Reach Larry Martin via email or at (608) 250-6038.

March 4, 2015 – Larry Martin is taking his wealth of experience to a new level as the new associate executive director of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Martin, in his new position, is focused on running an efficient, cost-effective association. His task is to work with staff leadership to implement the strategic and operational goals, programs and services, and policies established by the Board of Governors and elected leaders.

“I am eager to roll up my sleeves and work toward ensuring that we are always striving to identify and serve the needs of our members in what is a constantly changing legal environment,” Martin said.

Martin is stepping up from his former position as director of Member Services – a position he held since June 2011 – to the number two position with the State Bar, where he works closely with Executive Director George Brown.

Martin’s position is an essential one for Brown, who focuses on the State Bar’s overall health, working with volunteer and staff leadership on strategic direction, financial management, and policymaking.

“Understanding where the profession is headed is step one in ensuring that our activities are aligned to deliver services our members need,” said Brown. “I spend a lot of time in a car, traveling statewide to meet our members – in their offices, at local bar meetings, or other interesting venues. It keeps us connected to what’s going on in the profession.”

With his focus centered on reaching out to members and the profession, Brown needs a good leader to tend to the State Bar’s internal operations in Madison. He has found that leader in Martin, who has the skills and personality required.

“Larry understands the big picture, but he also can delve into the details if necessary. He is positive, forward thinking. Having served as the executive director for two statewide organizations and a foundation, he gets the differing roles of staff, elected leadership, and member volunteers,” Brown said.

Martin brings to the position an extensive background in both government and nonprofit association management. Even with his experience, Martin said that he has learned quite a lot during his four years at the State Bar.

“I continue to be amazed by the breadth of the number of services that we offer. It’s incredible,” Martin said.

It’s a reflection on the wonderful collaboration between the State Bar’s elected and volunteer leaders and staff, to create the various programs and services and activities that help support the law profession and legal system in Wisconsin, Martin said.

“The longer I’m here, the more I’m energized, actually, by what we do as an organization, both in serving the profession and in furthering access to justice,” Martin said.

Martin does have a favor to ask.

“I want to hear from members. All the time. I always welcome that,” Martin said.

Annette Ashley – the State Bar’s New Member Services Director

Reach Annette Ashley via email or at (608) 250-6133.

And Martin has found just the right person to fill his former position: Annette Ashley.

Coming to work for the State Bar a year ago as Member Services manager, Ashley’s work focused on member involvement with the sections, committees, student outreach, and other areas.

“As an attorney, she has a good appreciation of what her colleagues need, and how to work with staff to deliver on those services,” Martin said.

Ashley brings with her a rich history, having worked as legislative counsel and later director of state affairs for a national legal association in Washington, D.C. She will use this experience well in her new position, said Brown.

“Annette also brings a breadth of work and volunteer experience to her new role. She is positive, creative, and understands what it takes to support her State Bar colleagues to get the most from them in their work,” Brown said.

Ashley now leads the department that coordinates the many State Bar programs that support members in their practice, including the lawyer’s assistance program (WisLAP), the lawyer referral service (LRIS), the Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP), and assistance with technology and ethical issues (Practice411 and the Ethics Hotline). The department also strives to engage members in their 22 committees, four divisions and in the sections that address 24 specific practice areas. She is taking a central role in promoting new benefits such as group dental insurance coverage and discounts with businesses like OfficeMax, and leading the department’s new focus on law school outreach as well as maintaining strong communications with all members.

Taking over his former duties, she says Larry is a tough act to follow.

“He connects so well with people, and he’s very interested in meeting member needs,” Ashley said. “He’s a great role model, and he’s a great sounding board.”

Essential to the State Bar are the members who volunteer on committees, in sections and divisions, and in elected positions to help guide the organization’s work. Ashley is well-acquainted with what it takes to volunteer. Volunteering is something close to her heart, and she has years of experience as a volunteer as an elected member of her local school board, where, several years ago, she managed a group of volunteers in a successful campaign for a $59.8 million referendum to build a new middle school.

“That effort was probably one of my biggest personal achievements,” Ashley said.

Long before coming to the State Bar, she realized the benefits being active in the State Bar can bring. Ashley recalls vividly that, as a lawyer working in Washington, D.C., the State Bar’s Nonresident Lawyers Division events helped her to reconnect with Wisconsin colleagues.

Ashley encourages all members to get involved in the State Bar – it’s not just the State Bar that benefits. She continues to seek out new ideas and input to improve the State Bar’s services.

“If there is an idea or suggestion, I want to hear it,” Ashley said.

To find out more about volunteering with the State Bar, see State Bar President Ralph Cagle’s message in this issue of InsideTrack^™ or visit the Leadership Opportunities and Committees pages on WisBar.