By Richard Riggs

In the Dec. 13 edition of the Oklahoma Bar Journal, the Oklahoma Bar Foundation’s 2008 President Renée De-Moss outlined the history and the many accomplishments of the foundation. From its organization in 1946, OBF has been inspired by the vision of its founding members as the charitable arm of the Oklahoma bar. Throughout the years, OBF has remained true to this vision as it has grown through the establishment of its Fellows program, whereby Oklahoma lawyers are recognized for their generous financial commitments, through its receipt of Interest On Lawyers’ Trust Account funds (IOLTA), a program made mandatory by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2004, and most recently through the receipt of cy pres funds generated in certain class-action proceedings. These funds have enabled OBF to fund grants supporting legal services and other law related programs, and certain figures from Renée’s article bear repeating:

OBF grants in 2008 totaled $857,500. An additional $54,500 was awarded in 2008 scholarships. These figures bring total OBF awards over the years to $8,429,915. All members of the Oklahoma bar can be proud of the OBF story.

CELEBRATION OF THE PAST

The foundation celebrated these accomplishments in a Dec. 4, 2008, dinner held at the newly renovated Okla-homa Bar Center. Honored at the dinner were all former OBF presidents and others who have been instrumental in the foundation’s success. The dedication with which these lawyers have served OBF was evidenced by the fact that almost all past presidents able to attend were present, many traveling long distances.

The contributions of OBF’s immediate past president, Renée DeMoss, deserve special note. Early in 2008, Renée challenged the OBF board to undertake some strategic planning. This process began with a day-long retreat in January and continued throughout the year, with a number of meetings and brainstorming sessions. Through this process, the board has accomplished some much-needed housecleaning with respect to its internal structure, resulting in a more streamlined organizational structure and up-to-date policies and procedures. This process also facilitated the development of a long-range plan for the foundation and the articulation of the reason OBF exists — “Lawyers Transforming Lives.” In addition to her duties in overseeing the administration of the foundation, Renée was instrumental in shepherding this planning process to completion. Renée undertook all these efforts with a genuine commitment to the organization, a positive attitude and a generous spirit. OBF is a better organization because of her efforts.

LOOKING TO 2009

As the foundation looks forward to 2009, I would like to take the opportunity to share several themes that will flavor our efforts in the coming year. The first is an item that is on the minds of all Americans, the current economic climate. OBF will work closely with its financial advisors to see that it remains a good steward of its funds, with a view both toward minimizing risk and providing revenue to generously support the many needy programs that will be seeking funding. Secondly, the foundation will strive to enhance its visibility among the bar and beyond. Through the strategic planning process noted above, it became evident that many Oklahoma lawyers are not familiar with the work of the foundation and we intend on taking great strides to enhance its visibility. Finally, as the charitable arm of the Oklahoma bar, the foundation will be exploring ways in which it may enhance its relationship with the Oklahoma Bar Association and further the mutually supportive roles that these two organizations and their members play.

OBF LEADERSHIP

I am honored to begin service as OBF’s 2009 president. Other members of the 2009 executive committee are Phil Frazier of Tulsa, John D. Munkacsy Jr. of Lawton, Shon T. Erwin of Lawton, and our immediate past president, Renée DeMoss of Tulsa. Other members of the 2009 Board of Trustees are:

Jack L. Brown, Tulsa
Brett D. Cable, McAlester
Cathy M. Christensen, Oklahoma City
Judge Valerie Couch, Oklahoma City
Dietmar K. Caudle, Lawton
Jack S. Dawson, Oklahoma City
Judge Deirdre E. Dexter, Tulsa
Kevin R. Donelson, Oklahoma City
William E. Farrior, Tulsa
Leonard M. Logan IV, Vinita
Luke Gaither, Henryetta
Michael C. Mordy, Ardmore
Brooke Smith Murphy, Oklahoma City
Judge Millie E. Otey, Tulsa
Jon K. Parsley, Guymon
Roger R. Scott, Tulsa
Susan B. Shields, Oklahoma City
Allen M. Smallwood, Tulsa
Dennis A. Smith, Clinton
Linda S. Thomas, Bartlesville
John Morris Williams, Oklahoma City

Nancy Norsworthy is the foundation’s director of administrative and IOLTA programs and is responsible for the daily operation of the foundation.  Nancy and staff members  Tommie Lemaster and Marie  Golloway are available to answer any questions regarding the foundation at (405) 416-7070 or foundation@okbar.org. I am also available and can be reached at (405) 552-2265 or richard.riggs@mcafeetaft.com. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us with questions, comments and suggestions, and when you visit the renovated bar center, please take a moment to visit the foundation’s second floor offices. 

YOUR ROLE