So Long But Not Goodbye
When I was nominated for the position of President for a 4th term in 2023, I told the Board that I would not accept a nomination in 2024, but not for the reasons you may think. I had accepted a new position with a national hospital system, and although it is a fully remote position, there are requirements for me to be in attendance at trials, mediations, depositions and other events, meaning that I would need to travel at times and my schedule can vary at a moment's notice which could interfere with my ability to lead board meetings and other obligations that arise out of being the IPA's President. On a personal level, my husband's parents have some health challenges and now that our children have become adults, we made the decision to move in with them so they can remain in their home rather than moving them into an assisted living facility.
These new developments in my personal and professional life doesn't mean that I cannot be an active leader within the Illinois Paralegal Association; it just allows me to shift my focus. Being involved in the IPA is likely not as big of a commitment as you may think. Just to give you an idea, I figured I would share what my commitment will look like now that I will no longer be President.
I will still remain an active member of the Board of Directors, which means that I will need to set aside approximately 1-3 hours per month to prepare for and attend board meetings. It will also allow me to focus on my position as IPA's Student Liaison where I connect with students and educators from across the state, which will likely average out to be another 2-3 hours a month. I will remain active in committees which will vary, but I would say will likely encompass another 1-2 hours per month.
The IPA is an organization of paralegals from all practice areas and all experience levels and we can always use an extra hand. As you can see, the commitment level can be as little as 1-2 hours per month, so if you have ever thought about being more involved, make sure you reach out to IPA's newly elected President, Samantha Misch.
Everyone always complemented me on what a great job I was doing when I was the IPA's President, but I'm going to be honest, none if it would be possible without the work of our amazing section chairs, Board of Directors and most of all our Executive Director, Yvonne Kriss. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for making my time as your President one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life and I look forward to my continued involvement with the Illinois Paralegal Association for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Melissa Jurik, ILAP
Immediate Past IPA President