Emily Kleine
2008 was a booming year for the Texas District and County Attorneys Foundation, with many growth spurts and goals accomplished. As we look into 2009, there are many more opportunities for the foundation to enrich the training and educational resources for TDCAA members through publications, seminars, a new appellate attorney on staff, and more.
The recent TDCAA Elected Prosecutor Confer-ence (December 3–5 here in Austin) brought much momentum to the foundation’s current activity. The TDCAF Advisory Committee met and committed themselves to bringing the foundation to the next level of excellence in 2009 by teaming up with members of their own community who have a distinct interest in supporting our mission and that of TDCAA. Thank you to those attending the Advisory Committee meeting: Dan Boulware (Chair), Tom Bridges, Dean Bob Fertitta, Mike Guarino, Tom Krampitz, Barry Macha, Sherri Wallace Patton, Judge Susan Reed, Bill Turner, and David Williams.
A successful Champions for Justice event was held in honor of retiring Travis County DA, Ronnie Earle, on December 4 at the Omni Southpark Hotel in Austin. Friends, colleagues, and family members gathered to enjoy food and drink and to honor Ronnie for his outstanding 32 years of public service to Travis County and the state of Texas. Ken Oden, former Travis County Attorney, introduced Ronnie in a heartfelt way, while Barry Macha, new TDCAA President, and Rob Kepple, TDCAA Executive Director, presented Ronnie with an award. TDCAF benefitted greatly from the evening, and we are planning two other Champions for Justice events in the near future.
Kudos to the following individuals for making generous contributions to TDCAF in recent weeks: Joseph D. Brown (Criminal District Attorney, Grayson County), Robert N. Floyd (Austin), Lee Walker and Jennifer Vickers (Austin), Stan Schleuter (Austin), Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP (Austin), and Joe Turner (Austin). Also, a big thanks to the attendees of the TDCAA Key Personnel Seminar (November 5–7 in San Antonio) for making contributions to the foundation. We appreciate your support!
Please remember TDCAF as you contemplate honoring or memorializing a loved one. Making a contribution to the foundation in the name of a friend, family member, loved one, or colleague is an exceptional way to show your appreciation. The foundation staff will send a special note to the family members or living honoree that states your gratitude and also explain how the gift will help ensure the future excellence of prosecution and law enforcement in Texas. ✤