The OBA's Next Chapter

By Miles Pringle

It is hard to believe this is my last “From the President” article. This year has gone by fast – too fast in many ways. Working with the OBA staff and Board of Governors to help lead this illustrious organization has been an honor. It has been difficult at times but always a joy. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity.

We have accomplished a lot in 2024. We adopted a new strategic plan for the first time in 20 years to set specific goals and guide the future. We secured the OBA’s financial stability with the first dues raise in 20 years to start catching up with inflation. We reorganized the Bar Association Technology Committee to address OBA platforms and user interfaces. We reimagined the OBA Annual Meeting in an attempt to prioritize meaningful attorney programming. We have begun the process of updating our aging building so it can stand proud for the next generation of attorneys. We saw the Judicial Nominating Commission withstand another attack, ensuring the continuation of a competent and independent judiciary.

The work of the OBA (aiding in the administration of justice and regulating the practice of law) is a timeless endeavor. As such, 2024 is simply another chapter in the story of the OBA. I am proud of the accomplishments of this chapter, and it is now time for future leaders (and all OBA members) to improve upon the work done to date.

I am excited to see Ken Williams lead the next chapter of the OBA as the 2025 president. President-Elect Williams is dedicated to civility and professionalism. He is a good lawyer and an even better person. The OBA is in good hands with Ken.

The future of the OBA is bright. No doubt there are structural challenges, such as demography (more than 40% of OBA members are over the age of 60), but I believe the work done in 2024 will prepare the OBA to address those challenges. There are many great leaders to pick up the torch.

Next year, I will serve as immediate past president. It will be my seventh consecutive and final year on the OBA Board of Governors. Personally, a lot has changed for me in seven years. I have had two children, changed jobs and moved houses. A lot has changed for the OBA as well, and I am proud of the work we have done while I have been on the board. Some of that work includes responding to a pandemic, hiring a fantastic new executive director and addressing challenges to the structure of the OBA. I am looking forward to seeing what we are able to achieve in 2025.

I would be remiss if I did not conclude with some acknowledgments. First, thank you to my wife, Andrea. She has been supportive of my service, from my decision to run for the board in 2018 to running for president, even though we are working parents of two young children. She is simply the best wife and mother anyone could ask for.

Thank you to the OBA staff. Anything that happens at the OBA is because staff members make it happen. Organizations are only as good as the people who work for them, and the OBA is an extraordinary organization.

Thank you to OBA Executive Director Janet Johnson. She is a phenomenal leader. I am so appreciative of the partnership we have had in my time as president. The truth is, presidents come and go, but executive directors are the constant of the OBA. We are fortunate to have such a capable and visionary leader in Janet.

Finally, thank you to my fellow members of the OBA Board of Governors. The best part of serving on the board is the relationships that are built. I have made so many friends for life in my years on the board. Thank you all for your leadership and friendship.

2024 was great. Let’s make 2025 even better!

Miles Pringle is executive vice president and general counsel at The Bankers Bank in Oklahoma City.

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Originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal – OBJ 95 Vol 10 (December 2024).

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.