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Essentials of Chapter Leadership: Sessions & Speakers

Learn More About Our Exciting Sessions and Speakers

Session descriptions and speaker bios for each session of ECL can be found below.  Click on the plus sign to read about each day!



10 a.m. 

Volunteer Handbook Highlights: Guidebook for the Road Ahead 

Angelina Angelov, CLM, MBA and Terri D. Moore-Natal, SPHR 

The Volunteer Handbook is the essential tool to have in your pack during the leadership year.  In this session, we will highlight some changes to the 2025 edition and discuss important sections including chapter leadership structure, role of chapter volunteers, ALA marketing materials, chapter leader training and other important materials that can be found in the Chapter Resource Hub to use on your leadership journey! 

Angelina Angelov, CLM, MBA, is a legal management professional with over 20 years of experience in compliance, strategy, and leadership. Angelina has been an ALA member since 2010 and has previously served in various committee roles and currently serves on ALA’s Board of Directors. She is the Treasury, Office, and Compliance Manager at Russin Vecchi & Heredia Bonetti, a law firm in the Dominican Republic. She holds the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® credential, a magna cum laude bachelor's degree and an MBA from UNIBE. She also teaches at the International MBA in Law Firm Management at Facultad Baiana de Direito e Gestao, Brasil. 

Terri D. Moore-Natal, SPHR, is the Director of Administration at Holzer Patel Drennan, a boutique intellectual property and business law firm in Denver, Colorado. Terri is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and has served on the Board of Directors for the Mile High Chapter as President. She has served as a volunteer on the Membership Ambassador Committee and Chapter Resource Team. Terri currently serves as a Director on ALA’s Board of Directors. 

 

Peak Provisions: Our Governance and Bylaws 

Elyssa A. Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP, and Clara E. Onderdonk, CLM  

This session will provide an in-depth overview of ALA’s governing documents, including the statutes, Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and policies. Participants will gain a clear understanding of ALA’s Code of Ethics, International Bylaws and Chapter Bylaws, as well as the essential Antitrust Guidelines that chapters must follow. Additionally, the session will address the role of ALA’s legal counsel in supporting chapters, clarifying the scope of assistance available and any limitations.  

Elyssa A. Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP, is the Chief Operating Officer of Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo, LLP, with three offices located in Central New Jersey. She served on the Board of Trustees of ALA’s New Jersey Chapter for eight years, including one year as President. At the Association level, Elyssa has served as Chair of the Membership Development Committee, as well as on the Certification Committee and the 2021 Annual Conference & Expo Planning Committee. She currently serves as a Director on the ALA Board of Directors and will assume the role of ALA President-Elect in May 2025. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. 

Clara E. Onderdonk, CLM, is Office Manager of Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP, in Rochester, New York. Within ALA, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Past President of the Western and Central New York Chapter, served on the Annual Conference Committee three times, the Regional Nominating Committee twice and the Association Nominating Committee. Additionally, she has been a Student Scholarship Mentor with the Foundation of ALA and contributed to the Region One Team, and Chapter Resource Team. Currently, she serves as a Director on ALA’s Board of Directors.    

Your ALA Essential Resource Guide: What to Have in Your Pack 

Carrie Valenzuela, MBA, and Jessica L. VanTroost 

This session is designed to empower chapter leaders with the essential tools, resources, and strategies needed to excel in chapter management. As we climb higher together, we’ll explore the core elements of leading a chapter to success. Attendees will gain insights on goal setting and strategy, fostering a culture of peer support and mentorship, and utilizing leadership tools and training to provide chapter leaders and members with the key resources for effective leadership. This session is your guide to reaching new heights in chapter leadership, ensuring you're equipped with the right resources to thrive.  

