i begin again with thanking you for affording me the continued opportunity to serve as President of this remarkable organization. Words are simply inadequate to express the pride and honor I feel being able to serve in this capacity. I never cease to be amazed by the tremendous talent of Black prosecutors I meet every day, every week, and every month. You are a credit to your race, your community, and your criminal justice system. Together, we comprise an extremely gifted pool of public servants. Together we can (and will) make a difference to our race, our community, and our criminal justice system.
If you were not in Seattle between July 15th and 21st, you missed one of the most memorable Annual Conventions in the National Black Prosecutors Association√Öfs history. A special thanks and congratulations are owed to our conference chairpersons, Treasurer Kelly Harris and Pacific Northwest Regional Director Craig Sims. Their tireless efforts and countless hours of dedication were evident throughout the week. A special thanks is also extended to the entire Seattle Committee √Ö| Sarah Odonkor, Tom Morris, Bonnie Glenn, and Jomel McNair. The convention was well-organized, well-publicized, and well-attended. I heard endless praise about the quality of this year√Öfs speakers. Every aspect of a criminal trial was covered competently and energetically. Attendees were also able to enjoy a beautiful dinner cruise, an absolutely gorgeous night of baseball, and an exhilarating explosives demonstration by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. I personally want to commend the entire Seattle team for a job well done!
A special thanks and congratulations is also owed to our Job Fair Coordinator, Audrey Moore. Our Job Fair, in its third year under Audrey√Öfs leadership, was a tremendous success. We welcomed several new offices as well as several returning offices. Interested students from across the country attended in great numbers. Audrey and her entire New York City based crew are to be commended. Thank you, Audrey!
I also want to thank the newly elected Board of Directors for their commitment to serve. Our Executive Board remained the same for the first time in the organization√Öfs history. Vice Presidents Carmen Lineberger (Programs), Winifred Acosta Nesmith (Planning), and Keith Cave (Membership), Secretary Kelly Harris, Treasurer Nyshana Sumner, and Immediate Past President Wayne McKenzie returned to their posts as did Regional Directors Gilbert Wright (Southwest Region), Eric Smith (Southern Region), Pat Smoot (Eastern Region), Linda Zanders (Great Plains Region), Ron McCormick (Northeast Region), Mercedes Maynor-Faulcon (Mid-Atlantic Region), Gail Hardy (New England Region), and Theo Lawson (Southeast Region). We also welcomed three, new Regional Directors this year. They are Garvin Ambrose (Great Lakes Region); Sarah Odonkor (Pacific Northwest Region); and Thomas √ÖgTC√Öh Clinton (Rocky Mountain Region).
I would also like to thank departing Board members Barbara Franks, Leshia Lee-Dixon, and Craig Sims for their service to this organization.
