At their summer meeting on July 20th,
annual elections were held for the Initiative Board of Directors.

Richard Taylor, CEO of the Academy of NC Trial Lawyers, took over the helm as Chairman of the Board from Phil Bazemore, Bill Wilson replaced Greg Cummins as Vice
Chairman, and Larry Chavis and Jeanne Tedrow remained in their

offices of Treasurer and Secretary,
respectively.

During a short ceremony, the Initiative honored our retiring Board Chair with a token of appreciation for his years of faithful service. While Mr. Bazemore has been a member of the Initiative’s Board since 1999, his commitment to helping those in need has proved to be a lifelong pursuit.

Mr. Bazemore reflected on his tenure with the Board. “I was honored to have the privilege to serve as the Chairman of the Board,” Mr. Bazemore said. “The honor is not from the Board itself but from what the organization stands for. I don't know of a nonprofit organization that has as much of a
positive impact on the less fortunate as the Initiative.”

In recognition of his service, Mr. Bazemore has been named an Emeritus member of the Board, placing him among the ranks of Fannie Corbett and the late George Esser. The Initiative is hopeful that he will continue to provide his insight and wisdom into our work at the quarterly Board meetings.

Mr. Bazemore echoed our sentiment. “I look forward to supporting the organization as long as I live.”

This level of commitment is precisely what our communities, and the industry as a whole, need to carry the work of CED forward. From all of us at the Initiative, thank you, Mr. Bazemore.