Carrie Valenzuela, MBA, is the Branch Office Manager for Meagher & Geer, P.L.L.P., in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she manages the daily operations of a busy and dynamic office. She has more than 15 years of experience in the legal industry in all aspects of law firm management and operations. Carrie is an active member of the Arizona Chapter, serving in various roles, including Chapter President. She currently serves ALA as a member of the Chapter Resource Team and will step into the role of ALA Director in May 2025. 

Jessica L. VanTroost is McGlinchey Stafford PLLC’s Strategic Operations Administrator. With more than 15 years of experience in various legal roles, she has worked in both small and large firms across multiple states. Jessica has been an active member of ALA since 2008 and is affiliated with the Jacksonville, South Florida, Middle Tennessee and Boston Chapters. She has held various board positions over the years and is a Past President of the Jacksonville Chapter. On the international stage, she has contributed to ALA by serving on the Nominating Committees and the Membership and Development Committee. Jessica is currently a member of ALA’s Board of Directors.

11:45 a.m.

An ALA Update and the Role of ALA HQ 

Eryn Carter, CAE, and Amanda R. Koplos, CLM, CPA 

Start climbing and get the latest updates from ALA headquarters with ALA’s President Amanda Koplos, CLM, CPA, and Executive Director Eryn Carter, CAE. Gain valuable insight into key leadership concepts for guiding your chapter, as well as understanding the role and responsibilities of HQ.  

Eryn Carter, CAE, is the Executive Director of the Association of Legal Administrators, where she leads a team to execute the organization’s strategic direction and vision to empower its members of legal management professionals to drive innovation and excellence in their law firms and other legal organizations through sharing expertise, developing solutions, and managing the business of today’s modern law firm. Eryn has over 25 years of association management experience having previously worked in the financial services industry. 

Amanda Koplos, CLM, CPA, is the President of the Association of Legal Administrators. She is the Chief Operating Officer for Shuffield, Lowman, and Wilson, P.A. Shuffield Lowman is a mid-size firm with 58 attorneys and 5 locations. She is also proud to hold the Certified Legal Manager  (CLM)® credential. Legal management isn’t just a career for Amanda; it’s a passion. In support of that passion, Amanda has been active in ALA since 2005. Amanda is also a frequent speaker on legal management topics, having given or moderated sessions on DEIA, budgeting and accounting, facilities and office moves, technology, cyber security and social media. In her spare time, Amanda has been co-host of The Mostly Legal Podcast. 

Climb Together: Connecting, Sharing, and Growing Through Online Opportunities 

Katherine E. Dart and Kelli Taylor Sanders, CLM, MSLA 

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging members, promoting chapter initiatives and building a sense of community. In this session, you'll discover essential tips and tricks to elevate your chapter’s online presence, learn how to define your purpose, create a strategic content plan, leverage platform-specific features and engage your audience effectively. We’ll explore best practices for promoting events, tracking performance and staying current with social media trends — all while maintaining ALA’s professional yet personable brand voice. Whether you’re new to social media or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide actionable insights to help your chapter connect, share and grow online.  

Katherine E. Dart is currently the Office Manager at Kennedys CMK LLP in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.  She is a manager for legal services support and local facilities management support. Katherine has 20 years’ experience in multiple disciplines of office management with complementary previous experience in legal secretary and IT support. She is an active member of ALA’s New Jersey Chapter, where she has served in multiple leadership roles including Chapter President. At the international level, she is currently a member of the Chapter Resource Team.   

Kelli Taylor Sanders, CLM, MSLA, is the Chief Operating Officer of Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, she is directly responsible for managing the financial, human resources and operational aspects of a 20-attorney law firm. She has completed several certifications through ALA, including Finance, Human Resources, and Legal Project Management Specialist, as well as obtaining the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® credential. Kelli is a member of ALA’s Cyber Chapter and Mile High Chapter.  She is the immediate Past President of the Cyber Chapter, having previously served as the Secretary, Vice President, and President of the chapter. She is currently an incoming member of ALA’s  Board of Directors. 

1 p.m.

