From the Desk of the President Message Banner from Society President Hank Johnson

Dear SAM Members:

I am humbled and honored to address you for the first time as President of the Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM). It is with immense gratitude that I acknowledge the exceptional leadership of my predecessor, Dr. Reza Kheirandish. Under his stewardship, SAM has thrived as a vibrant community dedicated to the promotion of sound management principles, professional growth, and collaboration. Reza’s vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on this organization, and I am deeply appreciative of his contributions.

As I step into this role, I am reminded of Frederick Taylor’s words: “In the past, man has been first. In the future, the system must be first.” Taylor’s insight underscores the essence of SAM’s mission, to continually advance and improve the systems and frameworks that empower leaders to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Our members are at the forefront of shaping those systems, and I am committed to ensuring that SAM provides the tools, resources, and networks that you need to excel.

This is an exciting time for SAM, and I am eager to work alongside you to chart the path forward. A cornerstone of my presidency will be expanding our membership by fostering dynamic opportunities for professional engagement. I am excited to announce the first of those opportunities with the launch of our upcoming series of robust webinars, called SAM-inars, that will serve as a catalyst for meaningful connection and thought leadership, providing you with access to top-tier insights from industry leaders and academics. I believe that these initiatives will not only enrich your individual professional journeys but also fortify our collective impact as a community.

Additionally, I am committed to amplifying SAM’s legacy of mentorship and professional development. By strengthening our member-to-member mentorship programs and curating innovative virtual and in-person events, we will create an ecosystem where knowledge transfer flourishes and future management leaders are cultivated.

SAM’s strength lies in you, its members. Your expertise, dedication, and passion drive this organization forward. I am both humbled and energized by the opportunity to serve you and to work collaboratively in achieving SAM’s mission.

In closing, I leave you with another resonant thought from Taylor: “The best management is a true science, resting upon clearly defined laws, rules, and principles.” Let us continue to embrace these principles as we build a brighter future for SAM, for our members, and for the communities we serve.

Thank you for your commitment to SAM and for your trust in my leadership. I look forward to connecting with you all in the weeks and months ahead.

With gratitude and excitement,

Hank

Hank Johnson
2025-2027 President
Society for Advancement of Management