DRI Election Hub

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Welcome to the DRI Election Hub: Where Your Impact Takes Shape!

At DRI, we believe that active participation is at the heart of a thriving organization. Our election process is a vital cornerstone of our democratic structure, allowing members like you to shape the future direction of DRI. Whether you're a long-time member looking to deepen your involvement or a newcomer eager to make your mark, this hub will empower you with all the information and resources you need to engage meaningfully in our election process.

Explore the DRI Election Hub to:

  • Understand the Process: Get a comprehensive overview of how our elections work. From nomination procedures to voting protocols, we'll demystify every step, ensuring you're well-informed.
  • Meet the Candidates: Learn about the dedicated individuals running for various positions within DRI. Discover their backgrounds, visions, and the expertise they bring to the table. New officers are announced each year during the DRI Annual Meeting.
  • Get Involved: Find out how you can actively participate in the election process. Whether you're interested in running for a position or volunteering to support a candidate, there are numerous ways to contribute.
  • Stay Informed: Stay updated with election announcements, important dates, and news related to the election cycle. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.
"I've always challenged the notion that a leadership title or a lengthy legal career automatically equates to solid leadership skills. The true leaders I know see leadership as a continuous journey of growth and learning that is never complete . . . My tenure as DRI president was one of the best professional experiences of my life. It was a privilege to serve as president of such a fabulous organization that provides much-needed resources for today's civil defense lawyers. The past year was an enriching experience that provided many opportunities for personal growth and learning."

—Lana A. Olson, DRI Past President

Your voice matters, and your involvement is essential to shaping the future of DRI. Together, we can work towards our shared vision and make a meaningful impact within our organization. Join us in fostering a vibrant and engaged community, where every member has the opportunity to influence the direction of DRI.


DRI Recognizes Second Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, National and Regional Directors, and State Representatives at 2024 Annual Meeting

At the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, on October 16–18, the DRI Board of Directors elected four individuals to join them as national directors (each serving three-year terms), as well as the next DRI second vice president and secretary-treasurer. Four new regional directors were also recognized, who will serve three-year terms, and fourteen new state representatives.

Thank you to the Nominating Committee, chaired this year by DRI Past President Philip L. Willman, for its work during the 2024 DRI Elections.

Congratulations to the individuals below for their appointments.

Second Vice President

  • Sara M. Turner, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, Birmingham, Alabama

Secretary-Treasurer

  • Ricardo A. Woods, Burr Forman LLP, Mobile, Alabama

New National Directors

  • Michelle Thurber Czapski, Bodman PLC, Troy, Michigan
  • Juan M. Marquez, Jr., Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, PA, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Morgan J. Milner, Modern Woodmen of America, Rock Island, Illinois
  • Christopher B. Turney, Turney LG, Kansas City, Missouri

New Regional Directors

  • Southwest RegionSlater Elza, Underwood Law Firm, PC, Texas
  • Southern RegionBeth A. Lochmiller, Coleman Lochmiller & Bond, Kentucky
  • Atlantic RegionMichael A. Malia, Peri, Stewart, Malia, New Jersey
  • North Central RegionWilliam K. McVisk, Tressler, LLP, Illinois

New State Representatives

  • ConnecticutErika Amarante, Wiggin and Dana LLP
  • IllinoisLaura Beasley, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice
  • KentuckyTodd Page, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
  • MarylandChristopher Jeffries, Kramon & Graham
  • MinnesotaTony Novak, Larson King LLP
  • MississippiPenny Lawson, Parker & Lawson
  • NebraskaEmily Motto Bottorf, United Fire & Casualty Co
  • New JerseyTimothy R. Freeman, Tanenbaum Keale LLP
  • New MexicoJeffrey Mitchell, Mitchell Law Firm
  • New YorkThomas E. Liptak, Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak
  • North CarolinaAshley Brathwaite, Ellis & Winters LLP
  • OklahomaKari Hawthorne, Johnson Hanan Vosler
  • TexasGayla Corley, MehaffyWeber PC
  • WisconsinNicole Marklein, Cross Jenks Mercer

Send in Your Declarations for the 2024 DRI Elections

At the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting in Seattle, October 16–18, the DRI Board of Directors will name four individuals to join them as national directors (each serving three-year terms). The final candidates are presented to the board upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. In addition, an individual will be elected as the next DRI second vice president, which begins his or her track to the presidency after serving subsequent years as first vice president and president-elect. Also, one candidate will be elected to serve a one-year term as secretary–treasurer. The following DRI members have filed Declarations of Candidacy for this year’s second vice president and national director positions.

To read a candidate's declaration, click on his or her name. Adobe Reader is required to view the PDF file. Please send any letters of support for the 2024 DRI candidates to elections@dri.org.

Second Vice President

Michael D. Carter, Hall Booth Smith PC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

David L. Jones, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, Little Rock, Arkansas

Sara M. Turner, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, Birmingham, Alabama

Ricardo A. Woods, Burr Forman LLP, Mobile, Alabama

National Director

Michelle Thurber Czapski, Bodman PLC, Troy, Michigan

Juan M. Marquez, Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, PA, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Morgan J. Milner, Modern Woodmen of America, Rock Island, Illinois

Christopher B. Turney, Turney LG, Kansas City, Missouri