Following the 11:45 am Base Camp session, participants can choose from one of the following breakout sessions:

  • Less Than Five Years As Chapter Leader
  • Seasoned Chapter Leader
  • DEIA
  • Social Media/Website/Branding

To encourage transparency and open discussions, the breakout sessions will not be recorded.

10 a.m.

Financial Stewardship: Navigating the Numbers 

Ken Koehn and Jerry G. McPeake, MSLA

Understanding the basics behind ALA’s financial operations is required for all chapter leaders. In this session, we will review key components of your chapter's financial activity. Topics covered include, but not limited to: chapter budgets, monthly treasurer’s reports, annual filings, insurance coverage and much more! 

Ken Koehn, CLM, CPA, CMA, currently is the Chief Operating Officer of Gould & Ratner LLP in Chicago, Illinois. Ken transitioned into his role as COO after serving as Gould & Ratner’s Chief Financial Officer for several years. His experience includes over 25 years in senior financial executive positions for Chicago law firms and other firms in the professional services and trading industries. He is currently on the ALA Chicago Chapter’s Board of Directors and has served in multiple leadership positions within the chapter. At the international level, he has served on the ALA Certification Committee, the Nominating Committee and currently serves as a Director on ALA’s Board of Directors.

Jerry G. McPeake, MSLA, is the Chief Operating Officer at Minor & Brown, PC d/b/a MB Law. He has worked in the legal field his entire adult life — first as a data entry clerk, then as a paralegal for 17 years and finally in legal administration for the last 20 years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Mile High Chapter for 11 years, including as Chapter President. He was an ALA Regional Representative from 2014–2016; and was on the 2017 Annual Conference Committee. He currently serves as a Director on ALA’s Board of Directors. 

 

Onward and Upward: Driving Membership Growth and Inclusion 

Rose A. Jaworecki and Lisa Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR 

Membership growth and engagement are the lifeblood of any thriving chapter. In this session, we’ll explore key strategies for attracting, engaging and retaining members while fostering a culture of inclusion. Learn how to define your chapter’s unique value proposition, expand recruitment efforts and enhance member engagement through innovative approaches like short-term volunteer opportunities. Discover actionable insights for creating an inclusive environment that strengthens retention and leadership pipelines. Whether you’re looking to boost membership numbers or elevate engagement, this session will equip you with the tools to move onward and upward in building a stronger, more connected ALA community. 

Rose Jaworecki is the Legal Office Administrator at Thompson Hine LLP’s New York office. She is also the Co-Manager of the Firm’s National Resource Group. Rose has more than 30 years of managerial and leadership experience at small to large firms in New York. She served on the ALA New York City Chapter Board for five years, including one year as President. At the Association level, she served on the 2018 Annual Conference & Expo Planning Committee and is currently serving her third year on the Chapter Resource Team.   

Lisa Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR, is the Executive Director at Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP. With over 25 years of leadership experience in law firm management, she has held key roles as an Executive Director and Director of Finance/Controller. Lisa began her career as a legal assistant and paralegal, gaining firsthand insight into law firm operations before transitioning into executive leadership. She is a recognized speaker on law firm accounting and human resources and has spent the past decade as an instructor for ALA’s web-based courses.  A dedicated member of the legal management community, Lisa has been actively involved in ALA’s Gateway and Orange County Chapters, serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chapter President. She will serve on the ALA Board of Directors from 2025 to 2028. 

Chapter Adventures: Elevate Your Chapter Activities 

Nick Manty and Melissa Hirst, MSLA 

This program will cover a high-level overview of chapter events including best practices for: logistics, accessible events, marketing and promoting events, developing content, and business partner involvement. 

