BAEC Bulletin | May/June 2022 | 9
FROM THE ERIE COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION
It was about one year ago when David Pfalzgraf, my predecessor, looked to raise the profile of the Erie County Bar Foundation by increasing our reach and finding ways to provide programming that would reach our entire bar – not just those in need. To accomplish this, we had to not only expand our vision, but we also needed to expand our Board. As a result of these adjustments, I have had the privilege of presiding over and working with sixteen other attorneys committed to assisting attorneys in need, which has been the experience of a lifetime. Without exception, every member of our Board has been directly engaged in the work of the Foundation. At times, it can be emotionally taxing; however, that has not affected any member’s willingness to remain involved and committed to their fellow bar members. At our board meetings, every member has been actively engaged in developing strategies to maximize the possibility of our charges’ success in returning as contributing members of the bar. This energy and effort has never waned and is even evident in between board meetings. This has simply been the best board with which I have ever been associated – and that is saying a lot. With their help, and through the leadership of our Executive Director, Anne Noble, and the efforts of her staff, particularly, Greg Hirtzel (who always reminds me that these letters are overdue), who all work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we remain on course. They have each been vital to the implementation of the programs we have undertaken and in reaching out to the legal community. None of these programs would have been possible without partners outside the Foundation. In our first conversations as presidents of our respective organizations, Hugh Russ and I discovered our mutual goal – to promote attorneys’ mental health and well-being. Hugh invited our participation in the Member Assistance Program, ensuring that it would provide the best possible service to the members of the Bar Association and their families. Likewise, our outreach program with the University at Buffalo Law School would not have been possible without the commitment of Law School Dean, Aviva Abramovsky, and Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Bernadette Gargano, whose commitment to and guidance of our efforts resulted in successful programs on the Law School campus. I am sure these partnerships will continue to flourish. This is always a bittersweet time. Board members leave while others arrive. For those who are departing, it is only au revoir, not goodbye. I have yet to meet a former member of the Foundation who has not carried that commitment-to-others with them. They will always
MICHAEL F. PERLEY President Erie County Bar Foundation
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