Page 6 - Pierce County Lawyer - March April 2025

PRESIDENT'S PAGE
It will be a fun
and exciting
year. So don’t
blink; I know
you won’t want
to miss a thing.
6 P I E R C E C O U N T Y L A W Y E R Dear Colleagues,
It is an honor to step into the role
of President of the Tacoma-Pierce
County Bar Association. Every day
I am inspired by the dedication and
passion of our members, who make this
association the foundation of our legal
community.
First, I want to extend my heartfelt
gratitude to my family—my husband
Jeff and our six incredible children.
Your love and support are my rock.
Managing a household filled with unique
personalities has been an unexpected but
invaluable training ground for this role.
While I suspect the bar will make fewer
snack demands, the continuous feedback
I receive at home—on everything from
sandwich-cutting techniques to the right
way to eat string cheese (yes, there’s a
right way) to how I apparently breathe
too loudly during Bluey—has taught me
to embrace constructive criticism with
humility and grace.
A special thank you goes to those on
the board and bar members who have
guided me along the way: Kit Kasner,
our outstanding director, whose patience
deserves an award; Cathie Case, who
has included me in everything to help
prepare me and who should be referred
to as my "co-President"; and Heather
Swann, who encouraged me to call
anytime—without realizing I’d take her
up on it. Often. (Heather, how about
co-co-President?) I am also excited to
work with Nina Caldwell, our incoming
President-Elect (or perhaps co-co-co-
President?), who brings fun, creativity,
and an inspiring work ethic. Their
friendship, collaboration and generosity
with their time has meant the world, and
I look forward to the year ahead.
I also want to acknowledge the countless
family members, friends, attorneys and
colleagues who have helped shape me
| M a r c h /A p r i l 2 0 2 5
into the attorney, bar president, and
human being I am today. I tried making
a list, but when it grew into multiple
columns and pages, I realized it was
impossible to quantify. So, to all of you
who have offered advice, mentorship,
encouragement, or even just a kind word
along the way—I hope you know who
you are, and that I am deeply grateful.
Over the past year, the TPCBA has
made meaningful progress, including
amending our bylaws to foster inclusivity
by granting voting rights and trustee
liaison positions to the Pierce County
Minority Bar Association, Washington
Women Lawyers, and Q-Law. However,
progress is not a sprint; it is similar to a
marathon. Like any marathon, it starts
with the right shoes. We’ve got ours
laced up and now it’s about putting in
the miles. However, there is no finish
line in the pursuit of justice and equity.
Fortunately, as lawyers, endurance is one
of our strengths.
This race is not run alone. We are
fortunate to have an incredible Board of
Trustees, and, most importantly, all of
you—our members.
My primary goals for the year
(subject to adjustment) are:
Develop a feasible plan with
action steps to achieve the
following objectives:
• A more inclusive Bar
Association.
• A financial budget
aligned with growth
and inclusivity.
• Increased membership
engagement at our
existing events.