The MSBA Board of Governors held its annual retreat on Friday, May 10, 2019, at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center. The day long retreat included existing Board of Governors from the 2018-19 fiscal year, as well as nominees for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The retreat kicked off with a review of the 2018-19 fiscal year. A sampling of videos that were created from the various networking events, conferences, CLEs, and other events held the MSBA and its sections were played. In addition, MSBA President Hon. Keith Truffer provided his perspective of the past year, and highlighted the many accomplishments of the MSBA in fiscal year 2018-19, including the expansion of the Lawyer Assistance Program, the rollout of the new Maryland Bar Journal.

Judge Truffer also touched on the work of several committees including the Strategic Vision Committee, chaired by Ben Rosenberg. At such time a motion was made to approve the recommendations of the Strategic Vision Committee, which were presented in the April 2019 meeting. The motion carried with unanimous support of the Board. It was noted that the Strategic Vision Committee will continue its work in 2019-20, with the goal of creating an implementation plan for the Strategic Priorities & Objectives adopted by the Board. More information on the Strategic Vision committee and the priorities and objectives adopted by the board will be available in Fall 2019.

After discussion and approval of the standard membership reports, the Board went into Executive Session for a discussion and vote on the 2019-20 Budget recommended by the Budget & Finance Committee. The proposed budget was adopted by the Board.

In the afternoon, MSBA staff provided several updates to the Board, including a preview on the latest Bar Journal, and a look at the MSBA Connect technology, which is a replacement for the current Email Discussion List software. The Board also discussed and voted on ABA Delegates for the 2019-21 term. After all candidates were discussed, a paper ballot was circulated. As a result of the election, imminent President-Elect Hon. Mark Scurti and Chris Jennison were named as ABA Delegates for the 2019-21 term. The YLS seat, which is selected by the MSBA Young Lawyers Section, will be filled by Michael Hudak.

The retreat concluded with several break-out sessions to review emerging issues in the MSBA and the legal profession in Maryland.  The sessions including brainstorming ideas for the September Maryland Bar Journal, which will feature Solo & Small Firm Practitioners, reviewing recent changes at the ABA, and support for MSBA Sections.

The next Board meeting will begin at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at the Clarion Fountainebleau Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. More information about the Board of Governors, including agendas and approved minutes can be found at https://www.msba.org/about/leadership/board-of-governors/