Leadership – NALA

At NALA, our staff and board members each play a vital role in keeping our organization running smoothly. From representing the interests of the paralegal profession to delivering value and opportunities for our members and affiliates, our team carries NALA to the highest standard.

Board of Directors

Melissa J. Hamilton, ACP

President

Bismarck, North Dakota

mhamilton@nala.org

Debra L. Overstreet, ACP

President-elect

Porter, Oklahoma

doverstreet@nala.org

Cheryl J. Nodarse, ACP

Secretary

Saint Johns, Michigan

cnodarse@nala.org

Peonca S. Grier, CP

Treasurer

Orlando, Florida

pgrier@nala.org

Bridget M. Stuhr, ACP

Affiliated Associations Director

Wahoo, Nebraska

bstuhr@nala.org

Dana G. Welcker, ACP

Area 1 Director

Fleming Island, Florida

dwelcker@nala.org

Angela A. Oberle, ACP

Area 2 Director

Pawnee Rock, Kansas

aoberle@nala.org

Vicki L. Kasper, ACP

Area 3 Director

Midvale, Utah

vkasper@nala.org

Richard Hahn, ACP

At Large Director

Leesburg, Virginia

rhahn@nala.org

Cassie D. Snyder, ACP

At Large Director

Ocoee, Florida

csnyder@nala.org

Lisa M. Stone, ACP*

Certifying Board Chair

Tulsa, Oklahoma

lstone@nala.org

Alicia R. Mitchell-Mercer, ACP

Continuing Education Council Chair

Charlotte, North Carolina

amitchell@nala.org

Melissa M. Klimpel, ACP

Professional Development Committee Chair

Bismarck, North Dakota

mklimpel@nala.org

Vanessa Finley, MBA, CAE*

CEO

Tulsa, OK

vfinley@nala.org

*indicates non-voting member

Board and Committees

Certifying Board

Mission Statement

The NALA Certifying Board is committed to setting, improving, and evolving the professional certification standards by which paralegals demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skills, and integrity.

Members: Kimberly A.S. Brown, ACP (Past Chair); Cathy L. Davis, ACP; Jennifer Devine, ACP; Tammy Manning Dickerson, CP; Torii Ransome Freeman, JD (Public Member); Donna W. Gilliland, ACP; Kye W. Haymore, JD; Jaye Koch, ACP; Nanci Lilja, ACP; Christine K. Lillo, ACP; Tracie L. Livesay, ACP; Shannon Moran Simler; Carl Morrison, ACP; Tom Pokladowski, JD; Lisa M. Stone, ACP (Chair)

Continuing Education Council (CEC)

Plan conference education sessions
Develop, coordinate, and facilitate continuing education programs and certification review courses
Produce Facts & Findings

Members: Lucinda L. Calhoun; Sheila A. Grela, ACP; Eva M. Merrell, ACP; Alicia R. Mitchell-Mercer, ACP (Chair); Korinne R. Morris, ACP; Deborah M. Paul, CP (Past Chair); Laura B. Reaves, CP; Shannon C. Rezanina, ACP; Desire D. Smith, CP; Deana M. Waters, ACP

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee (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

Members: Yolanda A. Garcia, CP (Chair) and Adrienne D. Berry, CP

Ethics Committee

This committee shall report any violations of the Code of Ethics adopted by the Corporation to the directors for appropriate action.

Members: Caroline C. Wilkerson, ACP (Chair)

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

Members: Kristine Custodio Suero, ACP; Kelly S. Elder, ACP; Jennifer R. Finch, ACP; Kaila L. Glaros, ACP; Melissa Klimpel, ACP (Chair); Airolyn T. Loggins, ACP; Debby J. Sawyer, ACP; Caroline C. Wilkerson, ACP (Ethics Chair)

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