From the Chair continued from page 3
attorney , and the first 7th Circuit Fellow to assume the role – and I hope that I have met the high standards set by my predecessors . I stand on the shoulders of former Chairs , especially Jan Baker , Mike Cook , the late Chris Meyer , Marc Levinson and Mark Bloom , each of whom gave me opportunities to serve in leadership roles such as College Treasurer and on various committees and working groups . They believed in me , as a person and a professional . Without each of them , I would not be in this role , nor would the College and Foundation be the organizations they are today . In March , Charlie Beckham – a most worthy individual and a tremendous partner – will become the next Chair , and a new slate of leaders identified by the nominating committee , which is starting its work now , will assume their positions . This is as it should be . We have a wealth of talent in the College , and we all benefit from the diversity of skills , experience and perspective that each new leader brings .
Finally , I must recognize the person who has been essential to the College ’ s leadership for over fifteen years , someone who is often outside the spotlight but couldn ’ t have been more important to the continuity and stability of the College : our Executive Director , Shari Bedker . Shari will be retiring in July , and while well-deserved , we will miss her greatly . But her amazing staff at Armstrong & Associates will remain , under the leadership of CC Schnapp , who will have worked under Shari ’ s tutelage for two years in advance of assuming the helm . While this will be a transition for the College , change brings growth , and we look forward to exciting new things to come .
I end by saying thank you – it has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Chair . I look forward to continuing our journey together as Fellows .
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Class XXXV from page 12
Our Future
The future of the College is good and continually getting better . Each Regent and Circuit Admissions Council has started or enhanced the implementation of a pipeline for their circuit to identify , guide and mentor potential new fellows from diverse backgrounds , from all geographic areas of the circuit and from all professions . In order to identify outstanding young practitioners , the Circuits have held networking events and programs . The Regents have additionally identified states within their circuits where fellowship in the College is underrepresented and targeted their pipeline to correct that imbalance . The pipeline is assuring that , among other objectives , the identification and development of future fellows is a top priority .
Thank You
As this is my last Column as Chair of the Board of Regents , I could not have navigated this process without Melissa and Charlie and their constant advice and counsel . In addition , I have had the privilege and honor to work with Regents , the Chairs of the Judicial Nominating Committee , and the International Fellows Nominating Committee who are the best of the best . Their diligence , excellence , professionalism and courtesies have been inspirational for me .
Lastly , but certainly not least , I would like to thank all the fellows who spent weeks and months preparing comprehensive nomination packages for Class XXXV which made all of our jobs so much easier .