Missy Hirst, MSLA, is the Chief Operating Officer for Altitude Community Law, a law firm representing Colorado HOAs and other community associations. A long-standing member of the ALA, Missy is a former President of ALA’s Mile High Chapter. At the international level, she has served on the Association’s Nominating Committee and Annual Conference Planning Committee, Chair of the Membership Development Committee, and is currently serving on the Chapter Resource Team. She will begin service on the Chapter Connection Committee in May 2025. Missy is a past recipient of the Business Professional Women’s Woman of the Year, Mile High ALA’s David Award for outstanding service to the chapter, the ALA Elevate Award for elevating ALA within the legal community and is the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award. 

Nick Manty holds a degree in Applied Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He began his career as a Firm Administrator at a boutique law firm before transitioning into a marketing role at an AmLaw 100 firm. Currently, Nick is a Business Development Manager at Maslon LLP in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he partners with attorneys to refine their business development strategies, providing one-on-one coaching, targeted programming, and strategic planning to help them grow their practices.  Beyond his business development work, Nick is a member of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) and ALA, where he serves on the Chapter Resource Team.

11:45 a.m.

Climbing to Success with Your Business Partners 

Stacie Hedrick, CLM, and Sharon M. Williams 

Join Stacie Hedrick and Sharon Williams as they discuss ways your chapter can climb to reach the peak with your business partners. This session will highlight the importance of investing in strong partnerships and how they benefit both members and chapters. Discussions will focus on maintaining clear communication and aligning goals through initiatives like à la carte and business partner programs. Attendees will also learn how to leverage technology, such as Slack and Star Chapter, to streamline processes and enhance collaboration. Finally, the session will emphasize the importance of regularly assessing partnerships and making necessary adjustments, ensuring that outdated methods don’t hinder future growth.  

Stacie Hedrick, CLM, has been an active member of ALA since 2005. Over the years, she has contributed to the Mile High Chapter in multiple capacities, including roles on the Professional Development, Business Partnering and Education Committees. Her dedication to ALA led her to pursue an international opportunity, where she served a two-year term on the Chapter Resource Team from 2022 to 2024, plus a bonus year in 2025.  

Sharon M. Williams is a Legal Administrative Assistant with Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P. in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sharon started out as a receptionist at the age of 17 and worked her way up in the legal profession. She has only strayed from the legal field once to manage a dental practice. Sharon has been an active member of the Arizona Chapter and has served in multiple leadership roles, including Chapter President. At the international level, she has served in multiple ALA roles and is currently a member of the Chapter Resource Team. Sharon will serve on the Chapter Connection Committee beginning in May 2025. 

Ascending the CLM Trail 

Shauna L. Manner, CLM, MBA, CPA, SHRM-CP, and Geoffrey Williams, CLM, MBA, M.Div. 

Are you interested in advancing your knowledge as a law firm leader?  Does your chapter participate in the Certified Legal Manager approved provider program or would you consider doing so? Are you looking to explore adding CLM to your credentials? If so, this session is for you!   

Perhaps you’ve already taken a pivotal step in your professional development by choosing to pursue the CLM exam. Or, maybe you’d just like more information regarding the benefits of certification or the opportunities for your chapter to become a part of the certification process. Walk away with an understanding of the benefits of certification, application requirements, resources available to assist you while preparing for the exam and how your chapter can support the CLM program. 

Shauna L. Manner, CLM, MBA, CPA, SHRM-CP, is the Firm Administrator at Larkins Vacura Kayser, LLP, in Portland, Oregon. Shauna is an experienced leader in both for-profit and not-for-profit professional services organizations. She is an active member of ALA’s Oregon Chapter and has served in several leadership positions for the chapter, including Chapter President. At the international level, she’s currently serving on the Chapter Resource Team. 

Geoffrey Williams, CLM, MBA, M.Div., is the Chief Operating Officer of Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann LLC in New Orleans where he oversees all firm operations and works with the management committee and the firm's practice area leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives. Geoffrey is the Immediate Past President of ALA, the Chair of the Chapter Resource Team and a member of ALA’s New Orleans Chapter. He is also a member of the American Management Association, Society for Human Resource Management, The Institute of Management Accountants, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association and its Practice Management Section.   

