IndyBar: Nominations Now Open for 2023 IndyBar Board of Directors

The nomination period has begun for the 2023 Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and Holly Wanzer of Wanzer Edwards PC has been appointed to chair the effort. Wanzer will lead a committee of members in selecting a slate of officers for the coming year.

Joining Wanzer on the nominating committee are Jacob Bradley of Quarles & Brady LLP; Kimberly DalSanto of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; Michael Hebenstreit of Lewis Kappes; Travis Jensen of Johnson Jensen LLP; Valerie Johnson of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and Hon. Kelly Scanlan of the Marion Superior Court.

Service on the board of directors is an invaluable opportunity to play a role in the future of the legal community. The following vacancies exist for the coming year and must be filled by an attorney or judicial member. Board service will begin on Jan. 1, 2023. Self nominations as well as nominations of colleagues are both encouraged.

• 1st vice president (serves one-year term and will automatically assume the office of president-elect in 2024).

• Secretary (two-year term, 2023 and 2024).

• Delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates (two-year term, 2023 and 2024). (Note: IndyBar reimburses up to $2,000 in expenses for the delegate to attend the midyear and annual meetings of the ABA.)

• At-large member of board of directors (five positions, each two-year terms, 2023 and 2024).

The 2023 IndyBar Board of Directors will be led by Rebecca Geyer of Rebecca W. Geyer & Associates. David Duncan of Scannell Properties will assume the role of president-elect.

Letters of interest or the nomination form found at indybar.org/board should be submitted by Sunday, July 31. Letters of interest or nomination forms submitted to the nominating committee on your own behalf are encouraged, as well as nominations of colleagues.

Learn More: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the ideal board candidate?

There is no “ideal” board candidate. Instead, the IndyBar wants its board to include individuals with diverse practice and life backgrounds so that the board can make well-rounded decisions that reflect the entire membership. The association seeks true diversity in its board, while recognizing leadership and service to the association.

What do board members do?

Board members are responsible for strategically thinking, planning and evaluating on behalf of the association. While association staff and volunteers typically execute IndyBar programs, the board is responsible for adding energy to the ideas and policies generated, elevating the positive profile of the association and its endeavors, and planning for the needs of central Indiana lawyers. Excellent board members are prepared, keep their commitments, speak their minds, build relationships within the board, adapt personal experiences to make the association more dynamic and understand the resources available within the association.

What do board members get in return for their service?

Previous IndyBar Board members have attested to the tremendous value of board service. In addition to impressive line items for their resumes, they have reported significant professional and personal benefits, including: the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from community leaders; the chance to share their own knowledge, expertise and training with others; professional recognition that elevates their stature within the community at large; valuable work experience that opens the door to new career opportunities; and relationships with new friends and lifelong mentors.

How much time does board service require?

Although board members must be willing to invest time preparing for and thoughtfully participating in board meetings, the time commitment is not onerous. The board meets at least nine times a year for no more than 1.5 hours, has a 2.5-hour summer assessment progress meeting and holds an overnight planning retreat every November. The 2022 overnight retreat will be Nov. 17-18, 2022. Board members are expected to attend the Bench Bar Conference and serve as a board liaison to a committee or working group and miscellaneous other educational programs and activities.

How do I nominate a candidate?

Complete the online nomination at indybar.org/board. The IndyBar will then contact the candidate with the link to the board application.

Can I nominate myself?

Yes. IndyBar members may nominate themselves for board service by following the same procedures they would use in order to nominate someone else.

What’s the nomination process?

Submit your nomination at indybar.org/board through July 31. Nominated members will be asked to supply more information to the nominating committee no later than early August. The committee will review the nominations based on the criteria and will request interviews with all candidates no later than early August. All IndyBar members submitting letters of interest will receive an interview. Once interviews are completed, the committee will then recommend one candidate per position for the slate, which will be presented to the current board of directors. If no vacancies are contested, the board of directors will accept the slate, and it will be posted on the IndyBar website within 10 business days.

What if I’m nominated, but not selected?

There are usually more applicants than spots available, so it is likely that well-qualified, interviewed candidates will not be slated. A member of the nominating committee will telephone all interviewed candidates with the goal of speaking with each within five business days. Those not slated will be given the contact information for the president-elect and will be encouraged to discuss the myriad other volunteer opportunities within the IndyBar for the coming year. It is the association’s goal to enhance the engagement opportunities for all members.

Who can answer other questions that I have?

For more information about the nominating process, or about nominating criteria, contact IndyBar Executive Director Julie Armstrong at [email protected] or 317-269-2000.•