Doug Shima, Clerk, Kansas Supreme Court and Kansas Court of Appeals

Every summer, I am amazed at our NCACC annual conference.  I am amazed at the incredible number of volunteer hours that go into making the conference a success.  I am amazed at the quality of educational programming assembled to make us better appellate court clerks and administrators.  I am amazed at the fun activities that create life-long memories.  I am amazed at the number of friendships I have created with colleagues all around the country.  I love the NCACC!

As president, it is a daunting feeling that I am leading such an amazing organization.  However, I am comforted by the fact that I know the members of the NCACC care just as deeply as I do.  It is often said that sometimes you have to step back and take a 10,000-foot view to get the real picture.  Well, I decided I’d be an overachiever and give it a try at 13,000 feet at the Venable-Comanche trail in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of central Colorado. 

Taking a 13,000-foot view of the NCACC is exactly what you have to do to establish the standing committee chairs and rosters.   These committees will lead the NCACC into 2025.  I could not be more excited with the participation in our committees. I have set high expectations with my committee charges, but I know they are up to the challenge because I have installed powerful leaders.  There is still time to sign up for a committee, just let me know you are interested.  Committee work is one of the best ways to stay involved during the year and maintain your NCACC friendships. Even if you are swamped at work and unavailable for committee work, please take time to check in on the old and new NCACC friendships you have created. 

I want to share a portion of my comments upon taking the presidential gavel in Burlington.  Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said: “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” Over the next year, I will strive to lead the NCACC with this principle in mind. I am asking you to join me in providing meaningful opportunities to meet, know and work together for the betterment of our beloved Clerks association.

As I sat at 13,000 feet taking in the beautiful mountain scenery and the quiet breeze rolling off the Venable summit, I broke a smile because I could still hear the soft clanking of the glass chandelier lights during the meditation session in Burlington, the sound of laughter at the educational fund auction raising money for NCACC, the unruliness of the hospitality suite, and the richly deserved standing ovation received by John Olivier, our J.O. Sentell Award winner.  It’s chilly at the mountain top, but I kept warm remembering the smiles, handshakes, and hugs I received from all my NCACC colleagues throughout the week.

Being present simply means you’re focused and engaged in the here and now, not distracted or mentally absent. If you have not seen it yet, practicing gratitude is the heart of my well-being.  Practice gratitude in a 360-degree manner.  I call it Gratitude With Attitude – meaning expressing thanks for everything around you.  You will never regret the thanks you give and I guarantee it will come back to you 10 fold.

Together, we can do great things. Let’s see if we can take the NCACC from good to great this year.  I look forward to working with all of you. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank each of you for giving me the privilege of serving as your President.  I hope everyone has Albuquerque 2025 (August 2-7, 2025) on your calendar because it already promises to be an amazing conference. #BePresentAlbuquerque2025

Take Care,

Doug