It seems like yesterday that I was gearing up for my term as President and gathering my thoughts for my first President’s Message. In this, my last one, I have given considerable thought about the past year. I’ve been asked many times if I’ve enjoyed being President. I would like to respond that while the pay was lousy, everything else was great! I’ve particularly enjoyed working with so many of you who have given so much of your time and talents to make things happen. Consequently, I see that the year has been very successful. The BCBA, in my admittedly biased view, can still be objectively viewed as one of the most dynamic and exciting local bar associations in the state. We enjoy a fine reputation and deservedly so. We offer something for everyone whether it is educational, social or community oriented. None of this would be possible if not for the hard work of the twenty-five committees that make up our Association. Each one was active with regular, ongoing planning and events. Several of the committees “partnered” and sponsored joint events. I thank each and every committee chair for a job well done. With this year’s vice chairs moving into the top spot next year, I know that Nip Jenkins will be in good hands.

I also want to thank the members of the Executive Council for all of the support they have shown during the year. Our monthly meetings were lively and interesting. Each member contributed his or her thoughts and perspective to the issues at hand and offered constructive advice as to the business of the Association. When I look at my successors, I can say without a doubt that the BCBA is in great shape for years to come. Again, I welcome the newest member of the Executive Council, Alexander Wright, who will officially join next month.

I must acknowledge and express my appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our second-to-none Bar Office staff. Although it was touch and go for a number of months, our Lawyer Referral Coordinator, Carole Otte, is pretty much back in full swing after having had a nasty fall in Florida last year. Although her shoulder continues to bother her, Carole has never complained and has always been available to lend a hand at our social events or anywhere else as needed. Carole, thanks for doing a great job.

I want to save a special thanks to our Executive Director, Heather Martin. To be honest, I began my term with a reasonable amount of trepidation. I expected this to be much more of a transition year when our longstanding and popular Executive Director, Barbara Fiorino, announced her retirement. Heather was certainly the right candidate for the job. I had no doubt that she would grow into and learn the position, but I wasn’t sure how long that might take; after all, she had never worked in a legal environment before. Heather, however, proved to be a quick study and has done a remarkable job as Executive Director in just one year. She has worked hard to learn the many aspects of the job and to meet as many of the membership as possible. She has placed her own mark on her position and has done much to change the look of the Association. Thanks to Heather, The Advocate is now published in-house, which has resulted in a huge cost savings to the Association. Our website is also back with us; Heather has been steadily working to update the content and keep it current. As I hoped to do from the start of this year, The BCBA is up to date in terms of the technological changes that have revolutionized the practice of law. Communication with committees and Association members is largely done by email. For the regular mail that we still use, however, we even sport a new look to our letterhead. Now that Heather has experienced all of our events at least once, I know that she will do an even better job next year. Heather, it has been a pleasure working with you. As I said many times, thanks for making me “look good!”

I want to wish my successor, Nip Jenkins, a productive and enjoyable year as President. Most of you know Nip. He has been a familiar face in our Association for many years and is one of our most popular members. Nip always has a ready smile and pleasant demeanor for anyone he meets. He is a true gentleman and an outstanding lawyer. It must be that Welsh heritage! He will make a great President. Nip, I wish you the best of success in your year as President. I know you will enjoy it as much as I have.

When I was installed as President last June, I remarked that we were going to have a great year. Well, it has been. It has been an honor to serve as your President and represent our Association throughout the state. It has been the best experience of my legal career and I am grateful for having had the opportunity. I am humbled to join the long and distinguished line of past presidents of the BCBA. No doubt, I will be checking the back of the Bar Banquet program every year just to make sure my name doesn’t have an asterisk next to it! Once again, thanks to all of you for making my year an enjoyable and successful one. I look forward to continuing to be an active member of the Baltimore County Bar Association for years to come.