Thank You President Watson, Welcome Executive Director Coad, and Continuing a Strong 2023
On June 13, the Board had a special meeting regarding the hiring of a new Executive Director. After President Watson opened the meeting, members of the hiring committee presented their recommendation to hire Christina Coad as the Executive Director. After their presentation, they introduced Ms. Coad to the Board. She introduced herself, discussed her vision for KCBA, and answered questions from the Board. After she left, the Board discussed the recommendation, and unanimously voted to offer Ms. Coad the position of Executive Director.
Ms. Coad began her new role July 17.
On June 21 the Board had its last regular meeting of the fiscal year. After President Watson welcomed everyone, the Board approved the minutes and consent agenda by voice vote. Included in the consent agenda, the Board reappointed Kathleen Hopkins as KCBA’s advocate for the American Bar Association.
New Lawyers Division Chair Benjamin Byers gave his final update for NLD. He introduced Alyssa Nevala as the incoming chair. NLD would be hosting a mentoring event on June 28. President Watson thanked Mr. Byers and welcomed Ms. Nevala.
Treasurer Wang presented the highlights from the financial reports, noting that KCBA was having a great year with increased grant and membership revenues with expenses occurring as expected.
President Watson remarked that the Annual Awards Celebration was a fabulous event and congratulated the awardees.
Interim Executive Director Kathleen Jensen reported that SEIU925 had been formally recognized as the union for KCBA employees. Once the certification is received, management and the union will plan to collaborate about issues, including masking, vaccination, and carryover vacation policies.
The Board next considered the proposed budget for FY2024. After discussion, the Board approved the FY2024 budget unanimously.
Membership Director Bridget Schuster discussed membership and lawyer referral services, noting marketing efforts are underway to attract new clients to the program.
Vice President Orehoski informed the Board that the Strategic Planning Committee would meet in July and that they have connected Crux Consulting with Membership.
Secretary Crisalli reported that HJP was beginning to organize and look at potential ways to draft bylaws. Mr. Crisalli solicited trustees, particularly those leaving the Board, to help the Spin-off Subcommittee.
President Watson thanked outgoing trustees Neal Black, William Dixon, Cecilia Gregson, Cynthia Jones, Darcel Lobo, and David Perez. They were presented with a gift in appreciation of their service on the Board. President Watson thanked the Board for its time, hard work, and commitment to KCBA. She shared her thoughts on what KCBA would be and do as an organization in the next era, particularly with the major events that have been and will affect the community.
Following her remarks, the Board went into executive session.
