This is my first column as president of The Jacksonville Bar Association. I want to thank our members again for the opportunity to lead this wonderful association. It is an honor and privilege that I will always cherish.
Notwithstanding Brad Johnson’s assertion (when he nominated me for the office of president-elect last year) that the fact that I had aspired to a “meaningless, non-paying position” for so many years could only be described as “desperate cry for help,” being president of The Jacksonville Bar Association is actually a pretty cool gig. Brad obviously overlooks that as President of The Jacksonville Bar Association I can go to any of our nearly 1,900 members and demand that they “drop and give me twenty” at any time. Brad is also apparently unaware of the 15 percent discount available to Jacksonville Bar Association presidents at participating Red Lobster restaurants.
But seriously, folks, I can not think of a better way to give back to my profession than by serving as president of this association. I have said many times, and I am sure that I will say it many more times during the coming year, that I believe the Jacksonville Bar Association is the finest voluntary bar association in the country. The things that make this Association great are our staff, our leadership, but most importantly, it is our members.
Our staff is truly dedicated to serving the members of this organization. I am always amazed at the many ways Diane Gill, Shotsie Main, Kelley Padgitt and Jessie King (the Bar staff) work so diligently to assist our members in any way they can. They also do a wonderful job of working with our Board of Governors. If you have not had the pleasure of working with Diane and her staff, I hope that you will have the opportunity to do so in the near future.
The Jacksonville Bar Association has been blessed with outstanding leadership. We have had many outstanding Presidents lead this organization, including our immediate past president, Tom Beverly, who led this association with dedication, honor and vision. Our Board of Governors this year is comprised of a very diverse and talented group of men and women. I know that they will serve this association well this year and in the years to come.
The greatest strength of The Jacksonville Bar Association remains its members. Our members are some of the finest people I have had the privilege to know. They practice with the highest degree of professionalism. They are dedicated to serving our community and those who are in need. They also give selflessly of their time and talents to The Jacksonville Bar Association. This association can never be more, and will never be less, than our members make of it.
I encourage all of our members to get involved in the many activities of The Jacksonville Bar Association. Take advantage of the great CLE offerings that the association provides at a very reasonable cost. Become active in a Jacksonville Bar Association section or committee. Help out in one of our many community service projects. Join us at our luncheons and other social events. I am confident that your participation will enhance our association, benefit your professional life and enrich you in many other ways.
I also encourage you to let us know how The Jacksonville Bar Association can serve you better. Please tell us if there are programs or activities that you would like to see the association provide, or ways we can improve our current programs and activities. We would also love to hear from you regarding any of our events or activities that you have enjoyed or that have been especially beneficial to you. Please feel free to call or email me, any member of the Board of Governors or Diane and her staff with your thoughts and comments.
I know that the coming bar year will be a great one for our Association. I look forward to the opportunity to share that year with you.