SSDP@UH’s officers work tirelessy to maintain the organization, and accomplish all of its goals. Elections are held at the end of every Spring semester, where the general membership  votes on who the officers for the following academy year will be. If an officer position opens up prior to the election, the Executive Director may appoint a replacement.

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Executive Director: Michael Blunk

E-mail: mgblunk@gmail.com

Major: Political Science and Communication, Senior

Role: Direct operations of the organization, oversees all departments

Statement: Our drug policies aren’t properly protecting people from the real harms of drug abuse, and drug prohibition is largely to blame for this failure. I got into drug policy for one reason, because I realized the war on drugs is harming our citizens more than drugs themselves ever could. Banning a substance in order to protect them from it doesn’t work; people will always be able to get their hands on drugs. It just pushes the use and any potential abuse underground, and makes it harder for people to get the treatment they need. Our drug policies also prevent banned substances from being used as medicine. Why is it that marijuana is not considered medicine by the FDA, despite studies showing it slows the growth of cancer cells and the onset of Alzheimers? A doctor should be able to prescribe whatever medicine to their patient that they believe will best help them. These are just some of the many reasons I work to reform drug policy. I hope you’ll join SSDP@UH and help end the war on drugs too.

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Associate Director: Hillary Sotello

E-mail: hill_bill41@yahoo.com

Major: Political Science and Anthropology, Junior

Role: Assist Executive Director in operations of organization

Statement: I am a member of Student Government Association, SSDP at UH, intern for Houstonians for Responsible Growth, and I work two jobs. I am also a member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. I joined SSDP because I see where drug policy is flawed in our country. As a member of an intelligent, dynamic and driven generation, I feel I have an obligation to make a difference because I have been given the opportunity to do so. I also want to educate others and show them that they too can make their voices heard. Along with the help of the other awesome members, we can change drug policy in America for the better and make the country a safer, more productive place for future generations.

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Secretary: Sean Thompson

E-mail: ridcully52@gmail.com

Major:

Role: Takes minutes at meetings, handles all paperwork of organization

Statement:

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Director of Finance: Position is open

E-mail:

Major:

Role: Handles finances of organization, and coordinates fund raising activities

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Outreach Coordinator: Position is open

E-mail:

Major:

Role: Maintains member list, Facebook group, Google Group and website, in charge of all recruitment activities

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Director of Public Relations: Position is open

E-mail:

Major:

Role: In charge of media relations, marketing, editorial committee and the comic committee

Statement:

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Event Coordinator: John Price

E-mail: john.oliver.price@gmail.com

Major: Hotel & Restaurant Management, Junior

Role: Oversees coordination and execution of all events

Statement: As event coordinator, I assure that each program put on by SSDP goes smoothly. I am a founding member of SSDP@UH and help the organization by offering my experience from the hospitality industry. I became involved in SSDP because drugs on both sides of the law are omnipresent in the hospitality industry. I believe that treatment, education and a revision of the current drug laws will lead to a healthier and happier nation.