profession is shifting once again. How we respond as a community will shape what comes next. I’m running for the Board of Directors because I believe Judge Foundry must not just react to this change, but lead it. And we must do so for the good of all members, not just the judges we see at conventions.

I’ve been part of this journey from the very beginning. I was there when the legacy program ended, stayed through the transition to Judge Academy, and remained through the handoff to Judge Foundry. I’ve watched our community weather storms, adapt, and grow while never losing sight of why we do this: to support players, events, and most importantly, each other.

Alongside my work in Magic, I’ve built and led another trading card game’s judge program from the ground up. That program is officially recognized and supported by its publisher. During that time, I have regularly worked with liaisons and stakeholders who set goals and expectations for the program. I take their input and help turn it into practical systems, policies, and structures that support both the publisher’s vision and the needs of the judge community. This work requires careful listening, collaboration, and clear communication. It also means ensuring that the local judge is represented and supported. These are the skills I will bring to Judge Foundry as we prepare to work with a new Judge Manager and an evolving vision from Wizards of the Coast.

Judge Foundry was built by judges, for judges. It’s our mission. If elected, I will work to revitalize our commitment to that mission by:

• Strengthening direct communication between the board and the broader membership
• Expanding support for conferences and continuing judge education
• Applying active listening and transparently translating information
• Being a voice for the majority of the program, not only the privileged few

This is a pivotal moment. Let’s make sure the next chapter is written with the community, not for it.

I would be honored to earn your vote to serve on the Board of Directors for Judge Foundry during this time of change.

Q1: Judge Program Direction

Question: It appears that one of this board’s main responsibilities will be to either navigate our relationship with Wizards of the Coast’s new Judge Program Manager, or manage a transition from Judge Foundry back to Wizards of the Coast. How would you navigate this situation?

This transition is a critical time for us. Judge Foundry has led organized judging in the absence of Wizards’ direct support. When Wizards walked away, the judge community was left to disperse. We held the flag high and supported ourselves. Whether we continue independently or transition back under Wizards, the key will be open and good-faith communication. I would work to understand the goals of Wizards and the new Judge Manager, advocate for the needs and values of our members, and find common ground wherever possible. That includes advocating for the return of Judge Promos, which remains one of the most valued tools for judge recognition, retention, and acquisition. Some battles are worth fighting, but above all, we must preserve the voice and identity of our community. This moment is not just about the survival of our program. It is about helping judges feel seen, valued, and empowered in whatever comes next.

Q2: Non-Profit Administration

Question: What skills, experience, or plans would you bring to this role in non-profit administration?

I bring extensive experience managing a retail location with limited funds, where I oversaw budgeting, cost control, and strategic financial decisions to keep it sustainable. I know how to stretch resources while still delivering value. I also have over a decade of experience in customer service and online support, which taught me to communicate clearly, resolve conflict professionally, and stay focused on community needs. I have sufficient skills with Excel and other tools that support budgeting, reporting, and operations. In everything I do, I focus on efficiency with a personal touch. I hope to bring that same approach to the Board.

Q3: Member Benefits and Resources

Question: How do you think Judge Foundry should best use its limited resources to benefit the members?

This needs to be a collaborative effort. No single board member should decide how Judge Foundry’s limited resources are used. If Wizards absorbs the program, I believe any remaining resources should go toward a meaningful or fun surprise for the community. Personally, I would enjoy something that celebrates the work we’ve done together. Until then, our focus should be on direct support for judges. That means investing in the growth of our program. This can take the form of conferences, educational initiatives, and sponsorships that improve access, engagement, and learning. These efforts benefit the broadest part of our membership and leave a lasting impact, no matter what comes next. I have ideas to contribute, but ultimately, these decisions should be made transparently, with input from both the board and the community we serve.