HAWL Leadership Changes (Tampa edition)

HAWL Leadership Changes (Tampa edition)

Rebecca Harrison Steele had some good things to recall about her administration as president of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers. There was the gift giving and fundraising for the Florida Kinship Center, a service for grandparents raising grandchildren. There were scholarships for needy young people. She praised members at a recent luncheon for their willingness to pledge $10,000 to the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation.

It was also apparent Harrison Steele would relish her new role as immediate past-president, considering the demands on her now as director of the American Civil Liberties Union's new West Florida office. But it was with all sincerity she transferred leadership of the association to the 2004-05 president, Barbara Twine-Thomas, a member of Stewart & Twine PA.

The leadership change also elevated Akerman Senterfitt attorney Sarah H. Dennis to president-elect; Allen Dell PA attorney Amy Singer, vice president of programs; Holland & Knight attorney Grace Yang, vice president of membership; Bleakley law firm associate Jennifer Murphy, treasurer; Constangy Brooks & Smith attorney Monica J Williams, secretary, Holland & Knight attorney Robin Rosenberg, representative to the Florida Association for Women Lawyers; Allen Dell attorney Ellie Probasco and Ford & Harrison LLP attorney Kelly Hagan Chanfrau, newsletter editors; and Fox & Loquasto PA partner Susan Fox, pro bono coordinator.

To close her administration, Harrison Steele awarded the association's highest honor - the Achievement Award - to state Rep. Arthenia L. Joyner for her continuing efforts to promote openness at the state Legislature. The award also recognizes her leadership as Tampa's first licensed practicing black attorney and for work to promote civil rights.

Rebecca Harrison Steele, director of the West Florida office of the American Civil Liberties Union and HAWL"s immediate past president, with Akerman Senterfitt attorney Sarah Davis, the association's 2004-05 president-elect.

Sharonda Mills, left, an attorney with Allen Norton & Blue PA; Robin L. Rosenberg, Holland & Knight LLP's pro bono counsel; and Kristin Kirkner, a recent graduate of the Arizona State University School of Law who is reviewing job prospects in the Tampa Bay area.

Valeria Hendricks, left, of Davis & Harmon PA, with state Rep. Arthenia L. Joyner, winner of the association's 2004 Achievement Award.

Stewart & Twine PA partner Barbara Twine-Thomas, HAWL's 2004-05 president, with Elizabeth Rice of Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson PA.

Catherine Novack, a court mediator with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Thomas E. Baynes Jr.

Marilyn Kershner, left, a staff attorney with Florida Legal Services Inc., with Hillsborough County Judge Charlotte Anderson.