2025 BYU Law Alumni Board Retreat Focuses on Alumni Engagement and Building the Alumni Directory
On Friday, January 31, 2025, the BYU Law Alumni Board gathered for its Annual Board Retreat, and the opportunity to reflect on past achievements, welcome new leadership, and set goals for the year ahead. The Board emphasized the importance of building stronger connections within the alumni network and ways to provide valuable resources to Alumni, Current Students, and the Law School.
A central theme of this year’s retreat was making 2025 the "Year of the Directory." Under the leadership of Jonathan Madsen (‘04), the Board discussed committee-specific goals and incorporated ways to utilize the new BYU Law Alumni Directory as a powerful tool for professional networking and community building.
Honoring Outgoing Board Members
Board Members and BYU Law Administration also took time during the Retreat to express their gratitude to the outgoing Board Members, who have contributed their time and passion to BYU Law while serving on the Board:
- Richard Salgado (‘06) – Events Committee, President, Immediate Past President
- Erin Cranor (‘23) – Executive Secretary
- Jessica Everett-Garcia (‘97) – Alumni Networking & Support Committee
- Erin Goodsell (‘07) – Belonging & Inclusion Committee
- James Bennin (‘07) – Belonging & Inclusion Committee
- David Wardle (‘02) – Communications Committee
- Kelley Marsden (‘06) – Giving Committee
A special recognition was given to Richard Salgado (‘06) for his visionary leadership as Events Chair and President of the Alumni Board. As the architect of the BYU Law Alumni Summit, Richard played a key role in launching the first Summit in 2021 and expanding it over the past four years. Because of Richard’s efforts, the Summit has grown in influence each year and fostered incredible initiatives like the General Counsel Externship Program, funding for the BYU Law Alumni Directory, programs for belonging, student mentoring, and many others.
Welcoming New Board Members
As we bid farewell to seven amazing, outgoing leaders, the Alumni Board also welcomed a new group of Board Members, ready to bring fresh ideas and energy to the team:
- Amy Smedley (‘01) – President-Elect
- Michelle Mitchell (‘00) – Class President Council Co-Chair
- Ginnie Kim Pace (‘24) – Executive Secretary
- Andrew Bean (‘15) – Alumni Networking & Support Committee Co-Chair
- Melinda Bowen (‘10) – Belonging & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair
- Michelle Gourley (‘07) – Communications Committee Co-Chair
- Cris Baird (‘96) – Giving Committee Co-Chair
With these new additions, the Board is excited to continue strengthening alumni connections and providing meaningful opportunities for engagement within the BYU Law Community.
Looking to the Future
Throughout the Retreat, board members brainstormed innovative ways to enhance alumni engagement, expand networking opportunities, and foster a strong sense of community for BYU Law Alumni. With a renewed commitment to connection and collaboration, the board is eager to implement new initiatives and make this a meaningful, fun, and formative year.
We are grateful for the dedication of all past and present Board Members for the myriad of ways their leadership, commitment, innovation, and effort have strengthened the Law School and the BYU Law Alumni Community.