Austin Bar & AYLA Leaders Recognize Outstanding Member Contributions During End-of-Year Reception

At the end-of-year reception, outgoing Austin Bar President Mary-Ellen King and AYLA President Emily Morris presented their President’s Awards to highlight the important contributions of several members of their organizations.

King presented her Outstanding Committee Chair Award to incoming Austin Bar Director and Pro Bono Committee Chair Kara O’Shaughnessy, who was instrumental in planning and executing the Pro Bono Fall Festival held in October 2024. 

“Kara took the bull by the horns with the Fall Festival,” King said. “She helped coordinate the decorations, and she even did the rough-and-tumble work of getting a trailer and bringing in hay.”

The Fall Festival was a great success, netting $8,000, which was donated to Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas.

The Outstanding Director Award went to Judge Sylvia Holmes for her help with the Austin Bar Foundation Gala.

“So much work goes into planning the Gala,” King said. “We do so much ourselves in order to save money and make the Gala as profitable as possible. Sylvia came with glue gun in hand and helped us put together the gorgeous centerpieces and other decorations.”

The President’s Award of Merit went to Shelby O’Brien, who served as the chair of the Fundraising Committee, which was key in monetary, as well as goods and services, donations to the Gala, which netted more than $230,000.

“In the middle of all the planning for the Gala, Shelby moved firms,” King said. “Which is no easy thing to do even when things aren’t hectic. And through all the insanity, Shelby always showed up to the board meetings with a smile on her face and helpful suggestions.” 

King also recognized Austin Bar Communications Director Billy Huntsman, who produced the Stop the Stigma podcast, which was awarded the Star of Achievement by the State Bar of Texas’ Stars of Texas Bars Awards.

Emily Morris’ Outstanding Committee Chair went to Roslyn Warner, who is chair of AYLA’s Publications Committee.

“Roslyn coordinates all of AYLA’s submissions for Austin Lawyer to ensure that all of the great things AYLA does get the recognition they deserve,” Morris said. “She’s also chair of our Health and Wellness Committee, which has put on group yoga events.”

The Outstanding Director Award went to David Woolbert. 

“David co-chaired our Crawfish Boil this year, coordinating the cornhole tournament, and he’s chairing AYLA’s Trial 101 CLE,” Morris said. 

AYLA also presented the new Outstanding Fundraising Achievement Award. 

“A.K.A., the Hustler Award,” Morris said.

This award went to Alex Conant. 

“Alex is always there to make sure our fundraising events are a great success,” Morris said. 

Katie Fillmore won AYLA’s Dedicated Service Award for her 14 years of service on the AYLA board of directors.

“This year, Katie was our inaugural Big Law Liaison,” Morris said. “This role focuses on recruiting Big Law members to AYLA. Katie also plans our monthly Docket Calls. We’re very grateful for her years of service.”

Morris’ President’s Award of Merit went to Will Hailey.

“Will served as AYLA parliamentarian,” Morris said. “He’s also co-chair the Crawfish Boil Committee, the Freshquires Committee, and he’s on the committee for our Trial 101 CLE.”

AYLA Executive Director Debbie Kelly was also recognized by Morris for her 25 years of service to AYLA. 

Congratulations to this year’s Presidents’ Awards recipients! 

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