As I write this first President’s message, the US Supreme Court has just upheld the Affordable Health Care Act, a tremendous victory for women’s health and for all Americans. I am just overwhelmed with relief, both because I feel this beginning phase of health care reform is so important, and because I still want to believe in the Supreme Court as an important part of the checks and balances that preserve and protect our democracy. Yes, I am an eternal optimist.

And now I begin my work as your president, helping an incredible group of women, your Board and committees, continue our awesome tradition of learning about issues and projects of importance to women, having fun with one another, meeting and networking among our many and varied business and professional interests, and making sure our voices are heard on local, state and national issues about which we care.

My own career in law has come to focus on small businesses, writing contracts, helping people form and grow their enterprises, protecting folks as best I can when things go wrong, using the tools of mediation rather than those of legal warfare. Thus I expect my focus as your President will also be on taking care of business – making sure our internal operations are handled as simply and easily as possible and that our public voices are well heard and respected. To this end I hope to have fewer meetings of the Board, more opportunities for member input, and continued excellent monthly programs that challenge us to think and act and stretch our minds and hearts.

Stay tuned as this plan unfolds, because it will only succeed if you are a part of it. Thank you for the confidence you have shown in me. Now let’s get to work together!

Rosemary “Rosy” Metrailer, President