Executive Director’s Message
David B. Walls, CAE, CMP With the holiday season behind us, a New Year has
begun. Not only is this a time of personal reflection, but here at the MAJ office, it is time for MAJ staff to evaluate the first six months of the fiscal year and plan for the second half. Before addressing our plans for the remainder of the year, first let us evaluate our first half performance. Although the economy continues to play a role daily life, MAJ continues to be a vibrant
in everyone’s
and thriving organization thanks to members like you. Membership numbers continue to be strong and we are projecting to achieve record numbers by June. MAJ’s seven sections are seeing an increase in numbers in not only their rosters but also in their section meetings and events. Currently, educational programs are slightly below projections, but with the Workhorse Seminar (hosted in conjunction with TLA- DC), the Criminal Law Seminar, Family Law Seminar and the Medical Negligence Seminar, along with the myriad of Brown Bag Lunches, it is projected that we will reach our goal. MAJ’s committees continue to move the organization forward and many are utilizing the social networking tools recently employed by the Membership Communications Committee. Te remainder of the year should prove to be exciting
with an active legislative session, nominations of new officers and board members, excellent educational programs, all culminating with the featured event of the spring, the President’s Dinner. As you know, the Maryland Legislature convenes in
January. With the recent healthcare developments and debates on a national level, it is anticipated we will see some effect on a state level. It’s anyone’s guess on how this session will develop, but rest assured that the MAJ Legislative team and Lobbyist are ready to engage any debate on issues affecting the citizens of Maryland and the MAJ membership.1 Officer and Board nominations have been received and
President Kevin I. Goldberg and the Nominations Committee will soon present slate of officers to the MAJ membership. Voting will take place at the Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner on April 21 at the Tremont Grand in Baltimore.
1 Staff will be sending letters to members of the organization that have not given us their home address. Tis effort is stretches staff resources, but we recognize that this is an important part of the legislative efforts. In order to reach key legislative representatives, we need to know the number of MAJ members in their district. Te better we can match our members with their legislative district, the louder and more powerful our collective voice will be heard. Please respond to the mailing as soon as you receive notice. Tis information is confidential and will not be distributed. If you still feel uncomfortable giving this information, please, respond with your house and senate district. Instructions on how to do this will be included in the correspondence.
6 Trial Reporter / Winter 2010
I am looking forward to a smooth transition with the officers and the staff and I look forward to working with our President-Elect Robert J. Zarbin for the 2010-2011 year. As Mr. Zarbin prepares for his year as MAJ president,
he will be looking for members to help guide and direct the organization. Tis is an excellent opportunity for members to become more involved by volunteering to serve on a committee or as a section chair. Te organization is always looking for new faces and new talents. Should you have an interest in getting involved, you can contact Mr. Zarbin at the Jaklitsch Law Group at (301) 627-8700 or by email at
rzarbin@aol.com. Robert J. Zarbin will be starting his term as President
with the Annual President’s Dinner on May 22. Tis evening is lining up to be the social event of the season. Special guests, dinner, dancing and of course, the silent and live auction are all highlights of the night. Plan to attend this black-tie event and mark your calendar today. Invitations will be mailed shortly.
As you can see, the second half of the year is shaping up
to be challenging and exciting. As Executive Director, I have the pleasure of speaking with many members not only about MAJ projects, but about their business and their families. From my conversations, it seems that many of us are doing more with less. Te key is to use the resources that bring you the most value both professionally and personally. My hope is that MAJ brings value to you professionally, so that you have more time for your personal endeavors. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Tis time like all times is a very good one if we but know what to do with it.” I’d like to continue to hear from you on the things that the
organization can help you professionally, that way, six months from now we are all relishing in the glory of our successes.
Biography David B. Walls, CAE, CMP is the Executive Director
of the Maryland Association for Justice. In this capacity, Mr. Walls is responsible for the overall operations of the Association. Former managing director for ELM Services, Inc., Mr. Walls has spent more than 25 years in the association, meeting planning and hospitality industries. He earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2004 and earned his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Designation in 1991.
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