E X E C U T I V E
D I R E C T O R ’ S
M E S S A G E
J o h n F. K y n e s - H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
Continued from page 8
No matter what their size and history, however,
local voluntary Bars help advance the legal profession
by providing valuable programming, promoting
professionalism, and building camaraderie among
their members.
For example, at the HCBA’s Diversity Membership
Luncheon each January, the HCBA recognizes leaders
from local Bars who work with the HCBA during the year
to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal community.
Some of these local Bars include: the George
Edgecomb Bar Association (GEBA); the Hillsborough
Association for Women Lawyers (HAWL); the Tampa
Hispanic Bar Association (THBA); the Florida Association
of LGBT Lawyers and Allies; the Asian Pacific American
Bar Association of Tampa Bay; and the Florida Muslim
Bar Association.
Also, this past March, about 20 voluntary Bar leaders
gathered in Clearwater at the 4th Annual Tampa Bay
Voluntary Bar Leaders Summit to network and to share
ideas about how to improve their associations (pictured
on previous page).
Andres Oliveros, the current president of the Tampa
Hispanic Bar Association, helped organize the event.
Oliveros, in his welcoming remarks, talked about how
he got involved with the THBA and how it has helped
him to flourish as an attorney.
He also highlighted the many hours of pro bono
service that members of voluntary Bar groups provide in
the community each year.
During the roundtable discussion, the Bar leaders
talked about some of the common challenges they face,
such as engaging and growing their membership.
There also was agreement about the importance of
collaborating with other Bar groups on future events to
help enhance programs and add value for their members.
HCBA President John Schifino emphasized that voluntary
Bars groups should work to support each other and
collaborate on events, and that they are “stronger together.”
Funding for the summit was provided by a grant from
the Florida Bar’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Vivian Cortes Hodz, current HCBA Board member
and former THBA president, talked about the upcoming
2019 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference set for July 12-13
at the Tampa Marriott Waterside.
Hodz, one of the event co-chairs, said about 150
voluntary Bar leaders from around Florida will converge
on Tampa in July for this much-anticipated event, which
will feature various educational sessions and networking
opportunities for attendees.
The last time this annual event was in Tampa was in 2009,
so this should be a great opportunity for Bar leaders from the
Tampa Bay area who are intent on learning how to make
their Bar associations even better for all their members.
See you around the Chet.
ABA President Visits
Hillsborough County
Bar Association
HCBA’s leadership was delighted to host
ABA President Bob Carlson on February 11 at
the Chester Ferguson Law Center in Tampa.
Pictured with Carlson are: (l to r) Past HCBA
Presidents Gordon Hill and Benjamin Hill, III,
YLD Board Members Traci Koster and Linda
Stanley, HCBA President John Schifino, and
HCBA President-elect Grace Yang.
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