Pratt Installed as SMBA President

Springfield Attorney John Pratt was sworn in as the 2018 of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association on January 19 at the 45^th annual SMBA Banquet and Installation of Officers.

Pratt, of the law firm of Pratt and Grisham, is the 94^th president of the local bar association, which was founded in Greene County in 1903.  The SMBA is the largest professional networking group in southern Missouri, serving more than 1,000 lawyers and law school students. Pratt follows 2017 president Ginger Gooch of Husch Blackwell. 

A highlight of the banquet was the passing of the gavel by 12 past presidents of the association: Ginger Gooch, 2017; Robert Palmer, 2016; Mark McQueary, 2015; Joseph D. “Chip” Sheppard, 2013; Lee Viorel, 2005; Charles Cowherd, 2004; Linda Thomas, 2003; Gary Cunningham, 2000; Virginia Fry, 1994; Ron Baird, 1993; Topper Glass, 1989; and Judge Bill Francis, 1988.

As her final act as head of the bar, Ginger Gooch announced the 2017 president’s award recipient, James Green, SMBA executive assistant. 

The SMBA slate of officers for 2018 was recognized: John Pratt, President; Michael Miller, President Elect; Ginger Gooch, Past President, Brad Cantwell, Treasurer; and Chantel Kelly, Secretary. The board also welcomed five new members: Todd Myers, Jenifer Placzek, Nate Dunville, Debra Shantz Hart and Jarica Oeltjen. Those directors will be serving with returning board members Josh Bade, Bryan Musgrave, Ty Harden, Michael Miller, Tom O' Neal, Stacie Bilyeu, Jeff Bauer and The Hon. Don Burrell. Presiding Judge Michael Cordonnier and Executive Director Crista Hogan serve, ex officio.

The bar association of Springfield Missouri was established October 17, 1903 with the objective to maintain the honor and dignity of the profession of law, to cultivate social interaction among its members, and for the promotion of legal science and the administration of justice.