Page 9 - December 2019 Bar Journal

FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COLUMN

2019 ADDITIONS

Rebecca Ruppert McMahon

k, Yogi, it’s deja vu all over how crazy a fall CLE season can be, she of Marketing & Communications, and
again. Another year in the has thoroughly embraced her role that Mike Mullally, our Digital Marketing &
books, filled with lots of she is well into planning both our spring Communications Specialist. Together with
highs, a few lows and plenty and fall 2020 CLE seasons. (Got a topic Jackie Baraona, our Bar Journal Editor &
Oof in between. you want to present? Or a great speaker Graphic Designer, our marketing team is
Since the holiday season is upon us, I idea? Call Kari!) on FIRE, spreading the good news of our
choose to focus on only the good and let the • Joining Kari in her effort is a new Bar, creating lively discussions on LinkedIn,
not-so-good fade away. Without a doubt, all addition, Dominica Essi, who arrived Facebook and Twitter, and overhauling
of my 2019 highpoints are tied to friends, just as our Must See CLE was exploding. the look of our member communications.
both old and new, who made our Bar a great Because of her willingness to jump all- Watch out for 2020!
place to meet, work and play all year long. in from day one, Dominica has become • And our newest addition is Caitlin
From our leaders and presenters, to our a go-to resource both within our CLE Peterson who joins us as our
volunteers and community partners, I have Department and as a Section Coordinator. Administrative & Special Events
the incredible fortune to work with and for • Speaking of Sections, Melanie Farrell, our Coordinator. Whether it’s providing
some of the best people on the planet. But for veteran Director of Board Relations, is now support to our Boards of Directors
your collective generosity of time, expertise also leading our Section and Committee or leading the planning of Rock the
and yes, financial support, we could never Leadership Development efforts. When Foundation on February 8, the annual
accomplish all that our Bar does for the building our Leadership Academy four Memorial Program in April or our
benefit of so many. years ago, Melanie discovered a genuine Annual Meeting on June 5, Caitlin will
Among those who top my list of 2019 passion for helping lawyers hone their be putting her organizational and creative
blessings are the dedicated and passionate leadership skills and find new leadership experience to work in the delivery of
members of Team CMBA. It takes a strong and opportunities inside our Association, truly exceptional experiences.
resilient team to navigate both our Association Foundation and beyond. For all the Team Members I didn’t have
and Foundation across nearly 1,000 events, • In order for Melanie to assume her new space to spotlight this month ... Carrie
meetings, programs and socials each year. role, Susan Beech expertly stepped up to Allen, Mary Groth, Nestor Hernandez,
Forget the NFL or MLB. Running our Bar the become the Manager of our Cleveland Dave Mechenbier, Katie Donovan Onders,
ultimate team sport. Metropolitan Conference Center. Jessica Paine, Madeline Poll and Heather
Some of our CMBA Teammates took on Susan’s passion for helping guests plan the Zirke ... stay tuned for details about their
new roles in 2019 — roles that have both conference, meeting, reception or bris of great works!
delighted and challenged. We also added their dreams (yes, we hosted a bris) is both So there it is…the best of my year in
some tremendous new talent to our roster palpable and contagious. Mironda Sandifer, review. On behalf of one very talented
which has significantly added to our bench our Facility Coordinator, and Dairian and grateful Team CMBA, I wish you all a
strength. Given all that happens during the Heard, our Front Desk Receptionist, round wonderful holiday season filled with lots
course of the year, you many not have seen out the facility planning dream team. They of quality time during December and all of
some of these changes so I wanted to take are ready to help you and your colleagues 2020 with your favorite Bar buddies!
this chance to share a few of the highlights: plan your next great meeting or event. And
• Kari Burns, our long-term Assistant don’t forget: your membership gets you both
Bar Counsel, significantly added to her free meeting rooms and event discounts! Rebecca Ruppert McMahon is the CEO of the
responsibilities by saying “YES!” to the • Perhaps the most externally visible CMBA. She has been a CMBA member since
Director of CLE role during the summer. additions to our team in 2019 have come in 1995. She can be reached at (216) 696-3525
While Kari has now seen first-hand just the form of Brennan Donnellan, Director or rmcmahon@clemetrobar.org.

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