This week I mailed letters to members of the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors announcing my candidacy for president-elect of the State Bar of Georgia. On Friday, I enjoyed a lunch meeting with the Rome Bar Association.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to see how things get done in the State Bar. And I have seen how good ideas can be thwarted despite years of hard work. 

To accomplish anything of lasting practical significance for the legal profession and the public, it is essential to prudently discern what is both worthwhile and feasible, focus on clear priorities, use limited time wisely, delegate effectively, and emphasize teamwork and continuity.  If granted a year at the helm, that is what I will seek to do.

Currently I serve as treasurer of the State Bar, a position that enables me to get a highly detailed view of the Bar’s operations, in addition to serving on the Executive Committee. Previously I served as secretary, as a committee chair, section chair, and a decade on the Board of Governors.

Nominations will be made at the Board of Governors meeting on January 9, 2009, with the election in the spring. If elected, I will be president-elect from June 2010 to June 2011, and president from June 2011 to June 2012.

No other candidates have come forward at this point. However, until the nominations are closed I will continue to prepare for a another competitive statewide campaign, building upon lessons learned in the election as secretary of the State Bar two years ago.