DRI Election Hub

Filling out ballot election

2025 DRI Election Update

The candidates for this year’s election positions are now available.

At the 2025 DRI Annual Meeting in Chicago, October 15–17, the DRI Board of Directors will name four individuals to join them as national directors (each serving three-year terms). The final candidates are presented to the board upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. In addition, an individual will be elected as the next DRI second vice president, which begins his or her track to the presidency after serving subsequent years as first vice president and president-elect. Also, one candidate will be elected to serve a one-year term as secretary–treasurer. The following DRI members have filed Declarations of Candidacy for this year’s second vice president and national director positions.

To read a candidate's declaration, click on their name (Adobe Reader is required to view the PDF file.) Please send any letters of support for the 2025 DRI candidates to elections@dri.org.

Second Vice President

Michael D. Carter, Hall Booth Smith, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Pamela W. Carter, Solo practitioner, New Orleans, Louisiana

Michael L. Dailey, Schmidt Dailey & O'Neill, Baltimore, Maryland

Dessi N. Day, Pierson Ferdinand, Los Angeles, California

Catherine Ava Leatherwood, Rogers Townsend, Columbia, South Carolina

Ricardo A. Woods, Burr & Forman, Mobile, Alabama

National Director

Imoh E. Akpan, Goldberg Segalla, Baltimore, Maryland

Fred E. (Trey) Bourn III, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Jackson, Mississippi

Lawrence S. Ebner, Capital Appellate Advocacy, Washington, DC

J. Richard Moore, Bleeke Dillon Crandall, Indianapolis, Indiana

James E. Weatherholtz, Womble Bond Dickinson (US), Charleston, South Carolina

Tom Wyatt, Quattlebaum Grooms & Tull, Little Rock, Arkansas

Welcome to the DRI Election Hub: Where Your Impact Takes Shape!

At DRI, we believe that active participation is at the heart of a thriving organization. Our election process is a vital cornerstone of our democratic structure, allowing members like you to shape the future direction of DRI. Whether you're a long-time member looking to deepen your involvement or a newcomer eager to make your mark, this hub will empower you with all the information and resources you need to engage meaningfully in our election process.

Explore the DRI Election Hub to:

  • Understand the Process: Get a comprehensive overview of how our elections work. From nomination procedures to voting protocols, we'll demystify every step, ensuring you're well-informed.
  • Meet the Candidates: Learn about the dedicated individuals running for various positions within DRI. Discover their backgrounds, visions, and the expertise they bring to the table. New officers are announced each year during the DRI Annual Meeting.
  • Get Involved: Find out how you can actively participate in the election process. Whether you're interested in running for a position or volunteering to support a candidate, there are numerous ways to contribute.
  • Stay Informed: Stay updated with election announcements, important dates, and news related to the election cycle. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.
"I've always challenged the notion that a leadership title or a lengthy legal career automatically equates to solid leadership skills. The true leaders I know see leadership as a continuous journey of growth and learning that is never complete . . . My tenure as DRI president was one of the best professional experiences of my life. It was a privilege to serve as president of such a fabulous organization that provides much-needed resources for today's civil defense lawyers. The past year was an enriching experience that provided many opportunities for personal growth and learning."

—Lana A. Olson, DRI Past President

Your voice matters, and your involvement is essential to shaping the future of DRI. Together, we can work towards our shared vision and make a meaningful impact within our organization. Join us in fostering a vibrant and engaged community, where every member has the opportunity to influence the direction of DRI.

Send in Your Declarations for the 2024 DRI Elections

At the 2024 DRI Annual Meeting in Seattle, October 16–18, the DRI Board of Directors will name four individuals to join them as national directors (each serving three-year terms). The final candidates are presented to the board upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. In addition, an individual will be elected as the next DRI second vice president, which begins his or her track to the presidency after serving subsequent years as first vice president and president-elect. Also, one candidate will be elected to serve a one-year term as secretary–treasurer. The following DRI members have filed Declarations of Candidacy for this year’s second vice president and national director positions.

To read a candidate's declaration, click on his or her name. Adobe Reader is required to view the PDF file. Please send any letters of support for the 2024 DRI candidates to elections@dri.org.

Second Vice President

Michael D. Carter, Hall Booth Smith PC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

David L. Jones, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, Little Rock, Arkansas

Sara M. Turner, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, Birmingham, Alabama

Ricardo A. Woods, Burr Forman LLP, Mobile, Alabama

National Director

Michelle Thurber Czapski, Bodman PLC, Troy, Michigan

Juan M. Marquez, Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, PA, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Morgan J. Milner, Modern Woodmen of America, Rock Island, Illinois

Christopher B. Turney, Turney LG, Kansas City, Missouri