View from the Outgoing Chair

Maria Antonieta Sager (NÉE Grasso), Esq. Oakland, California

My one-year position as chair of the Executive Committee of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) came to an end at the conclusion of the CLA Annual Meeting in Monterey on Saturday, October 12, of this year. Although I am sad this chapter of my life has ended, I am grateful I was given the chance to serve in this capacity.

My term as chair has been one of the most fulfilling professional experiences in my 20 years as a lawyer. What made this year so good was having the honor of serving alongside other members of the Executive Committee. They are truly some of the hardest-working, most dedicated, and kindest people I have ever met.

I believe that anyone can succeed at almost any endeavor as long as they have the passion and drive to do so and, more important, are surrounded by people who support and believe in them. The main reason I met my responsibilities as chair was that my committee members supported me every step of the way. I thank each of you for asking me to serve as your chair. Thank you, also, John Boxberger, for all you do day after day, as section coordinator, to help make our Executive Committee run smoothly. Working with you has been a pleasure. I offer special thanks to my friend David Skaggs, immediate past chair of the Executive Committee, for being a wonderful mentor to me.