last year , Privacy & Cybersecurity , which expands the impressive work that the various Section groups accomplish every year . Despite the trend of declining membership across the country , the Atlanta Bar now enjoys a healthy financial reserve that will see us through potentially challenging years and allow us to expand service offerings to members .
One of my greatest privileges over the years has been the opportunity to connect with the venerable past presidents of the Atlanta Bar . The comradery , the collegiality , the story exchanges , the recollections , the laughter , the ribbing , and the exchange of affection that happens twice a year when they gather is remarkable to observe . Thank you , past presidents , for your faithful support of the Atlanta Bar and of each other .
There are also unsung heroes in the Association : the Atlanta Bar staff . I bear witness to their dedication to ensure that member needs are met and who work diligently to progress our mission . There are past and present staff members who have served with skill and generosity both in front of and behind the scenes , and who know intimately the mechanics of the Atlanta Bar . There are stalwarts who have been here 20 + years , some who left and returned , and some who are new to the team . Look at the staff listing on the website and be sure to thank them when you can . It takes a village , and we have got a great one .
As retirement beckons and my days as executive director are waning , I am eternally grateful to the leaders and members who patiently mentored me since the day I assumed my role at the Atlanta Bar . No doubt I looked greener than a Granny Smith at times , stumbling over countless acronyms and names . Thank you for your patience and grace . Thank you for allowing me to enjoy gaiety and merriment with so many of you over the years , both socially and at my desk . For exposing me to issues that cause me to think deeply from a legal perspective about the world and the people in it . For supporting me when it was hard for me to do the work that executive directors are called upon to do . Thank you for caring . the Atlanta Bar Foundation and impact the community for good . ( Next show coming 2022 )! In the Broadway musical , WICKED , Elphaba and Glinda express the following sentiment in the song titled , “ For Good ”.
“ It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime , so let me say before we part , so much of me is made of what I learned from you . You will be with me . Like a handprint on my heart . Now whatever way our stories end , I know you have re-written mine by being my friend .”
Thank you , Atlanta Bar , for being my friend and for inviting me to be a part of your storied history . I am your lifelong fan . An outgoing request : please go tap a shoulder . Invite someone into your circle , offer them affirmation , or encourage them to become a part of leadership . My life has been profoundly blessed and affected through such an invitation , which allowed me the privilege of serving as your executive director for almost nine years .
Continue to change the world , Atlanta Bar members , as you have changed my life . For good .
With gratitude and thankfulness ,
Terri D . Bryant
To me , there is nothing more important than life on life impact . We have the ability to change someone ’ s life in a remarkable way every day . By participating in our organization ’ s diverse and always developing programs , offering your time and leadership to a section or committee , modeling or mentoring to a younger lawyer ( or even a more tenured lawyer ), volunteering for a Foundation fundraiser that generously supports the pro bono community , or by simply being kind , you make change happen for good .
I am a huge fan of the theatre and of the Atlanta Bar ’ s “ A Courthouse Line ” production known as the Bard Show . These musicals bring remarkably talented lawyers , judges , and clerks from the legal community who sing , dance and entertain us to raise funds for www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 7