The following are highlights from the KCBA Board of Trustees meeting held March 18, 2026, and convened by KCBA President Sidney Tribe.
The Board of Trustees convened on Mar. 18, 2026, with President Sidney Tribe presiding. Trustees, officers, staff, and guests received updates on the following:
Leadership and Executive Updates
President Tribe announced that Trustee Peter Talevich will step down following the meeting due to the Association’s conflict-of-interest policy related to judicial campaign participation. Trustees thanked him for his dedicated service and expressed hope for his future return to the Board. She also shared an opportunity for trustees to contribute to a board-sponsored gift basket for the upcoming NLD Soirée.
Executive Director Kathleen Jensen reported that the recent Board statement was well received, with predominantly positive feedback. She reminded trustees of the March 30 deadline for annual award nominations and encouraged attendance at the annual Bar Scholars Reception on April 8.
Development Director Mary Ann Lambert provided an update on Breakfast With Champions (May 5), highlighting keynote speaker Jan Crawford and encouraging trustee support to help reach the $200,000 sponsorship goal.
Governance and Financial Oversight
The Board approved the February meeting minutes without amendment. Treasurer Neal Black reported a $100,000 revenue shortfall offset by approximately $900,000 in reduced expenses, with a projected year-end surplus of $100,000–$200,000. He also noted that the FY2027 budget process is underway, with committee review scheduled for early May.
Member Engagement and Programming
New Lawyers Division Chair Ray Williams shared updates on NLD board recruitment and encouraged referrals of KCBA members who are within their first 10 years of practice.
Membership updates included highlights of upcoming events, the promotion of Jordan Brock to Practice Support Senior Program Manager, and early planning for an all-day September conference designed to serve a broad range of practice areas. A Pro Bono Services update was also provided in the meeting materials.
Policy and Public Engagement
The Board unanimously approved a public policy resolution aimed at reducing occupational licensing barriers for individuals with prior convictions, following its introduction at the previous meeting.
Organizational Developments
Trustees received an update on the Housing Justice Project (HJP) spinoff, including continued development of job descriptions and policies, and consultation on the executive director hiring process.
The Governance Committee Task Force reported ongoing work and anticipated presenting final recommendations to the Board before the end of the fiscal year.
The Board also approved the initial FY2027 nominations slate, with remaining open positions to be finalized via a follow-up vote.
With no further business, President Tribe adjourned the meeting, concluding a session marked by thoughtful leadership transition, steady financial outlook, and continued progress on key governance, policy, and member engagement initiatives.
