Upcoming Event

**HR Section** New Leader Integration: Improving the Odds of Success This program centers on a process to improve the success rate of organ-izational leaders who are new in their roles. This includes leaders who have attained their positions through internal promotions, as well as those who have been hired from outside of May 23, 2012 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Sandberg, Phoenix & von Gontard, P.C. - 13th Floor 600 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MS 63101

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Message from the President
Leaders coach, and coaches lead

As a young girl growing up in Joplin, I became aware early on that sports were important in most families. There was little else to do: Friday night football at Junge Stadium in the fall and baseball at Joe Becker Stadium (where Mickey Mantle played for the Joplin Miners in the ‘50s) every spring. My dad worked his normal "8:00 to 5:00" job, yet it was his role as a volunteer coach after hours that I recall fondly. He could spot a good athlete from a mile away, yet never discredited the kid who needed some extra instruction. Looking back, I so admire my dad for his ability to successfully balance his obligations as the leader of our family with his true passion as head coach of various youth sports teams. Of course, my dad’s success could be attributed to the support of the family’s Team Captain, my mom.

It’s because of these childhood experiences that I learned how to balance career with my passion for ALA. I’m excited to serve as the Head Coach of ALA Gateway, along with the 2012-2013 board members and committee chairs. At the Annual Board Retreat and Business Planning Meeting on April 4, 2012, we on the coaching staff developed a Playbook of ideas that will result in the following:

     -  Your level of knowledge will be enhanced when you take advantage of our Chapter’s educational programs and scholarship opportunities.

     -  More resources will be available to you as already evidenced by the Chapter’s new LinkedIn page.

     -  You will notice more focus on cultivating strong connections with other legal organizations and networking with our business partners.

ALA is not a spectator sport, and there are plenty of positions open on the field. As my dad would say, "Get in the game!"

Julie Hill
2012-2013 ALA Gateway President