'tis the Season

• Publication year: 2019
• Pages: 06
• Citation: Vol. 88 No. 10 Pg. 06

'Tis the Season No. 88 J. Kan. Bar Assn 10, 06 (2019) Kansas Bar Journal December, 2019

November 2019

by Shelby Smiley, Executive Director, KBA/KBF

As we approach the holiday season it seems the perfect opportunity to reflect on the abundance of gratitude I feel for the opportunity to be a part of the Kansas Bar Association family. It's been one year since I joined the KBA and I am still thrilled, humbled and grateful to be granted the opportunity to work for our members. Here are just a few of the reasons why.

1. KBA Work Family.

I'm thankful for my coworkers' idiosyncrasies. Their unusual viewpoints. Even their wacky senses of humor. Our wide variety of perspectives, experiences and attitudes generate a unique team dynamic that makes every day more interesting. And it's great to know that by combining our weird brains, we can create ideas that none of us could ever conceive separately.

2. Board members.

The Kansas Bar Association Board of Governors and the Kansas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees are some of the hardest working board members I have ever encountered. I'm grateful that they placed their trust in me a year ago to lead these amazing organizations. I'm so lucky to have their support and wisdom as we work together to strengthen the organizations and improve our service to our members, trustees and the entire Kansas legal community.

3. Members who support each other.

One of the key benefits of belonging to an association is access to all the other people who belong. Whether through in-person events, online communities, sharing resources and knowledge, or just simply letting others know that they are not alone, the KBA community looks out for each other. I'm thankful that so many of our members are willing to take time out of their busy schedule to ensure their fellow members have the tools to be successful lawyers.

4. Members who are dedicated.

The KBA wouldn't be successful without our committed volunteers. Our members care about the work of the KBA, the content we...