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President’s Report

Traci Fann MMACJA President

Dear Members of MMACJA, It is with great pride that I have served as President of this remarkable organization for the past year. Since 2000, when I was first elected as Judge for the City of Raytown, I have had the privilege of being a member of MMACJA. Over the years, one of the greatest strengths I’ve witnessed within this Association is its members. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many outstanding individuals from across the state—people I may not have encountered otherwise— and building friendships that I value deeply.

Our Association plays a vital role in connecting judges across Missouri, not only through professional networking but also by providing critical education and training. The continued success and vitality of MMACJA rest in the hands of its dedicated membership. In May 2025, we proudly celebrated our 60th Anniversary—a testament to the enduring commitment and impact of our Association. And we look forward to the years to come.

All of our members are volunteers, working diligently to ensure that this year’s Annual Court Conference is filled with meaningful and practical information for everyone in their official roles. Each event is thoughtfully curated by our conference chairs, who introduce timely and relevant topics. If there are areas of interest you would like to see covered in future seminars, we encourage you to share your ideas with us.

It is both a privilege and an honor to serve as your President this year. I look forward to working together to further the mission and legacy of MMACJA.

Warm regards,

Traci Fann President of MMACJA

Benchmark Editor:

Shannon Norman 819 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. St Peters, MO 63376 636.387.7470

MMACJA Office

Jean Harmison Newsletter Coordinator 4730 S. National, Building A1 Springfield, MO 65810 417.886.8606

jean@cmsmgt.com

The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the MMACJA,its board of directors, or the editor.

BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY BOARD

by Kevin R. Kelly

The Board of Directors at the March meeting amended the By-Laws of MMACJA to limit the number of the President’s Advisory Committee to six (6) former directors or officers. This amendment will be effective in May 2027.

The President is empowered to appoint any former director or officer to the President’s Advisory Committee. Members of this committee may attend and participate in board meetings but are not entitled to a vote. Previously, there was no limit to the number of former directors or officers the President could appoint to the Committee.

The amended section is set out below:

Article Five Section 5 The President shall be empowered to appoint no more than six (6) former directors or officers as members of the President’s Standing Advisory Committee. These appointments

shall be reserved for members whose active participation on the Board, in the President’s opinion, will assist the President and Board of Directors during the President’s term of office in accomplishing the duties of the Board and the purposes of the Association. Those judges appointed to the President’s Standing Advisory Committee shall receive notice of every meeting of the Board of Directors, including Special Meetings and Votes under Section 6, and shall be permitted to attend and speak but shall have no vote on any matter. Subject to the advice and consent of a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors, the President, in his or her discretion, may confer on any retired member serving on the President’s Standing Advisory Committee, the title of Director Emeritus. Directors Emeritus shall be exempt from the payment of annual dues to the Association, and they shall be compensated for their reasonable registration, food, lodging and mileage expenses for attendance at the meetings of the Board of Directors and the Annual Conference.