By:  Jami L. Knupp, CP, VCPA Message

December 2009 
 

Where do I start?  When I joined VCPA (VALA at that time) as a student 21 years ago, it never occurred to me that I would ever run for a board position, much less be elected the President of VCPA.  But here I am, excited, nervous, but full of ideas for the next year for VCPA. 
 

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the outgoing Board members for their dedication of time and talent to VCPA.  Laura Viets was at the helm of VCPA for five years.  She spent a lot of time keeping the engine of what is VCPA well tuned.  Laura, thank you 
 

Maria Godinez was our 1^st Vice President  - Programs and then stepped down, only to be called to “fill in” when the position became vacant.  On top of her full time job, husband, and new baby Victoria, she took charge to assure VCPA had speakers for its general meetings.  Maria, thank you. 
 

Julia Malone was our 2^nd Vice President – Membership.  She kept new and renewing membership application running smoothing through the pipeline for approval and kept our membership roster up to date.  I personally use my membership roster regularly.  Julia, thank you. 
 

Nicole Hadjoglou was our secretary.  Nicole was diligent in keeping the board meeting minutes accurate and available.  She was very diligent in slowing the flow of conversation, if need be, in order to assure she had all the pertinent information for the meeting minutes – and all without shorthand!  Nicole, thank you. 
 

Darlene Mosser was our CAPA Primary.  Darlene was charged with keeping VCPA’s board and its members informed of the happenings at the state level, as well as working with CAPA with respect to the annual conference.  Darlene, thank you. 
 

Julie Henry was our NALA Liaison.  Julie was VCPA’s tie to NALA, keeping VCPA’s board and its members informed on what was happening at the national level.  She was able to attend the annual NALA Conference in San Diego and bring back useful information and insight.  Julie, thank you. 
 

In addition to our elected board members, we also have our Executive Committee Chairs who work, many times behind the scenes, to organize our Springtime MCLE Conference, Wine Tasting, and Silent Auction.  Our Chairs also keep us connected with our local paralegal programs and work with students and CLA exam candidates for our scholarship opportunities.  These, among the many other things our Chairs do, keep VCPA current and vocal in our local legal community.  Thank you all. 
 

I now turn to our new Board of Directors, as president I am looking forward to working with all of them, as well as those outgoing board members who will continue to be active in VCPA activities.    
 

Your new board for 2009-2010 is: 
 

President:   Jami L. Knupp, CP

2^nd VP – Membership: Jessica Domingo

Secretary:     Diana Mincy, CP

CAPA Primary:  Julie Henry, CLA

NALA Liaison:  Cyndi Hitsman, ACP 
 

Your Executive Committee Chairs are:

Ways and Means:  Vivian Christensen, CP

CAPA Secondary:  Laura Viets

Publicity:   Kathi Whalen

Historian:   Julia Malone

Employment:   Elvira Abdon

Education;   Sharon Rishel

Newsletter Editor:   Maria Godinez

Website:   Delaina Finch

VCBA Liaison:    Don Zrehigian 
 

VCPA members play a significant role in the success of VCPA and your help, comments, concerns, and suggestions are welcome.   
 

One of my goals is to get the VCPA Verdict back into regular circulation.  In addition to my own diligence in getting my articles to the editor regularly, article suggestions or submissions are always welcome.  Turn your writing skills into helpful hints for other members. 
 

I encourage each of you to consider giving some of your time and talent to a VCPA event.  No matter how much or how little time you may have to offer, any help is greatly appreciated.  Not only will you feel great for being part of a successful event, but you will meet amazing people and make lasting friendships. 
 

VCPA is here for its members.  Our goal is to provide inexpensive educational events that meet the interests and needs of our members.  However, to do this your topic and speaker suggestions are needed.  Our pool of available speakers and topics is greater with the help of our entire membership. 
 

My door (or email) is open to all members.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.  If you are considering volunteering for a board or committee position, or just want to offer a helping hand were needed, please let me know. 
 

We have one vacancy on the Board at the moment: 1^st Vice President – Programs.  If you are interested in a board position, but are unsure what it might entail, give me a call.  I am more than happy to answer your questions. 
 

Our holiday charity food drive is in full swing, as well as plans for our holiday celebration.  Please see the calendar of events for the December meeting date and information, and the enclosed flyer for details to participate in our charity food drive. 
 

I hope to see you all at a general meeting, or two, or three.  We have some exciting speakers and topics on the books for the upcoming year. 
 

In the meantime, I wish you all healthy and happy holidays.