Proud

By MARY ANN UPCHURCH, Executive Director

Proud. That is the first word that comes to mind when I think about the opportunity I have been given. It is an honor to be named your next Executive Director of the Memphis Bar Association and I would like to thank the members, stakeholders, and leaders in the Memphis legal community for your trust in me. I do not take my responsibilities lightly and this important role is no exception. I cannot think of a better time than now to support the professionals that deliver justice to our city.

These first two months have been about listening and learning. My goal is to gather as much feedback as possible, identify the consistent themes, the challenges and opportunities, and work with leadership to determine our focus, strategic plan and action steps toward the betterment and diversification of the Bar, the law, and the community.

My 24 year career to date in the non-profit sector has been about improving the life of others. My commitment to my community continues as I start my journey at the MBA. Creating a plan, implementing it, and heeding results to help others is what drives me. It is my passion to see it through and celebrate the good work that has been accomplished. The bonus is that I get to work with incredible board of directors and members that give their time and talents so selflessly. I wake up excited about the individuals I get to meet and work with each day. Community service has been a good strong career choice for me because I experience the joy of making a positive difference in someone’s life. I strongly believe in utilizing the skills that God has blessed us with and I see no difference in applying that to our professional careers.

In business and in community, and even in family and friends, relationships are the key to a healthy,

MBA Executive Committee welcomes new Executive Director Mary Ann Upchurch in May. (left to right) Peter Gee, Tannera Gibson, Adam Johnson, Jennifer Sink, Lucie Brackin, Chancellor Will Perry, and Quinton Thompson. (not pictured).

trustworthy environment. Relationships among our members are my number one priority. When you have a group of dedicated individuals that gather collectively for a common cause, there is no stopping them. The Bar is no exception. I have been told over and over that the legal community in Memphis works well together, has a high amount of respect for one another, and works collaboratively in the best interest of the community. I have already experienced this attitude and professionalism in every interaction I have had to date. There is a high regard for the law and for the professionals devoted to the law.

My commitment is to ensure strong communication, tailored to meet the needs of our unique and diverse community. I believe in transparency because it builds trust. I believe in making decisions and moving on but not without input from those involved. We must ensure daily operations are successfully in motion, but the strategic steps ultimately help us achieve our overall vision. And in the end, we must never lose the passion for our mission and competitive spirit that drives these results.

I have several priorities in the coming months and for the long haul. Just as many other organizations, the pandemic has had a challenging impact on the Bar. Finances were tight, membership struggled, relationships lacked, and activity came to a halt. We have been forced to look at opportunities differently. Most people are uncomfortable with change; however, change is what motivates me. I hope to bring a new spin and a new outlook on the Bar’s role in our legal system. My focus will be on financial stability, supporting the professional development of our legal community, helping the underserved get the legal counsel that every American deserves, and doing so in an inclusive and engaging environment.

The MBA is rich in tradition that I will commit to maintain. Yet the Bar is open and ready for new opportunities. My goal is to balance the two with honor, respect, and fortitude. My desire is to continue to build upon the longevity and legacy of this professional organization and its philanthropic arm through the Foundation. I will work to create an inclusive, diverse, valuable, and meaningful membership organization for the Memphis community. The contributions from members are critical to the MBA. Every current and past board member, every committee and section member, our judicial leaders, and the general membership has a place at the table. I cannot wait to get to know each member of the legal community and find a place for all at the MBA. Join us! 