Elevate Your Potential Through Education 

Daniel P. Atcheson and Lisa R. Ford 

During this presentation, we will discuss ALA’s Strategic Direction and focus areas and how this can influence our chapter education. We will also share ideas and strategies for the ins and outs of planning top notch, year-round educational offerings.  The session will conclude with resources that Dan and Lisa have found useful in their own chapter experience and will touch on important ALA guidelines related to chapter education. 

Dan Atcheson currently serves on the International ALA Board of Directors (2024-2027) and previously served as the Chair for the Professional Development Advisory Committee (2022-2023). In addition, he has held many other leadership roles with the Raleigh-Durham Chapter of ALA, where he has been a member since 2002. Dan is a seasoned administrator with over 20 years of experience across law firms of various sizes and practice areas. He holds an undergraduate degree from East Carolina University and a law degree from the University of Maryland. 

Lisa R. Ford is the Office Administrator at Holland & Knight LLP in Los Angeles, California. She has been a member of ALA’s Greater Los Angeles Chapter for the past 10 years, serving in multiple leadership roles, including the current President. At the international level, she currently serves on ALA’s Chapter Resource Team and will begin service on the Chapter Connection Committee in May. Lisa has served as a mentor to several future leaders in the legal community and volunteers with other non-profit organizations, such as the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. She received her bachelor's degree in business administration and management from the University of Redlands located in Redlands, California. 

1 p.m.

Following the 11:45 am Navigating the Path session, participants can choose from one of the following breakout sessions:

  • President, President-Elect, Vice-President
  • Secretary, Treasurer
  • Chapter Education
  • Business Partner Programs

To encourage transparency and open discussions, the breakout sessions will not be recorded.

10 a.m.

Scaling the Peaks of Engagement 

Rhonda Fagen and Andrea C. Stitt 

 Join us as you broaden your knowledge and boost your creative member engagement muscles. After all, engaged members are what it’s all about, right?! Engaged members drive advocacy, participation, fun, growth and development, and long-term success. In this session, we will explore proven strategies to attract, retain, and actively engage members in meaningful ways. We will get your left and right brains firing on all cylinders when we share tips and tools for leveraging technology, solving communication conundrums, and fostering a strong sense of community through value-driven, customized programming. Whether you are looking to revitalize existing engagement efforts or eager to launch new initiatives, this session will provide actionable insights to strengthen connections and boost member participation. 

Rhonda Fagen is the Manager of Performance and Compensation at McAngus Goudelock & Courie. With over 12 years of experience at MGC, Rhonda has previously held roles in HR management across diverse industries including healthcare and consulting. As a dedicated member of ALA since 2012, she has served on the Raleigh-Durham Chapter Board of Directors from 2016 to 2019 and as Chapter President from 2019 to 2020. On the international stage, Rhonda has contributed to the Membership Development Committee and currently serves as the Chair of the Member Ambassador Committee. A proud North Carolina native, she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Andrea C. Stitt, is an Executive Director and General Counsel at Stotler Hayes, LLC,. Andrea focuses her time and talents at the firm on leadership, management, and ethics. Andrea’s legal practice experience includes work in the areas of guardianships and conservatorships, estate administration, tax, business law, and estate planning.  Andrea is an active member of the Arizona Bar. She also serves as a member and volunteer for ALA, currently serving as the Chair of the Member Experience Committee and past member of its Annual Conference Planning Committee and Awards Committee. 

