Getting to Know You: A Q&A with the Newest Members of the CBA Executive Council, 1020 COBJ, Vol. 49, No. 9 Pg. 10
| Position | Vol. 49, 9 [Page 10] |
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Joi Kush
President-Elect
Please tell us a little about yourself, personally and professionally.
I am a Colorado Springs native, worldly wanderer, outdoor enthusiast, and food aficionado. My practice, Johnson Kush, P.C., is in my hometown of Colorado Springs, and I am dedicated to the practice of family law.
How did you first get involved with the CBA and how has it enriched your career?
I’ve been part of the CBA since I was admitted in 2011. I became more actively involved in 2014 when I joined the CBA YLD Executive Council. Trough the years, I’ve served in various roles, including CBA YLD chair, Board of Governors member and trustee for the El Paso County Bar Association, CBA Executive Council member, and Colorado delegate to the ABA House of Delegates. My participation in the CBA has facilitated my success as a lawyer. I’ve gained lifelong friends, great referral sources, and valuable mentors and sponsors.
What’s your favorite thing about being a lawyer?
I enjoy being an advocate for those who are encountering one of the most stressful events in their lives and providing them hope for their (and their family’s) future.
Why did you say “yes” to serving as president-elect, and what are you looking forward to this year as you help lead the bar?
At first, I wasn’t sure that I was the best fit for this key leadership role; however, after receiving some great guidance and mentorship, I applied. I’m honored, humbled, and excited to serve as the 2021–22 CBA president. I look forward to working with all members throughout Colorado; strengthening our diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts; and promoting new and young lawyers throughout the association. If you have an idea, or just want to chat, please reach out!
Adam Hepp
Region 2 Vice President
Please tell us a little about yourself, personally and professionally.
My wife and I have two sons (ages 5 and 7). We love living in Colorado and enjoy everything it has to offer.
I’m a deputy district attorney in the 18th Judicial District, where I handle a felony docket.
How did you first get involved with the CBA and how has it enriched your career?
My first impactful involvement with the CBA was as a member of the 2019 CBA Leadership Training (COBALT) class. The involvement continues to enrich both my personal and professional life. Working alongside diverse legal professionals who are passionate about their practice area and similarly committed to making the bar association a benefit to all has fueled my desire to make colleagues aware of how the CBA serves each of us and to improve the diversity of our community.
Relationships I built in COBALT enlightened me about the ability to serve fellow lawyers and the community.
What’s your favorite thing about being a lawyer?
Being a lawyer allows me to serve the community. First, I value daily interactions with judicial officers, defendants, attorneys, support staff, and law enforcement officers. Second, I am the district attorney’s representative to Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). My role in VTC allows me to collaborate with a team of professionals in helping veterans who have become involved with the justice system.
Why did you say “yes” to serving on the Executive Council, and what are you looking forward to this year as you help lead the bar?
I wanted to improve my knowledge of internal CBA functions: how the CBA president makes decisions, CBA program development, and methods for deciding upon and enacting policy. I also wanted to serve my fellow bar members, hearing their viewpoints, needs, and concerns and then communicating them to the bar to solve problems and improve service to members. CBA President Brown’s theme of Lawyers as Leaders is crucial, now more than ever, and I am ready and excited to participate in the efforts to improve our Bar.
Judson Hite
Region 3 Vice President
Please tell us a little about yourself, personally and professionally.
For the first third of my career as an attorney, I was a corporate environmental attorney in Chicago—making the world a safer place to pollute. Tiring of that, and after a two-year stint of Colorado home building, I was mentored on how to save the world through a well-crafted set of CCRs and HOA governing documents. That experience, and two other attempts at practicing in a partnership, informed my preference of flying solo. That’s worked well now for 20 years.
When not trying to earn a living, I serve on my city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, handle a fair share of pro bono referrals, and serve my loved ones fairly poorly prepared food. Mostly I golf.
How did you first get involved with the CBA and how has it enriched your career?
I served my local bar association for nearly a dozen years, the penultimate as its president. From that experience, I was nominated to serve as a regional vice president to the CBA, an entity I knew vaguely through CLEs, Colorado Lawyer, and the offerings of its Real Estate Section.
I believe that my role as a regional VP and EC member has broadened my appreciation of the diversity of lawyers in Colorado, of the talent and exceptionalism of the individuals that take up our profession, and of the willingness of many to dedicate their effort, skill, and creativity to making the CBA and the practice of law...
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