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SBAND PRESIDENT LEARNING THROUGH LEADERSHIP A YEAR AS SBAND PRESIDENT corner, and I invite everyone to attend as we have put together a terrific group of speakers and programming. CHARLES DEMAKIS SBAND President My first article I wrote as summer was in full swing and nature was in full bloom. My year as SBAND president has now come full circle as that summer transformed into fall, and fall to winter, and now hockey season has transformed into spring as we move toward summer and fishing season. It seems like yesterday I began my year-long role as president of SBAND, and now it is quickly winding down. It has been an exciting year for me and for SBAND. The legislative session has finished for another year, and there were a number of issues in which SBAND assisted. SBAND also drafted and began implementing a strategic plan for the next two years. The annual meeting is now right around the It has been my pleasure to serve this past year as president. At the outset, I was a bit unsure of where the role would take me, but I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the last year. SBAND has made a commitment to continue an important program with UND Law School in funding the rural justice program. Our strategic plan is designed to maximize our resources to best serve and benefit you, our members. We have continued to foster our strong relationship with the Supreme Court and to partner with the statewide bench on programs to strengthen the bench and bar. We have seen continued growth in our membership, committees, and member involvement with the association. I have been fortunate to have had a committed, engaged, and dedicated board for the past year that has made it a pleasure to serve and lead. The work of the board goes largely unnoticed and unrecognized. To each one of the board’s members, I thank you for your service to the board and the profession and truly appreciate all your hard work and dedication. The staff at the SBAND office has made the year a pleasure. Thank you for all the work you do for the lawyers of North Dakota and for the board. It does not go unnoticed. During the course of the year, I have been able to attend excellent programming and engage with bar leaders from across the country. Many of the issues we face are the same, and to be able to learn different strategies and ideas to better SBAND has been very informative. To my wife, Ashley, and our sons, Alex and Caden, I owe a huge thank you for your support and understanding this past year. There have been missed hockey games and practices, events, and normal family duties, but you have all been greatly supportive and understanding. I could not have had such a successful year without all three of you. Thank you! Call for CLE Speakers SBAND and the North Dakota CLE Commission sponsor seminars and programs throughout the year in all sorts of formats, including live, webinars and IVNs. We want to know about SBAND members who have ideas for topics or who are interested in being a presenter. Contact Carrie Molander at [email protected]. 4 THE GAVEL