Y L D P R E S I D E N T’ S M E S S A G E H. Web Melton, III- Bush Ross, P. A.
A Time For Thanks
Our success is rooted in our membership and the support of all the dedicated young lawyers that lead and participate.
The YLD’ s theme for the 2016-2017 Bar year was Get Connected, Get Involved! I am happy to report that we accomplished that goal, and I look forward to the YLD continuing to expand, grow, lead and make a difference in our profession and our community. Last year we saw both a substantial growth in our social media following and improvement in how we communicated with our members. In addition, after soliciting feedback from participants and young lawyers, we worked diligently to improve the quality of our programs. Almost all of our events, happy hours, lunches, community initiatives, and
other endeavors had record participation and success. This success is rooted in our membership and the support of all the dedicated young lawyers that lead and participate.
This year was a success because of the hard work of hundreds. I would like to specifically thank the YLD board of directors: Traci Koster, Drew McCulloch, Maja Lacevic, Amy Nath, Alex Palermo, Adam Fernandez, Colleen O’ Brien, Jason Whittemore, Jeff Wilcox, Melissa Mora, Brett Metcalf, Katelyn Desrosiers, Laura Tanner and Judge Samantha Ward, our judicial liaison. These volunteer board members are the true backbone of the YLD. Their hard work and dedication is worthy of praise.
I also would like to thank all our committee chairs and committee members who helped to make our events so successful. While I do not have space to thank every young lawyer who made a difference, I would like to
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recognize the committee chairs: Don Greiwe, Harold Holder, Stephanie Generotti, Dane Heptner, Tom Curran, Yolyvee Gordon, Lyndsey Siara, Zachary Bayne, Andrew Smith, Ty Lindsey, Tiffany McElheran, Robyn Bonivich, and Melissa Gonzalez. Each one of them worked diligently to make each and every one of our events a success.
None of our success would have been possible without the amazing HCBA staff. John Kynes has proven to be an outstanding executive director, and Laurie Rideout has been a tremendous asset as the staff liaison to our board. Also, Stacy Williams has been responsible for much of our increased social media presence. She, along with the entire bar staff, has been instrumental in working and advancing our social media and communications platform, as well as courting sponsors.
I would also like to especially thank Chief Judge Ficarrotta and the judiciary for their constant support and guidance they provide to the young lawyers. The HCBA and the YLD has a very unique relationship with our judiciary. The presence of Judge Ficarrotta and other judges at our events, and the eagerness with which the members of the judiciary volunteer to help the YLD and its members, played a significant role in our success. We are forever grateful to the fine Hillsborough County judiciary for the role they play in the lives and development of young lawyers.
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