A Farewell to an Incredible Year: A Tribute to The Florida Bar Team
Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr.
As my term as president of The Florida Bar comes to a close, I reflect with gratitude and pride on an extraordinary year — one made possible by the dedication and hard work of so many remarkable individuals. While the role of president often comes with visibility, I have been constantly reminded that the true strength of our organization lies in the professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. These individuals ensure that The Florida Bar remains a leader in serving our members, protecting the public, and advancing the profession.
First and foremost, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Board of Governors. Serving on the board is no small task. Each member balances the demands of a legal career and personal life while taking on the significant responsibility of governance. Their commitment to The Florida Bar’s mission is unwavering, and their contributions — though often behind the scenes — are invaluable. I am sincerely grateful for their dedication, leadership, and support. I would also be remiss not to acknowledge the board liaisons who graciously agreed to serve on the board at my request. Their insights and unique perspectives have enriched the board’s work in countless ways, strengthening our collective efforts. I am sincerely grateful for their dedication, and support.
It has also been an honor to work alongside the Florida Supreme Court justices. Their wisdom, perspective, and steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law have been a guiding force throughout my tenure. As president, I have had the unique opportunity to communicate frequently with Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, and I have deeply appreciated his wisdom, guidance, and friendship. His leadership has been invaluable, and his dedication to justice and fairness in our state has profoundly shaped the important decisions we make as an organization. I am grateful for his counsel and for the collective leadership of the court.
A special mention must go to The Florida Bar staff. There is no way I could have navigated this year without the expertise, dedication, and guidance from the incredible professionals who make up the heart and soul of the Bar.
Josh Doyle: A Visionary Leader
At the top of this list is Executive Director Josh Doyle, simply the best in the nation at what he does. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Bar’s direction, always with a strategic vision and a keen eye on the big picture. His unwavering dedication to the Bar’s mission, deep understanding of the challenges facing the profession, and ability to navigate both opportunities and obstacles have been invaluable. Thanks to Josh’s leadership, everyone else can do their work with confidence, knowing the Bar is in the most capable hands.
Elizabeth Tarbert: Ensuring Accountability and Integrity
Another pillar of The Florida Bar’s success is Director of Lawyer Regulation Elizabeth Tarbert. Under her leadership, the administration of Florida’s disciplinary system has remained robust and effective. The work her office does, ensuring that the Supreme Court’s rules of professional conduct are enforced for our more than 113,000 lawyers, is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our profession. Her team’s dedication to upholding these standards is a testament to their commitment to safeguarding the public trust. It is truly impressive to witness the faith and confidence the board has in Elizabeth, a reflection of the trust she has earned over the years.
Terry Hill and His Team: Elevating Professional Development
Programs Director Terry Hill and his team have done a masterful job in overseeing the Bar’s Continuing Legal Education programs, the Lawyer Referral Service, the Bar’s sections and divisions, the Practice Resource Center, and the outstanding Member Benefits Program. These services have a critical role in supporting Bar members and providing them the tools and resources they need to succeed. With Terry’s leadership, these programs will continue to evolve and serve members well.
Gypsy Bailey: Legal Expertise and Legislative Wisdom
I cannot forget to acknowledge the incredible work of Bar General Counsel Gypsy Bailey. Gypsy’s deep understanding of the law and her sharp eye on legislative developments have been indispensable. Her counsel on litigation challenges has been invaluable, especially in today’s ever-changing (some would say turbulent) legal environment. She has always been there with wise and thoughtful advice to make sure the Bar remains an influential voice in Florida’s legal community.
Ali Sackett: Coordinating Success
Executive Division Director & Special Projects Ali Sackett has been a key part of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly. Her organizational skills and ability to coordinate board meetings and special projects have been crucial to the Bar’s operational success. Ali’s ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with ease and grace has made all the difference in keeping everything on track.
Marcy Jackson: Financial Stewardship
CFO Marcy Jackson deserves special recognition for her stewardship of the Bar’s finances. Marcy’s careful eye on our financial health and her ability to guide us with transparency and precision are commendable. She isn’t afraid to keep us grounded in reality, and her diligence in managing our resources makes the Bar’s work sustainable and responsible.
Jennifer Krell Davis, Mark Killian, and Rawan Bitar: Communicating Our Purpose
Effective communication is essential to ensuring the Bar remains connected with the public and its members. Director of Communications Jennifer Krell Davis, Journal & News Editor Mark Killian, and Journal Managing Editor Rawan Bitar have excelled in keeping everyone informed and engaged. Whether through timely updates on legal matters or through showcasing the accomplishments of the Bar, they make sure the important work we do is visible, understandable, and meaningful. In particular, thank you for making me sound much more articulate than I really am.
Brandee Blake: My Right Hand
Last, but certainly not least, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Brandee Blake, my indispensable right hand throughout this entire year. Brandee expertly managed my schedule, coordinated my speaking engagements, and ensured I stayed on point — all with unwavering professionalism and a warm smile. Her dedication, efficiency, and ability to manage every challenge with grace made my job infinitely easier, and I am truly grateful for her support.
Looking Ahead
As I conclude my term, I am confident that The Florida Bar will continue to thrive under the leadership of incoming President Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes and President-elect Michael Orr. The Bar is in great hands, and I know the staff is committed and will continue the work of ensuring that Florida remains a beacon of legal excellence.
To those whose names I have not mentioned due to space limitations, please know that your contributions have not gone unnoticed (that includes you, Mike Garcia). The success of this year has been a collective effort, and I am deeply appreciative of everyone who has played a role in supporting The Florida Bar’s mission. Your work is the foundation upon which The Florida Bar stands and I am proud to have been a part of this incredible team. Thank you.
