What made you become involved and stay with NYSBA?

I joined the NYSBA several years ago to be involved with the International Section. At around the same time I was appointed to serve on the Committee on Leadership Development.  After serving as a member of the CLD for a few years, I was asked to be a co-chair. I was thrilled to be appointed co-chair of the Committee as I am very passionate about leadership development for the legal profession. 

Which past or present NYSBA leader inspires you and why?

Commissioner Winnie Martin and Judge Helena Heath, two former co-chairs of the CLD, inspired me with their positivity and commitment to professionalism in the law.  They lead by example with kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and to developing lawyers to be great lawyers. Sherry Levin Wallach inspires me with her strong desire to embrace technology in the practice of law. Taa Grays inspires me with her overall dedication to the legal profession and development of lawyers to be better lawyers.

Describe your journey to becoming a NYSBA leader?

I was appointed to the CLD by former NYSBA President Scott Karson and served on the CLD under Commissioner Winnie Martin and Judge Helena Heath.  Commissioner Martin asked me to consider serving as co-chair, which I accepted.  I also served as the ABA Liaison to NYSBA’s Ukraine Task Force and the spin-off subcommittee, the Ukrainian Immigration Task Force, which has helped thousands of Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s aggression and violence.

How have you grown as a NYSBA leader?

I have been very inspired by the professionalism of the NYSBA leadership and administrative staff.  Everyone at NYSBA encourages creativity and adaptability which allowed my co-chair, Christopher McNamara, and me to use our positions to create NYSBA’s Profiles in Leadership and the NYSBA Leadership Academy. I have grown in my capacity as a leader by exploring leadership themes and developing leadership programs for members of the association.

How do you describe your leadership style?

I subscribe to a servant leadership style. I lead by example through service to others.  I believe in building trust within teams to instill a belief in others that they are competent to lead. Once others know they can lead, I remain available as a resource to support them and provide guidance.

What leadership skills do you find most useful when working with NYSBA members?

Communication, collaboration, and cooperation are my three top skills I use to work with NYSBA members.

What do you see as the greatest challenge for the legal profession in the next five years and how have you tried to address that challenge as a NYSBA leader?

AI will change the legal profession forever. I think the legal profession needs to figure out how to embrace AI within the ethical obligations of the profession.

What mark of leadership do you wish to leave as a legacy at NYSBA?

I hope my legacy will be the NYSBA programs that Chris and I developed are the Profiles in Leadership and the Leadership Academy.

What advice would you give to future leaders?

Volunteer, apply yourself, and express your ambition.  NYSBA needs you to get involved and stay involved to better the profession and society’s belief in the law.