By Michelle Pham
The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meetings held on November 15, convened by KCBA President Karen Orehoski.
After President Karen Orehoski called the meeting to order, the Board approved the meeting minutes from October 18, 2023 with minor changes to the title and attendance notes.
NLD Chair Alyssa Nevala reported NLD has added two new board members and networking and social events continue to be well-attended.
Treasurer Theresa Wang provided financial data and referred trustees to the meeting materials. Jessica Adair, KCBA’s CPA, presented the audited financials, which were approved by unanimous vote of the trustees in attendance.
President Orehoski reflected on her attendance at the Minority Bar Scholars reception, the success of the Bench-Bar Conference, and need for KCBA to stay involved with the planning for the new courthouse independent of the current working group representing the bench and bar.
Executive Director Christine Coad and Member Services Director Bridget Schuster presented highlights from their respective reports. Ms. Coad updated the Board on the status of the Housing Justice Project Task Force timeline and other topics raised in her report. Ms. Schuster and Ms. Orehoski confirmed KCBA will admit Limited License Legal Technicians (LLLTs) as members at half of the dues rate for attorneys. KCBA will launch an outreach campaign to engage LLLTs and create relevant programs and opportunities.
Rory O’Sullivan, the Public Policy Committee Chair, and Trustee Ian Warner presented the Public Policy Committee’s process and recommendations to the Board regarding the legislative agenda items for housing as submitted in the meeting packet. The committee welcomed Board input before the next Public Policy meeting on December 4th. The Board thanked Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Warner and the committee for all their hard work in keeping the Board informed on matters up for vote.
Mr. O’Sullivan also presented a Board Resolution Approving FY24 Legislative Advocacy Policy for approval. The resolution was tabled until the next board meeting on December 13, 2023.
The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee presented Shashi Vijay, Eric Lansverk, and Judge Paris Kallas for Board approval to serve as committee members through June 2026. This passed unanimously, and the other committee members include Cynthia Jones (Chair), Jennifer Payseno, Robert Flennaugh II, and Stew Cogan.
President Orehoski also presented Rory O’Sullivan to fill a seat vacated by Judge Paul Crisalli after he was appointed to the bench. After a brief discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve Mr. O’Sullivan as a trustee through June 2024.
President Orehoski then adjourned the meeting.
