Were there any unique opportunities for you this year?
I met with Attorney Tattuububu Ergeshbaeva, a legal scholar and Head of the Secretariat from Kyrgyzstan, who was on a mission visiting the USA as a participant in the Distinguished Humphrey Fellowship Program. After some time at Harvard, the next stop was to meet in Atlanta. I hosted her along with Atlanta Bar Executive Director Toni Roberts and International Law Section Chair Dina Khismatulina. That was such a special event, and I never would have had that opportunity, but for being Bar President.
Favorite event this year and why?
Although I am not a runner, I attended and enjoyed The Legal Runaround event. This is the Atlanta Bar Foundation event that is both fun and for a good cause.
What was satisfying to you about the Presidential term?
Serving in this role allowed me to hone my leadership style more than any other organization that I have been in, going all the way back to eighth grade. I had made life-long friends through my years with the Bar, but it was special serving as President.
What was a top Achievement during your term?
Having served during the national election cycle in 2024, I was pleased with the scores of attorneys / Bar members who stepped up to serve as election poll workers. There were more than one hundred volunteers. We had numerous meetings with Fulton County officials and internal pre-election conversations as a Bar Association. I worked on ways to put my personal views to the side to make decisions for long term consensus. The Bar has a goal of living up to the purpose for all members. I was quite proud of this magazine [ The Atlanta Lawyer ] which put together a special Election issue to emphasize our participation and acknowledge the importance of the election.
Who else gets special praise for their support?
There are two people of extra special merit, Toni Roberts( and the Bar Staff) and fellow Bar leader Betsy Griswold who was a steady resource on corporate governance in a voluntary non-profit organization.
What is your future role as a volunteer leader and within the Atlanta Bar?
As the immediate Past President, I will continue to serve on the Boards and Executive Committee. Also, moving forward, I will Co-Chair the Atlanta Chapter of Women in White Collar Criminal Defense Association. I know I will continue to remain active.
What was the best advice you received entering your term?
Set aside time for self and practice. What message do you give to the incoming leadership?
Ditto. Rely on Bar leaders and Staff. They have invaluable experience, and they are there to assist. People are very willing to help you. This is a team sport, and the Bar will live on past me. I took on this role humbly and as an honor. I tried to operate with a 20,000-foot view and see the bigger picture, even in times of crisis. I hope I was successful. 8 MARCH / APRIL 2025