SIDESBAR WINTER 2021 - 6

MONTGOMERYBAR.ORG

INCOMING PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

s we leave 2020 behind and look toward 2021, I would venture to say that
many of us are looking forward to the new year. The COVID-19 pandemic
has brought many changes to our professional and personal lives this past
year. We went from going to our offices every day, traveling to and from depositions,
attending court hearings and trying cases to closed offices, depositions via Zoom,
telephone court conferences and suspension of trials. We went from enjoying a postwork cocktail with colleagues at the local watering hole to Zoom happy hours.

Jacqueline M. Reynolds, Esq.
Montgomery Bar Association
2021 President

2020 has also brought changes to the MBA. Weeks before " social distancing "
became part of our everyday vernacular, our Executive Director of 30 years, Nancy
Paul, announced her retirement. Her retirement brought the inevitable committee
search for a new Executive Director. Although a daunting task, and one that was
completed in compliance with a state-mandated " stay at home " order, Denise
Vicario became our new Executive Director. Denise started in her new role just six
months ago - but you would never know it. She has assumed her Executive Director
responsibilities admirably. She has the experience, knowledge and tools necessary
to steer our association through these changing times. She has experience: leading
diverse levels of staff; coordinating events; and addressing large groups of attorneys.
She has the knowledge of what members want and need because she is also an MBA
member. She has financial and executive skills to run a large association. Denise also
has the connections to continue and strengthen the association's relationship with the
Montgomery County judges and courthouse staff.
Change is inevitable. What distinguishes you from others and demonstrates your
true mettle is how you respond to change. The MBA has distinguished itself this past
year by adjusting, adapting, and evolving to seemingly unending change.
The MBA staff, comprised of: Hazel Bergquist, George Cardenas, Jack Costello,
Jessica Gambone, Jim Mathias, Sherry Sutton, Pattie Walker, Megan Ware and Sandy
Whittington, along with our ED, Denise, have provided support, benefits, and services
to our members without interruption. The planning, production, and presentation
of dozens of CLE webinars, online courses, and virtual events; the publication of
the Montgomery County Law Reporter, Sidebar Magazine, and upcoming editions of
the Montgomery County Elder Law Handbook and Legal Directory and Professional
Resource Guide; the services provided by our affinity sponsors; and vital member
communications and court updates - just to name a few.
Of course, I'd be remiss not to acknowledge the leadership of our 2020 President,
Patrick Kurtas. In spite of the challenges in 2020, Patrick has led the association
through these uncharted waters. He focused on the provision of timely and informative
updates regarding Montgomery County Courthouse Covid-19 Protocols. He governed
the MBA by conducting virtual Board of Directors meetings, attending numerous
committee and section meetings, and tackling a myriad of unique issues that arose
throughout the year. 2020 brought to the forefront the diversity issues that have long
been a part of this nation. Patrick, along with our Diversity Committee Co-Chairs,
Lauren Hughes and Jimmy Chong, and advisor, Nancy Walsh, met these issues head-on
and addressed them in an open and honest manner. A series of thoughtful, timely and
heartfelt meetings, forums and presentations was held wherein individuals could share
their stories and bridge the gaps in understanding and perceptions of diversity issues.

6 SIDEBAR

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SIDESBAR WINTER 2021

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