Summons Winter 2017 | Page 6

OFFICERS' REPORTS

Alice Johnson, ACP

WDALA NALA Liaison

Welcome to Autumn! Time has marched on – a little too quickly perhaps – and we now find ourselves preparing for the colder seasons of autumn and winter. All that really means is more layers of clothing and less outdoor time. It certainly doesn’t mean we slow down!

Last month I told you about the NALA Conference activities in Orlando. I did not, however, tell you much about the business end of the Conference. The new officers and directors are elected at the annual meeting, which is part of the Conference. The following were elected to the NALA 2017-2018 Board of Directors:

Jill I. Francisco, ACP, Huntington, WV – Vice President

Melissa J. Hamilton, ACP, Bismarck, ND – Secretary

Debra L. Overstreet, ACP, Porter, OK – Treasurer

Jane McKinnon, CP, Birmingham, AL – At Large Director

Debby Sawyer, CP, Nashville TN – At Large Director

Annette R. Brown, ACP, Missoula, MT – Affiliated Associations Director

Peonca Grier, CP, FRP, Orlando, FL – Affiliated Associations Secretary

These wonderful ladies join President Cassandra Oliver, ACP, Tulsa, OK; Area 1 Director Jaye L. Koch, ACP, Virginia Beach, VA; Area 2 Director Melissa M. Klimpel, ACP, Bismarck, ND; Area 3 Director Michele T. Pfeiffer, ACP, Anaheim, CA; APC Board Chair Dawnne L. Linenbrink, ACP, Eugene, OR; Certifying Board Chair Nanci L. Lilja, ACP, Apple Valley, MN; Continuing Education Council Jeanne M. Elliott, ACP, Akron, OH; Executive Director Greta Zeimetz, CAE, Tulsa, OK; and Professional Development Committee Andrea A. Schultz, ACP, Cordova, TN, in making up the NALA Board of Directors.

And that’s just the Board! Supporting the NALA Board is a staff of approximately 10 wonderfully dedicated individuals that help NALA run smoothly.

As you can see, NALA is an organization of diverse professionals from all over the country. They work seamlessly to promote OUR profession by providing voluntary certification, professional development and continuing education to all paralegals.

I would like to give you a bit of background on how NALA and WDALA are connected. We are an Affiliate Organization of NALA. As such, we receive the support and assistance of NALA in advancing our profession in our geographical location. We have a voice in the management of NALA through the board of directors, and can participate in developing their policies and positions. Affiliated associations may present resolutions for consideration by the NALA membership at the annual NALA affiliated associations meeting held during the national conference. WDALA’s voice at the national level is through my, your NALA Liaison, and any other voting member of NALA.

Hopefully, this will give you all a little better understanding of how we, as an organization, are also part of a much bigger organization …. whose shared primary goals are the promotion and development of our profession and the individuals involved.

Stay involved! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Happy Fall Everyone!