conveying the value of our organization to members in the emerging post-pandemic environment . Without the countless hours of service from him , we would not have so quickly developed a cohesive strategy in this regard .
Secondly , Sarah Babcock ( Truancy Intervention Project ), recipient of this year ’ s Professionalism Award . Through her service most recently as the TIP Deputy Director and as an adjunct professor at Emory School of Law , she has guided attorneys representing students suffering through extreme absenteeism . Via volunteer presentations , she has taught attorneys and law students alike how to juggle the role of advocate , counselor , negotiator , and problem solver . These efforts have instilled in not only the current but the next generation of lawyers the importance of keeping relevant professional principles centerfold in all interactions . For all of these efforts , we thank you !
In honoring Betsy C . Griswold ( Intercontinental Hotel Group ) with this year ’ s Charles E Watkins , Jr . Award , we recognized her distinctive and sustained service , not only to the Atlanta Bar Association , but also the Atlanta Bar Foundation and multiple charitable and / or non-profit organizations in the community . It is difficult to imagine a world without the service-driven mindset that she brings to the table each and every day . We are forever indebted to her dedication to our organization and the Atlanta legal community .
A very special recognition was reserved this year for Jasmine Moore ( Grateful Hands , Inc .), a non-lawyer serving at the Douglas County District Attorney ’ s office . She was born with a bone condition that has caused her to use an electric wheelchair as her main source of mobility . This has led her to make it her personal mission to bring awareness surrounding the disabled community , while also empowering those within it to facilitate change . Through her own non-profit organization , she has prepared and obtained approval for two Proclamations that force local governments to reaffirm their commitment to creating a community that includes and encourages all members , regardless of their personal abilities . In her current professional role , Moore has also spoken to several multidisciplinary teams to address and improve upon accessibility for the disabled in the Criminal Justice System . For all of these amazing efforts and her dedication to this important cause , we honored her with this year ’ s the Atlanta Bar Association Liberty Bell Award .
Collectively , the special recognitions and achievements highlighted above could lead some to conclude that the Atlanta Bar Association is at its pinnacle . I challenge each of you otherwise . We have a fantastic Executive Director & CEO , Toni Roberts ( Atlanta Bar ), who has just completed her first year of service in this role — with flying colors I might add ! We have an impressive incoming leadership team that I know is going to continue to evaluate what it means to be a Bar Association and to “ serve ” you , our members . An updated and long-term strategic plan will facilitate success in that regard , while also enabling all of us to best serve those in our local community . Improvement in that regard is , of course , our collective goal ; and I cannot wait to see what we achieve next !
Thank you for the privilege of serving you this past year , as the 115th President of the Atlanta Bar Association . It was an experience that I will cherish forever .
Christopher P . Lightner Atlanta Bar Association President www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 5