Austin Bar Board of Directors Award Winners Announced

The final Austin Bar Association board of directors meeting under the leadership of President D. Todd Smith was held via Zoom on May 27, 2020. Under normal circumstances, the final meeting of the bar year takes the form of a reception in which the outgoing president thanks the board members for their service and presents a number of awards to those who went above and beyond to serve the Austin Bar during the previous year. Since nothing about this year has so far been normal, Smith announced the following award winners during the Zoom board meeting. An actual awards presentation will be held once large gatherings are deemed safe again. Congratulations goes to these dedicated board members and committee chairs.

Since nothing about this year has so far been normal, Smith announced the following award winners during the Zoom board meeting.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR

Mary Ellen King was named Outstanding Director for her exemplary work on the auction at the 2019 “Boots and Bourbon” Austin Bar Foundation Gala.

Mary Ellen King

OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Ashley Presson and Jesse Moore were named Outstanding Committee Chairs for their important, but largely thankless, work on the Hilgers House Preservation Committee.

Ashley Presson

Jesse Moore

PRESIDENT’S AWARDS

Danielle Ahlrich received a President’s Award for reinvigorating the Lawyer WellBeing Committee and for her leadership in supporting the chosen focus of Smith’s term on the important topic of lawyer well-being.

Amanda Arriaga also received a President’s Award for her leadership as chair of the Austin Bar Foundation Gala and for her creativity and leadership during the pandemic by organizing and facilitating the day-long Couch Bar CLE program. AL

Danielle Ahlrich

Amanda Arriaga