Awards: Recognizing Greatness at Every Peak 

Sarah E. Cramer and Michael E. Keatts 

 This session will provide a comprehensive guide to crafting strong submissions for ALA’s various awards, covering key deadlines, important details and best practices for success. Attendees will gain insights into the Chapter Awards, including Business Partner Relations, DEIA, Member Value/Experience and the Presidents’ Award of Excellence. The session will also explore individual awards, such as The Foundation Heart of ALA Award, Ambassador Excellence Award, Elevate ALA Award, NextGen Leader Award, Outstanding Association Volunteer and the Spirit of ALA Award. Whether you’re submitting on behalf of a chapter or an individual, this session will help you navigate the process and present a compelling nomination. 

Sarah E. Cramer is Director of Human Resources at Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice L.L.C., where she oversees all HR functions for the firm’s Missouri, Illinois, Washington, and Portland locations. Sarah has more than 15 years of law firm experience in many legal support and management roles. She joined ALA in 2013 and is an active Greater Kansas City Chapter member, serving in various roles, including President, Business Partner Committee Chair and Membership Committee Chair. She is also a member of ALA’s Gateway Chapter. Sarah currently serves on ALA’s Board of Directors and formerly served on the Chapter Resource Team.   

Michael E. Keatts is a Regional Office Administrator for Bowman and Brooke LLP, where he manages branch offices in Richmond, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; New Brunswick, New Jersey; and New York City. Michael has almost 30 years of law firm experience and has been a member of ALA for 20 years along with being an active member of the Richmond Chapter, where he has served in various roles, including President for two years, Business Partner Liaison for two years, and the Chair of the Virginia ALA Statewide Retreat Committee for 14 consecutive years. At the international level, Michael serves as a member of the Chapter Resource Team and will be the Vice Chair of the Chapter Connections Committee in May 2025. 

The Foundation of ALA’s Journey to The Next Summit 

Kira L. Hansen, CLM 

This session provides an overview of the Foundation of ALA and its mission, strategic direction, and initiatives. Attendees will gain insights into the ways in which they can engage with the Foundation of ALA both as individuals and as chapters. If you have been curious about how the Foundation aligns with ALA members, and how it works to help educate, mentor and inspire legal management professionals in inclusive ways, be sure to tune into this session!   

Kira L. Hansen, CLM, is the Firm Administrator of Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, LLP, where she oversees all aspects of the functional areas for the firm’s single location in San Francisco, California. Kira has over 15 years of experience in the legal industry and has been an active member of ALA since 2016.  Kira was selected as a Susan L. French Emerging Leader Fellow in 2020 and was a NextGen Leader Award recipient in 2021. With the Golden Gate Chapter, she has served in various roles, including as President, Social Media and Communications Chair, Secretary, DEIA Committee Chair, Community Connections Co-Chair and others. Now beginning her fourth and final board year with the Foundation of ALA, Kira will be installed as Foundation President in May 2025. 

Guiding Your Team to the Summit 

Jerry G. McPeake, MSLA, and Carrie Valenzuela, MBA 

Join this inspiring session to explore the unique challenges and rewards of leading other leaders. Effective leadership at this level requires adapting communication styles, mastering delegation and shifting from coaching to encouragement  — all while serving as a motivator for your chapter and the Association. Engage in discussions on how to provide guidance that fosters growth, gain valuable insights into this leadership journey and discover the resources available to support you! A key part of leading other leaders is knowing when to ask for help, and this session will equip you with the tools and strategies to do just that. 

Jerry G. McPeake, MSLA, is the Chief Operating Officer at Minor & Brown, PC, d/b/a MB Law. He has worked in the legal field his entire adult life — first as a data entry clerk, then as a paralegal for 17 years, and finally in legal administration for the last 20 years. He has served on the Mile High Board of Directors for 11 years, including as Chapter President. He was an ALA Regional Representative from 2014–2016 and was on the 2017 Annual Conference Committee. He currently serves on the ALA Board of Directors. 

Carrie Valenzuela, MBA, is the Branch Office Manager for Meagher & Geer, P.L.L.P., in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she manages the daily operations of a busy and dynamic office. She has more than 15 years of experience in the legal industry, with experience in all aspects of law firm management and operations. Carrie is an active member of the Arizona Chapter, serving in various roles, including Chapter President. She currently serves ALA as a Chapter Resource Team member and will become an ALA Director in May 2025. 

