Business of the Board: Board Finalizes FY26 Budget, Honors Outgoing Trustees
By Jennifer Dixon
The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held on June 18, 2025, convened by KCBA President Erin Overbey.
After President Overbey called the meeting to order and minutes from the last meeting were approved, she expressed her appreciation to the board members for their care, commitment, and engagement this year, and offered well wishes to the new board for the coming year. She also encouraged trustees to attend the annual awards reception on June 26 to help celebrate this year’s winners.
Next, Executive Director Kathleen Jensen briefed trustees on the continued negotiations with the union, including the development of wage scales and the philosophies of how staff members would be placed on the scales. She also discussed the committee list and the need to fill chair positions that are vacant. Interested board members were asked to reach out to her or to email her names of potential members who may be interested in serving in a leadership position.
Treasurer Neal Black provided a brief update on the June 2025 financials, noting the year’s trends had continued. By managing expenses to revenue, a balanced budget could be expected at the end of the year.
Member Services Director Bridget Schuster provided an update on membership, noting a revamp for Lawyer Referral Service, a new membership form, and an auto-renew feature that is now available for members. President Overbey provided a progress report on the Civic Stewardship Program in coordination with Judge Shah for lawyers and judges to give presentations on the rule of law to interested community groups, noting a rollout plan for next month.
New Lawyers Division vice chair Ray Williams remarked briefly on NLD activities, including their year-end BBQ at Gas Works Park, and noted they have their full board for the new year posted on their website.
Pro Bono Services Director Judy Lin briefed trustees on funding updates for the City of Seattle and the Office of Civil Legal Aid, noting the reductions being made to these contracts. She explained there would be Housing Justice Project staff transitions due to the resignation of interim Managing Attorney Renee Ballou, whose last day at KCBA was June 24. HJP Lead Attorneys Emily Kawahigashi and Vallen Solomon will step in as co-interim managing attorneys pending the hiring of HJP’s new senior managing attorney.
Executive Director Kathleen Jensen and contract CPA Jessica Adair briefed trustees on the proposed $12 million fiscal 2026 budget, noting minor changes in grant numbers and additional costs. Concerns about a potential deficit were addressed, with a request to plan for a supplemental budget for any unanticipated events that may arise in the next six months. After final discussions, the board adopted the proposed FY26 budget as presented.
The board bid farewell to departing board members Dylan Kilpatric, Michelle Pham, and Ian James Warner. They were presented with awards in recognition of their contributions and service to the board. President Overbey also received an award in recognition of her great leadership this year and contributions to KCBA.
Before the board entered executive session to discuss the HJP transition, the board approved the reappointment of Kathleen Hopkins to serve another term as ABA House delegate and Amit Ranade to serve as the alternate.
The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held on June 18, 2025, convened by KCBA President Erin Overbey.
Guest speaker Jeffrey R. Wilcox (a Certified Fund Raising Executive) led the board in a discussion on Leading Next Generation Association Boards — what it means in theory and practice; how it compares to the board’s idea of the NextGen King County Bar Association; and how the board should approach the realities of the year ahead. Trustees were also briefed on topics that may impact the King County Bar in the year ahead including the current legal environment, HJP spinoff, budget challenges, collective bargaining agreement negotiations, and an overview of committee, section, and program challenges.
Jennifer Dixon is the KCBA executive assistant and is writing on behalf of KCBA Secretary Caleb Bonm.
