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As I reflect on this successful year at the Oklahoma Bar Association, I am reminded of many achievements as well as the growth that we have experienced along the way. This past year has been particularly rewarding, characterized by significant outreach, meaningful membership engagement and an ongoing commitment to justice.

One of the standout achievements was our strengthened fellowships with many county bar associations as our Board of Governors continued their traveling board meetings in 2024. We visited with bar members in Canadian, Carter, Delaware, Garfield and Ottawa counties this year, and each visit presented a unique opportunity to get to know our fellow members while learning more about them and their unique strengths and challenges. I am always grateful for this opportunity for fellowship and sharing knowledge with other legal practitioners. This collaboration enhances our understanding of the ever-evolving legal landscape, and it helps us all stay nimble and adaptable in our ability to respond.

This year also provided numerous opportunities for our Membership Engagement Committee to take a deep dive into what members need. This committee is also looking ahead – finding ways to connect with future lawyers through outreach to students in our state’s three law schools. This group has taken the lead in brainstorming creative events and activities to help our members stay better connected to each other and the profession. They have also been instrumental in developing surveys that help us better understand our membership’s preferences. I am so appreciative of this group’s time and efforts, and I am looking forward to seeing what they will accomplish in 2025.

Another major highlight this year was our Board of Governors’ work to refresh the OBA Strategic Plan. Our strategic planning retreat in Ardmore was an opportunity to reinvigorate our commitment to justice for all Oklahomans, as well as affirm our dedication to legal education and advancement of the administration of justice. It is a privilege as well as a responsibility to increase understanding of the law among both the legal community and the public at large. Be on the lookout for more information on these critical topics in 2025, and help us share this knowledge in your own networks of lawyers and laypersons.

As I look ahead, the successes of this year serve as a foundation for future aspirations. Building on the momentum that was established in 2024, our goals include even more robust membership engagement, continuing to travel to nonmetro areas of the state for many board meetings and continuing to engage in outreach and education on the legal profession and its role in the administration of justice. I am confident that together we will enjoy a very productive and rewarding 2025.

I wish you and your family peace, health and happiness during this December holiday season.

To contact Executive Director Johnson, email her at janetj@okbar.org.