E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R’ S M E S S A G E J o h n F. K y n e s – H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
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period of extraordinary growth. Today, she oversees a team of 400 employees who together serve approximately 200,000 individuals across our community each year.
For her visionary leadership and service, the HCBA honored Reynolds with its 2026 Liberty Bell Award at the annual Law Day Luncheon, held this past May at the downtown Hilton.
In 1964, the American Bar Association formally endorsed the Liberty Bell Award for use by bar associations across the nation to enhance their Law Day celebrations. Each year since, the HCBA has presented this prestigious award to recognize a non-lawyer citizen whose outstanding community service has helped strengthen the American justice system. Past award winners come from all walks of life and include Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Betty Castor, Rev. Leon Lowry, Tony Dungy, and George Steinbrenner.
Reynolds was introduced by incoming HCBA President Amanda Uliano, a longtime friend who shared the poignant personal background that inspired Reynolds’ path. Uliano recounted how tragic personal loss— the suicide of Reynolds’ mother when Clara was just 15— ignited her lifelong devotion to social service.
“ Clara is, in the truest sense, a partner to our profession,” Uliano told the crowd.“ She is helping our courts function more humanely... [ and ] stimulating that deeper sense of responsibility the Liberty Bell Award was created to honor.”
Beyond her role at the Crisis Center, Uliano highlighted Reynolds’ extensive involvement with regional and statewide organizations, including serving on boards and supporting educational institutions like the USF School of Social Work. Concluding her remarks, Uliano described the honoree to the 350 luncheon attendees as“ a tireless advocate, and a leader whose life’ s work reflects the very best of what community service can be.”
In accepting the award, Reynolds expressed her gratitude to the HCBA, noting it was a“ very proud day” for herself, her family, and the Crisis Center team.
Left: Matt Hall, HCBA President, with Judge Catherine Peek McEwen, right.
“ Like us, you all see people in some of their darkest times, experiencing some of the worst crises of their lives,” Reynolds said.“ So, I want to thank each and every one of you for what you do every single day for the people who live, work, and play right here in Hillsborough County.”
Mathews Mentoring Award Presented to Judge McEwen
Also at the Law Day Luncheon, U. S. Chief Bankruptcy Judge Caryl Delano, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, presented the HCBA’ s 2026 Margaret D. Mathews Mentoring Award to her longtime friend and colleague, U. S. Bankruptcy
Judge Catherine Peek McEwen.
The prestigious award recognizes an individual who has achieved excellence in his or her own legal career, has served as an outstanding mentor, has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the advancement of young lawyers, and actively encourages meaningful involvement in the Tampa Bay community.
Celebrating the 2025-26 Bar Year
Meantime, the annual Law Day Luncheon marked the unofficial end to the 2025-26 Bar Year. Under the outstanding leadership of President Matt Hall and our dedicated HCBA Board members, it has been an exciting and meaningful year.
From the 28th Annual Bench Bar Conference this past November, to the record-setting Judicial Food Festival and 17th Annual 5K Pro Bono River Run this February, alongside our engaging CLE programs and monthly luncheons, the year offered something for everyone. This success also extends to the exceptional events hosted by the HCBA’ s superb Young Lawyers Division, which was ably led this year by Amanda Keller.
Looking ahead, I am confident that incoming HCBA President Amanda Uliano and incoming YLD President Alexa Cline will continue to build on the strong foundation that makes the HCBA the wonderful organization it is today.
Here’ s wishing everyone a safe and wonderful rest of the summer! n
J U LY- A U G 2 0 2 6 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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