I have always enjoyed and benefited greatly from being involved in civic organizations in my hometown of Columbia and occasionally in alternate firm locations in Fairfield and Horry Counties. All of it has been extremely rewarding and although I am not s spring chicken anymore, I still enjoy my civic engagements. I feel everyone has a duty to give back and be involved with civic organizations of their chose and today I want to focus on my longstanding association with the state and county bar associations.

I served as the Richland County Bar President from 1990-1991 and 1991-1992 and the South Carolina Bar President from 1999-2000 and continue to enjoy serving on committees and trying to raise the performance level of we lawyers as servants of the people.

I was very blessed this past week to receive the John W. Williams, Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the Richland County Bar. It is based upon distinguished and meritorious service to the legal profession or to the public in professional related activities. The John W. Williams, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is the highest recognition given by our Association and it is determined by the Executive Committee based upon written nominations from members of our association. I was quite humbled and more than honored to receive this award and be nominated and recognized by my fellow peers.

It remains my honor to continue to serve as long as I am able to my county, state and fellow man!