GET INVOLVED
2026 NALA BOARD ELECTION
2026-2027 NALA Board of Directors Election
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
NALA has continued to grow and prosper because our members are involved and invested in the growth of the paralegal profession. NALA is a membership organization. The individual voices of our members are incredibly important. Active type NALA members have the privilege of voting on who they think is the best candidate to represent their interests on the NALA Board of Directors. This voting guide will provide you with the necessary information about each candidate so you can make an informed decision when you cast your vote.
ABOUT THE VOTING PROCESS
Members with an Active type membership for at least 45 days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting can vote electronically. Voting will be conducted online, allowing you to cast your vote from your office, home, or mobile device. Details and validation instructions will be sent to the primary email address in NALA’s database. If you are unable to vote during the designated voting period, you may submit a proxy form to NALA by July 7th to ensure your vote is counted. Voting will be open from June 11 through July 9, 2026. Election results will be announced during the Annual Membership Meeting at the NALA Conference on July 16, 2026.
HOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE ONLINE
On June 11th, you will receive an invitation email with a link to the ballot.
- Click the link and make your selections.
- Submit your vote.
- Use the link in the confirmation email to confirm your vote.
Please note that your vote will not be counted if you do not confirm it during the voting period.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
The following officers will be elected:
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
These officers serve one-year terms and may be reelected for one additional consecutive one-year term.
The following directors will be elected:
- Area Directors 1, 2, & 3
Each director serves a two-year term and may be reelected for up to one additional consecutive two-year term.
VIRTUAL CANDIDATE FORUM
On June 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CT, we will be hosting a Virtual Candidate Forum. This will be the perfect opportunity to get to know the candidates and ask them questions. Sign up here. The forum is free to attend, but space is limited, and attendees must register in advance. If you cannot attend live, it will be recorded and posted on our YouTube channel.
2026-2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
DEBBY SAWYER, ACP
Vice President Candidate
VICKI KASPER, ACP
Secretary Candidate
ADRIENNE BERRY, ACP
Treasurer Candidate
ANGELA OBERLE, ACP
Treasurer Candidate
BRANDY ABLEMAN, ACP
Area 1 Director Candidate
CLAIRE SMITH, ACP
Area 1 Director Candidate
BRIAN SNOW, ACP
Area 1 Director Candidate
EVA MERRELL, ACP
Area 2 Director Candidate
LISA STONE, ACP
Area 2 Director Candidate
KRISTINE CUSTODIO SUERO, ACP
Area 3 Director Candidate
SHANNON REZANINA, ACP
Area 3 Director Candidate
—-BECKY WINEGARD, CP
Area 3 Director Candidate
GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES
Each candidate for the NALA Board of Directors has recorded a video, allowing you to get to know them better. You can watch them all on NALA’s YouTube.
Advocacy & Policy
Click here to learn about NALA’s advocacy and policy efforts.
NALA Board of Directors Position Statement
Support for Allied Legal Professional Programs – click here to read
National Paralegal Day
Click here to read more about National Paralegal Day, August 6th.
COMMITTEES
Certifying Board
The NALA Certifying Board is committed to setting, improving, and evolving the professional certification standards by which paralegals demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skills, and integrity.
Continuing Education Council (CEC)
- Plan conference education sessions
- Develop, coordinate, and facilitate continuing education programs and certification review courses
- Produce Facts & Findings
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
- Further the goals of the Corporation to encourage, support, and maintain high standards in diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Monitor diversity, equity, and inclusion trends and issues
- Work to address diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster meaningful, open, and constructive dialog throughout the Corporation to celebrate diversity of its members and leaders
- Work within the Corporation to celebrate the diversity of its members and leaders
- Strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout the Corporation
Ethics Committee
This committee shall report any violations of the Code of Ethics adopted by the Corporation to the directors for appropriate action.
Professional Development Committee (PDC)
- Maintain Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Maintain Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Paralegals
- Provide articles for Facts & Findings
- Oversee the research and publishing of the National Utilization and Compensation Survey
- Keep up to date on activities affecting the paralegal profession
- Oversee the development of professional development courses
Serve with NALA
Want to become more involved? We have committee volunteer opportunities that contribute to the overall success of NALA.
Note: To serve on a Committee, you must be a current active NALA member and hold either the CP® or ACP® credential. Subcommittees and Special Projects are open to everyone, with preference given to NALA members.