Marc Reynolds (2011)
Arlene Rankin (2011)
Mary White (2009)
Mary White was honored at the December 2010 Holiday Social with the Spirit of PSALA Award. Mary has served in numerous positions, not the least of which was Chapter President in 1998-99. Both before and after that time, she has stepped up and assumed roles in several substantial areas: HR Section Co-Chair, Compensation Committee Co-Chair, Newsletter Co-Editor, Welcoming Committee Co-Chair, Co-Director of Vendor Relations, ALA Annual Conference Local Arrangements Committee Chair, and Diversity Committee Co-Chair. Mary stepped up to the next level of ALA service by serving on ALA’s 2008 Annual Conference Committee as Local Liaison and as an ALA Regional Officer, 2009-2011. Mary has exhibited great leadership in ALA and is a shining example of the Spirit of PSALA.
Carol Anne Nitsche, CLM (2007)
Carol Anne is a consummate volunteer and few people have come close to the level of service and dedication she has exhibited over the past several years. Serving as Chapter President in 2004-05 was just the beginning. She has been Secretary, Soundings Co-Editor, and Welcoming Co-Chair. At the Association level, Carol Anne served on the Region 5 Management Team as Communications Officer, followed by serving as a member of the Board of Directors as Region 5 Director, 2009-11. Carol Anne has actively served on almost every Committee in our Chapter. She has written articles for Soundings and been a speaker for various Chapter meetings and sessions, including the CLM Study Group. Carol Anne is an amazing representative of our Chapter and is the Spirit of PSALA.
Rita Alli (2006)
Rita's professionalism and leadership shines forth in everything she does. Not only has Rita become a highly sought after speaker at ALA Conferences and Chapters, but her written and oral communication skills are excellent. Her role in developing the BSC series for associates and the Chapter Mentor Program is highly praised. Rita worked on the FALA grant with the rest of the Committee members to reach its current highly successful level. Her service to the Chapter and ALA is extensive and includes Chapter President, 2000-01, ALA At-Large Director, 2006-08 and ALA President, 2010-2011. Having Rita serve as PSALA’s first ALA President is testament to her leadership skills and abilities. We are so proud to have Rita represent our Association.
Julie Brandsness (2003)
Julie was presented with the first Spirit of PSALA Award to acknowledge her extraordinary service to the Chapter. An active member of ALA since 1985, Julie has held numerous leadership positions, including Co-Editor of Soundings, 1990-95 and Chapter President, 1996-97. Julie has also served on nearly every Chapter committee. For the Association, Julie served as a Regional Officer from 2003-05, was on the Board of Directors of the Association representing Region 5, 2005-07, and served on the Association Vendor Relations Committee, 2000-2002. Julie served as a member of the Annual Conference Committees, 2009-2010 and is the Chair of 2011 Annual Conference Committee. She also received the Association Outstanding Volunteer Award at the 2009 Annual Conference. Julie's contributions to ALA are many, and she embodies the Spirit of PSALA.
Char Colbert (2000)
Char Coulbert has raised the bar on what it means to be the consummate ALA volunteer. Char's active membership in the Puget Sound Chapter began in 1988. Since then, she has done an outstanding job at everything she tackles. Her list of service is vast and includes Chapter Secretary, 1990-04, and Chapter President, 1995-96, Region 5 Communications Officer, 1997-98, ALA Board Member and Region 5 Director, 1998-2001. In addition, Char served as Newsletter Co-Editor in 2001-02, and as Co-Director of the Vendor Relations Committee in 2006-07. Char is a frequent and sought after speaker at continuing education seminars for ALA and the Washington State Bar Association. She is also the author of many articles regarding legal management for various ALA newsletters and magazines. Her leadership qualities and dedication to ALA is unmatched, and Char is most deserving of this prestigious award.
Sylvia Hershberger (1999)
Sylvia Hershberger started her professional career at Tousley Brain and spent a number of years at Riddell Williams as the Human Resources/Operations Manager. She has since retired. Sylvia joined ALA in 1986 and served the Puget Sound Chapter in the numerous capacities including Chapter President, 1994-95. She was a Region 5 Officer, 1997-99. Sylvia remains active on the Past Presidents Council. She was awarded this honor for her strong commitment, creativity and continuous service to the Puget Sound Chapter.
Betty Fox Paulsen (1997)
Betty Fox Paulsen was the Legal Administrator at Treece, Richdale, Malone, Corning & Abbott for over ten years. She has since retired. Betty joined the Chapter in 1986 and was an active member, including her service as Chapter President, 1991-92 and Bar Liaison, 1994-97. Betty was awarded this honor for serving the Puget Sound Chapter as its first Bar Liaison and for her outstanding efforts creating a strong working relationship with the Washington State Bar Association.
Dagmar Selfors (1995)
Dagmar Selfors was the first Puget Sound Chapter's Lifetime Member in 1995. She spent her entire professional career managing the Seattle Office of the Attorney General. She has since retired. In 1984, Dagmar joined ALA and served in numerous capacities, including Chapter President, 1989-90. Dagmar received this honor for her exemplary service and outstanding efforts solidifying attendance at Puget Sound Chapter events.
Char Coulbert has Spirit
Char Coulbert was honored with the Spirit of ALA Award, the Association’s highest award, at the 2005 Annual Conference. Char was nominated and selected by the ALA Board of Directors to receive this prestigious honor because of her tireless commitment, dedication, leadership and innumerable achievements in ALA over the past 20+ years. This award is given only on rare occasions when an individual demonstrates exemplary leadership and makes exceptional contributions to the Association. Traits and qualities that the Award recognizes include words like "achievement," "leadership," "commitment," "tenacity" and phrases like "leads by example" and "sidesteps obstacles." Char is only the sixth member of the Association to receive this high honor and PSALA could not be more proud.