The year goes fast, doesn’t it? At my age, I should say the years go fast. But either way, this is my last column as chair of the Appellate Judges Conference. It has been an honor to serve as Chair, and to serve on the AJC Executive Committee for the past several years. What an incredible group of judicial officers, attorneys, staff attorneys and other professionals. For all the good works of the AJC, the Judicial Division and the ABA, it is the people who make it worthwhile. The ability to share best practices and lessons learned, to grow collectively to better serve the public, and to make good friends along the way makes it a true privilege. Thank you, all, for making service on the AJC a joy.
The AJC is the beneficiary of incredible ABA staff members, two in particular I will mention here. Tori Jo Wible, JD Director and Chief Counsel, keeps us all out of the ditches. Former Arizona Superior Court Judge Barbara Rodriguez Mundell referred to managing judicial officers as “herding lions.” Tori Jo herds lions with excellence, commitment, perseverance and care. Along with Tori Jo, superhero and miracle worker Amanda Banninga does so many things for us AJC volunteers. As JD Conference Manager, Amanda reminds us when things are needed, reminds us again when we forget or get distracted, helps us make deadlines, calls, and agendas—to mention only a few. Thank you so much, Tori Jo and Amanda, for your service and for making things fun.