President's Message
by Deborah Badigian  

At the start of the New Year, a new Board of Directors took over their respective positions. As last year's Member at Large, I never thought I would assume the position of President in the upcoming year. So, why did I agree to put my name on the ballot? Watching last year's Board of Director's execute their accomplishments and attending the Bass Lake Conference last November. It was inspiring to me to watch men and women from across the state exude such enthusiasm and desire to promote the profession of Paralegalism. I only hope our new Board can provide you with the same opportunity and excitement.

With this said, I cannot stress the importance of involvement enough. If you are serious about your profession and want to continue to grow and expand your knowledge and opportunities, this is your chance. There were times when I felt like I was on an isolated island out there all alone. But my participation with the San Joaquin Association of Legal Assistants has changed my perspective. Do you even realize that the Orange County Association alone has over 600 members? We have 50. I would like to see our Fresno area association expand its membership and continue to grow and educate its members as well as our community as to what Paralegals have to offer. Again, I urge your participation in your organization.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the new Board to you as well as list the various committees each person is involved with. I encourage each of you to become involved with a committee of interest to you and contact the committee chairperson.

Donna Johnston, Vice President
Donna is a Paralegal employed with the law firm of McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth. Donna will also be representing SJALA as our liaison with the Fresno County Law Library, and will be a member of our Education, Programs, and Law Day Committees.

Marilyn Martin-Calkins, Treasurer
Marilyn is a Paralegal with the law firm of Auchard & Stewart.

Lisa Quiroz, Secretary
Lisa is employed with the law firm of Cornwell & Sample where she is employed as a Paralegal.

Michael Flanagan, CLA, NALA Representative
Michael is continuing to represent SJALA at the national level as he has for the past year.

Lisa Madden, Board Member at Large
Lisa is currently working as a Paralegal with Yohman, Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel in their workers' compensation department. Lisa is presently working with Fresno City College and San Joaquin College of Law in an effort to designate a Student Liaison from each of these educational facilities.

Charlene Bullock, CAPA Primary
Our former President is continuing her involvement but at the state level for the next year as our Primary CAPA representative. Charlene will also continue to head the Fresno County Bar Association Picnic committee as she has now perfected every aspect of what needs to be done for this successful event. She is currently employed with the law firm of McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth.

M. Diedre Wilton, CAPA Secondary
Diedre represented our Board last year in the capacity of Vice President and has graciously volunteered to continue her involvement as our CAPA Secondary. She is currently a Paralegal with the law firm of Auchard & Stewart.

As most of the current Board of Directors are new to their positions, I would like to thank them all for volunteering their time and efforts on behalf of the organization. As for myself, I am currently working at Yohman, Parker, Kern, Nard & Wenzel in the workers' compensation department along with Lisa Madden. I have been a Paralegal for over ten years and look forward to continuing in a profession which I feel has even greater potential in the years to come. If you ever have any questions or I can be of any help to you in any way, please give me a call or e mail me.

We are all looking forward to an eventful year and hope that you will be able to join in the festivities. Please make a special effort to come celebrate St. Patrick's Day at our March 17th General Membership Meeting will be held at the Sheraton Four Points commencing at 5:30 pm to meet with your fellow members and to voice your opinions as to what you would like to see SJALA accomplish within the next year.