President’s Farewell By: Michael G. Stephens - AALA Past President

After serving two years as Chapter President, my time has finally come to step aside. Much like my first year as President, this year has gone by entirely too fast. The timing couldn’t be better, especially if you have heard the recent news that Troutman Sanders is moving into the Big Apple. I can assure you I’ll have a lot on my plate over the next couple months with this exciting news for my Firm.

This presidential venture been incredibly fun, full of twists and turns, but ultimately the experience of a lifetime. There were many times when I wished I could have just worked for AALA on a full time basis but, unfortunately, it doesn’t pay the bills. Along my journey I have made some great friends, met some truly gifted people, and had a blast!

I hope you will agree our time together was full of accomplishments and great successes. If I may, one last time I’d like to brag about the major strides our Chapter has taken during my terms as President. A member recently asked me what I thought our top 10 accomplishments have been over the last two years, and after thinking about it, here is my response:

Number 10 Launching our Chapter summer socials
Number 9 Moving our Business Partner Luncheon to the Cobb Galleria Center
Number 8 Transitioning our newsletter to an electronic format and winning first place at the ALA
Annual Conference
Number 7 Maintaining our Platinum Presidents’ Award of Excellence three years running
Number 6 Launching the new Member’s Area of the Web site
Number 5 Our membership surpassing 250 members, making AALA the largest chapter in the south and the 6th largest chapter in the world!
Number 4 Vendor Sponsorship Program dollars exceeding $140,000 for Chapter education & events
Number 3 During the last twp years, 27 members received scholarships to attend ALA Annual or Regional Conferences
Number 2 Initiating flat-fee memberships that include lunches; and
Number 1 Establishing the Gene Henson Scholarship that will send a needed high school senior off to college this fall with a $5,000 scholarship

A good farewell is usually accompanied by some important thanks. None of these accomplishments would have been possible with the outstanding work of my Board of Directors from 2003 -2005. The 2004-2005 Board was full of high energy and enthusiasm that was exhibited throughout the year. I could write a small novel if I decided to go into detail on how much I appreciate their hard work and relentless efforts.

Kristi Smith, Vice-President (2004-2005), Treasurer (2003-2004)
Robin Finley, Vice-President (2003-2004)
Carole Morris, Secretary (2003-2005)
Jeff Hamrick, Director of Vendor Relations (2004-2005)
Jeff Gray, Director of Vendor Relations (2003-2004)
Reinhard Breckner, Treasurer (2004-2005)
Jennifer Brinkley, Director of Membership (2004-2005)
Beth Hesmer, Director of Membership (2003-2004)
Debbie Goldman, Director of e-Newsletter (2003-2005)
Todd Wiggins, Director of e-Newsletter (2004)
Amy Webster, Past-President (2003-2005)

Volunteering for any organization such as AALA also takes a great deal of support from your employer. I have been blessed to have received the support from two spectacular law firms. I received enormous support and encouragement from my former firm Kutak Rock and its Managing Partner David Amsden, to whom I will always be grateful. Marsha Gilbert and Troutman Sanders have also been incredibly supportive of my involvement and time away from the office.
I would also like to personally thank Debbie Curtis, Director of Membership, at the national office of ALA. She has been an incredible friend and shoulder to lean on over the last few years. She never let me doubt myself or my work, and has motivated me to the highest level. I’m certain our friendship will last well past my AALA presidency.

As your new Past President, I look forward to my continued work and involvement with the Chapter. Kristi Smith already has my plate full overseeing the Gene Henson Scholarship Committee and I look forward to one day brining home another Web site award to my already impressive collection.

And finally, I would like to thank you for the privilege of serving as President during the most prosperous time in AALA’s history. This experience will be hard to replace and the memories will last a life time. Thanks to every member and vendor sponsor of our great Chapter.

Forever grateful,
Michael G. Stephens
AALA Past President

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