11:45 a.m.

Conquering The Summit: Time Management Tools for Reaching Your Peak 

Nick Manty and Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR 

This presentation will help your chapter's leaders manage their time more efficiently. Learn tips for avoiding burnout, how to effectively prioritize, how to use the tools your chapter already has, and strategies for structured planning. 

Nick Manty holds a degree in Applied Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He began his career as a Firm Administrator at a boutique law firm before transitioning into a marketing role at an AmLaw 100 firm. Currently, Nick is a Business Development Manager at Maslon LLP in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he partners with attorneys to refine their business development strategies, providing one-on-one coaching, targeted programming, and strategic planning to help them grow their practices.  Beyond his business development work, Nick is a member of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) and ALA, where he serves on the Chapter Resource Team.

Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR, is the Executive Director at Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP. With over 25 years of leadership experience in law firm management, she has held key roles as an Executive Director and Director of Finance/Controller. Lisa began her career as a legal assistant and paralegal, gaining firsthand insight into law firm operations before transitioning into executive leadership. She is a recognized speaker on law firm accounting and human resources and has spent the past decade as an instructor for ALA’s web-based courses. A dedicated member of the legal management community, Lisa has been actively involved in ALA’s Gateway and Orange County  Chapters, serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chapter President. She will serve on the ALA Board of Directors from 2025 to 2028. 

Introduction To The CCC

Travis C. Armstrong, CLM, CPA and Geoffrey M. Williams, CLM, MBA, M.Div. 

Travis C. Armstrong, CLM, CPA, is the Chief Operating Officer for English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP (ELPO Law), a regional firm with three offices and 32 attorneys, headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He has been a member of ALA since 2005, when he first accepted a position in the legal management profession. He immediately joined ALA and became a member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter, where he served as Treasurer for six years, before becoming Vice President and President. In addition to his local chapter service, he served two years as a Regional Representative before becoming a member of the 2017 and 2018 Annual Conference Planning Committees. He then served as Chair of the 2019 Annual Conference Planning Committee, followed by two years on the Certification Committee. He currently serves as President-Elect for ALA. Armstrong holds his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, as well as the CLM designation.   

Stacie Hedrick, CLM, has been an active member of ALA since 2005. Over the years, she has contributed to the Mile High Chapter in multiple capacities, including roles on the Professional Development, Business Partnering and Education Committees. Her dedication to ALA led her to pursue an international opportunity, where she served a two-year term on the Chapter Resource Team from 2022 to 2024, plus a bonus year in 2025.  

Michael E. Keatts is a Regional Office Administrator for Bowman and Brooke LLP, where he manages branch offices in Richmond, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; New Brunswick, New Jersey; and New York City. Michael has almost 30 years of law firm experience and has been a member of ALA for 20 years along with being an active member of the Richmond Chapter, where he has served in various roles, including President for two years, Business Partner Liaison for two years, and the Chair of the Virginia ALA Statewide Retreat Committee for 14 consecutive years. At the international level, Michael serves as a member of the Chapter Resource Team and will be the Vice Chair of the Chapter Connections Committee in May 2025. 

Geoffrey M. Williams, CLM, MBA, M.Div., is the Chief Operating Officer of Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann L.L.C. in New Orleans where he oversees all firm operations and works with the management committee and the firm's practice area leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives. Geoffrey is the Immediate Past President of ALA, the Chair of the Chapter Resource Team and a member of the New Orleans Chapter. He is also a member of the American Management Association, Society for Human Resource Management, The Institute of Management Accountants, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association and its Practice Management Section.   

Questions About the Essentials of Chapter Leadership? 

Direct questions to  [email protected]. Questions regarding registration should be directed to [email protected].


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