Ring 43 Board
Mike Kamlet
President
I became interested in magic when I was 8 years old. My parents paid for "lessons," which turned out to be a teenager teaching me how to use various props like hippity-hop rabbits and a temple screen. Shortly after, we moved to Columbus, Ohio, where I joined a kids' club at the downtown magic shop and began attending Magi Fest.
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After college, I moved to the Chicago area and joined SAM 148, which was the largest club in the area at the time. I was introduced to Ring 43 through my girlfriend at the time, who was a member.
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My magic interests include cards, mentalism, and magic history and collecting. I have an extensive library and love discussing magic books.
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On the personal side, I’ve been working for AT&T for over 30 years, focusing on architecture and design for contact center technologies. My wife and I have two sons, and our youngest is currently at Purdue studying cybersecurity..
Brielle Kawalek
Vice-President
I'm a full-time magician originally from West Virginia with a passion for close-up mentalism—my favorite type of magic to perform. When it comes to watching magic, I’m captivated by the artistry of coin magic. I discovered magic in my late 20s, and it was love at first sight.
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So far, the highlights of my magic career include performing on Fool Us, working with Healing Appalachia, and performing on stage at my alma mater!
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A few fun facts about me: I’m fluent in German, I play the banjo and violin, and I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology!
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What I love most about the International Brotherhood of Magicians is the strong sense of community it creates and how willing everyone is to help each other learn and grow. If you’re passionate about magic, you’re in the right place with IBM Ring 43!
John Hutsebaut
Secretary
Although I’m strictly an amateur, I’ve been fortunate to have a number of magical credits to my name, including several effects published in Genii Magazine and five (so far) One-Man-Parades in The Linking Ring. I’ve served as past president of Chicago’s IBM Ring 43, past VP of Houston Ring 39, and I’m honored to have won the Sam Berland Trophy for Creativity. I’m also an Order of Merlin member and have belonged to three IBM rings and two SAM assemblies. Additionally, I’ve been a member of the Chicago Wizards Club, the Houdini Club of Wisconsin, the Houston Area Organization of Magicians, and the Association of Serious Sorcerers.
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I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and I’m a former Naval Officer. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, but I’ve had the opportunity to live in Newport, RI; Orlando, FL; Idaho Falls, ID; San Diego, CA; Bremerton, WA; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Chillicothe, OH; and Paducah, KY.
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Outside of magic, my hobbies include travel, science fiction, scuba diving, poetry, classic cars, and stained glass. These days, I’m happily retired in the Chicago area. My primary fascination with magic lies in the creative side of performing. I got my start at an early age when I picked up a book on levitation and couldn’t put it down.
Kevin Owens
Treasurer
I’m happy to be a magic hobbyist and have been a member of Ring 43 for over ten years, currently serving as Treasurer. My interest in magic goes back to my pre-teen years when my parents gave me Marshall Brodien’s “TV Magic Kit” (which I still have). While I’ve always loved watching all types of magic performed, I didn’t dive back into studying magic until former Ring president Jerry Sharff invited me to a club meeting. One of these days, I might even surprise everyone by performing an effect myself.
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I hold a master’s degree in human resource development and work on the people side of large-scale project management, focusing on merger and acquisition integrations and technology transitions. My wife, Margaret, and I share a family membership in the Ring, and we live in Chicago.
Terrence Hunter
Board Member
I’m Terrence Hunter, an award-winning magician and children’s entertainer. I’m a proud member and graduate of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) and the Kids Entertainers Academy (KEA). Through my work at TotalTmagic.com, I perform magic shows, teach magic, and offer balloon twisting and story time at libraries, schools, churches, community centers, and private events throughout the Chicagoland area.
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Magic for the King! is my first book, where I’ve turned my fun and funny magic show into a delightful story featuring characters with my face! I illustrated all the characters with help from my friend and renowned artist Alex Ross.
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When I’m not “MAGISHING!” I work as a fitness trainer with my company, TotalTfit.com.
Alec Schraegle
Newsletter Editor / Tech
I'm a hobbyist and volunteer magician at children's hospitals with an incredible organization, Open Heart Magic. My interest in magic came late in magic, starting when I purchased a few tricks from a Houdini Magic shop in Las Vegas to take home to my sons. Learning the tricks to perform for my kids kept me up all night, and it was then that I knew I discovered a new passion.
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In the last 5 years since my magic journey began, I've immersed myself in the incredible magic community we have in Chicago. With frequent visits to the Magic Inc. shop, joining the Chicago Magic Lounge Roundtable, and becoming an active board member with our RIng 43 in 2024, I've grown to appreciate the opportunities to improve my magic and build friendships.
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I'm not a working professional, but as I continue to surround myself with our great magicians, my drive to develop my magic and learn from others is inspiring.
