28-Mar-09 3:00 PM EST

Marianne Lawhead: Assuming the Role of President During Challenging Times

By Melanie Kowal

“I was so surprised when I got the call,” said Marianne Lawhead regarding the notification of her new role as president of the Atlanta chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (AALA). “I was super excited, super humbled.”

When Lawhead joined the AALA in 2000, she was merely looking for a place to connect with peers and find advice. She quickly found that place, particularly in the small law firm group. As her interest in the organization grew, so did her involvement. In 2005, she served as the branch office section chair, and as director of e-newsletter in 2006 and 2007. However, she never imagined being asked to sit as vice president in 2008, with the role of chapter president the following year.

“It’s a great honor,” said Lawhead, “and a great challenge.”

Being president is a huge undertaking anytime, and the current economic climate piles on even greater challenges. While we cannot wallow in the crises that surround us, we do have to be pragmatic – especially when leading a professional group.

“Our focus for this year is thriving, both personally and professionally,” explained Lawhead. “We want to help our members to continue developing, despite downsizing and reductions. We want to support them in any way possible. So, we need to be more flexible and create programs that will enable us to do that.”

This flexibility begins the day after Lawhead assumes her role as president. The Board will conduct member focus groups with the aim of discovering what the members need from the organization, how the organization can best support them and what changes need to take place to make that happen. Doubtless, this candid feedback will transform some existing programs and processes, but these are times of change. The Board will be better equipped to serve its members and help them grow.

The legal field has not been immune to layoffs and cutbacks. Therefore, this year will see greater networking opportunities and enhancements to job and resume postings on the chapter Web site. Educational opportunities will be plentiful, with targeted speakers presenting in section groups. Members will have the opportunity to take advantage of additional scholarships to the Region1/2 conference. Because the location is so close to Atlanta, members may take advantage of carpooling to the conference site in Savannah. The Board is also looking at ways to assist those interested in obtaining or maintaining CLM accreditation.

“We want to be optimistic, but we have to be realistic,” said Lawhead. “The world will go on, and we have to progress with it. Adapting to change is more important now than ever. And so is supporting each other. My goal is to provide a place where our AALA family can both thrive and find support.”

Lawhead speaks highly of her predecessors and the fantastic role they have done in leading the chapter. She looks forward to collaborating with past presidents, organization members, peers and colleagues to write this next chapter for the AALA. She knows with their support AALA will be able to face up to whatever challenges come our way.

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