State Bar of Wisconsin names election winners

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Ryan Billings has been elected president-elect of the State Bar of Wisconsin on Monday, according to the State Bar of Wisconsin.

“Ryan Billings’ victory is a victory for all Wisconsin lawyers,” said outgoing Board of Governors’ member Nick Zales.

“He has been a thoughtful, dedicated and hard-working bar governor. He has demonstrated the highest level of honor and integrity in his bar service. He will make a fine bar president,” Zales added.

The elections ended April 26, 2024, and Billings, of Kohner, Mann & Kailas, defeated Jennifer Johnson of Milwaukee by 1,615 votes to 1,376, the State Bar reported.

The president-elect typically serves a one-year term as president-elect before serving a one-year term as president. Newly elected officers take their posts on July 1, 2024.

Secretary

Martina Gast was elected secretary. Gast will serve a two-year term as secretary. She defeated ​William Wallo by 1,758 votes to 1,119, the State Bar reported.

Judicial Council Representative

Margo Kirchner was elected Judicial Council representative, according to the State Bar.

Kirchner will serve a three-year term as Judicial Council representative after defeating Matthew Rowe by 1,848 votes to 1,022, the State Bar reported.

In response, William C. Gleisner III, chair of the Judicial Council, wrote in an email:

“Two of our Council members are to be congratulated!! Our Ryan Billings has been elected President-Elect of the State Bar of Wisconsin! And our esteemed Vice Chair, Margo Kirchner, has been elected to another three-year term on the Council! Great news for the Council and great news for the State Bar of Wisconsin!!!”

As previously reported by the Wisconsin Law Journal, all candidates declined to be interviewed, except for the Board of Governors.

Board of Governors Election​ Results

Two-year terms begin July 1, according to the State Bar.

District 2 (five vacancies)

• Vincent J. Bobot, Bobot Law Office LLC
• Randal J. Brotherhood, Meissner Tierney Fischer Nichols SC
• Basil J. Buchko, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin Inc.
• Lisa M. Lawless, Husch Blackwell LLP
• Colleen A. Taylor, State Public Defender’s Office

District 4 (one vacancy)

• Julie F. Stodolka

District 6 (two vacancies)

• Jesse B. Blocher, Habush & Rottier SC
• Alexandra K. Evans, Hippenmeyer, Reilly, Blum, Schmitzer, & Fabian SC

District 8 (one vacancy)

• Heather M. Amos, St. Croix County Corporation Counsel

District 9 (four vacancies)

• Elizabeth A. Fernandez, Wisconsin Education Association Council
• C. Kai Hovden, DeWitt LLP
• Ryan F. Poe-Gavlinski, Madison
• Sam Wayne, Madison

District 10 (one vacancy)

• Luis A. Garza, Garza Legal Counsel

District 12 (one vacancy)

• Ryan O’Hara, State Public Defender’s Office

District 14 (one vacancy)

• Rachel E. Maes, City of Green Bay

District 16 (one vacancy)

• William A. Harris, Judicare Legal Aid