The Docket October 2020 | Page 5

Sarasota County Bar Association 2020 – 2021

And we ’ re off ! The 2020 – 2021 SCBA Bar Year officially began on September 1 , and it is unlike any other . A virtual installation ceremony — who would have imagined ?! I can ’ t help but reflect back to January 2019 when I made the decision to put my name in for consideration for President of the SCBA . I remember being asked in the interview process what path I envisioned for my year , and I didn ’ t have any clear vision or mission . Our bar association was thriving . My goal was simply to maintain the forward progress made by the leaders before me . Fast forward eighteen months , and here I am , trying to navigate a virtual world , a global pandemic , social distancing , closed courthouses , mask requirements , and social unrest . I ’ ve learned : sometimes you choose a path , and sometimes it chooses you .

With that in mind , we are going to continue the forward progress made by prior leaders , while also tackling and incorporating these new issues . We are still moving forward with member benefits but adjusting our course to offer virtual benefits and benefits appropriate for social distancing , such as take out or delivered products .
Our Sections have been offering excellent opportunities for education and networking for years , and they will continue to do so , but virtually .

SCBA NEWS Sometimes you choose a path , sometimes it chooses you

SCBA PRESIDENT ’ S COLUMN
Jennifer Grosso , Esq . Bentley & Bruning , P . A .
The virtual platform allows us to divisions are hopeful to return to engage non-local speakers , and it in-person events during this SCBA may allow attendance by attorneys year , they have also embraced the who might not otherwise be able to virtual platform . Tony Mowry is attend due to scheduling conflicts or leading up the SCD and Sara Castro commute time . takes the reins of the YLD . Their
We are still figuring out how to optimism and energy is contagious , network on a virtual platform . So and their Boards have been actively far , we had the most participation seeking out opportunities to bring when we open the virtual meeting 15 their members together during these minutes early to allow attendees to unprecedented times . converse with each other in advance Lastly , the Council for Diversity of the substantive meeting . We will and Inclusion is energized and continue to offer this option , while focused on bringing programming to also exploring other opportunities our Association which highlight the for networking . I encourage you to issues that are currently dividing our pop in early to the meetings and chat country . We continue to strive for with other section members . and to promote increased diversity
The South County Division in our legal community , and we and the Young Lawyers Division need support to get there . Look haven ’ t skipped a beat . While both See PRESIDENT , Page 7

Sarasota County Bar Association 2020 – 2021

Board of Directors Committees
Practice Sections
President Jennifer Grosso
President-Elect Dana Keane
Treasurer / Secretary Mark Haskins
Immediate Past President W . Andrew Clayton , Jr .
Directors Jeanne Bennett Jay Castle Ed Ford Jason Gaskill Adria Jensen Amanda Kison Neil Lyons Bonnie Polk Michele Stephan Sara Castro , YLD President Tony Mowry , SCD President
Finance Mark Haskins , Chair
Governance Bonnie Polk , Chair
Membership Jason Gaskill , Chair
Programs Jeanne Bennett , Co-Chair Amanda Kison , Co-Chair
CDI / Access to Justice Task Force Adria Jensen , Chair
Alternative Dispute Resolution Holly Keith , Chair
Appellate Law Jesse Butler , Co-Chair Margaret White-Small , Co-Chair
Business Law Joseph Herbert , Chair
Civil Trial Jade Davis , Chair
Elder Law Will Shaffer , Chair
Estate Planning & Probate David Heedy , Chair
Family Law Jennifer Burns , Chair
Labor & Employment Anne Chapman , Chair
Real Property Nicole Christie , Chair
Solo / Small Firm Barbara Welch , Chair
The Docket · October 2020 5