The Oklahoma Bar Journal January 2023

This year, Mr. Hermanson is excited to give back to the bar in his role as president. “I am always amazed at people who have served in the past, their willingness to make time to serve the bar,” he said. “We are blessed with these people. I want to emulate them as much as I can.” Mr. Hermanson’s service lead ership style will carry through his year as president as he makes an effort to travel the state, hearing from OBA members on what they need from their bar association. “I want to let our members know we are out there working for them, doing the best we can. Meeting and talking to them – that’s what I’m looking forward to the most,” he said. Mr. Hermanson’s goals for the OBA this year are not only to provide excellent member service but also to bring joy back into the practice of law. He wants to empower OBA members by pro viding seminars on mental health, wellness and professionalism;

benevolence and empathy into his work and beyond. “I respected him a lot,” Mr. Hermanson said. “I was struck with his patience and caring nature. I’ve also been inspired by the lawyers I first worked with fresh out of law school, who were so helpful. Everyone cared for each other – that greatly affected how I looked at and practiced law.” For more than 40 years, Mr. Hermanson has set aside time to volunteer in various capacities for the Oklahoma Bar Association and Oklahoma Bar Foundation, starting in 1980 on the Law Day Committee. In 1993, he served as OBF president; he served on the OBA Board of Editors from 1994 to 1999; and he has served 13 (going on 15) years on the OBA Board of Governors. He has spoken at numerous seminars and has also won various awards, including his most recent Kline-Brown Award for Outstanding Service to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation in November 2022.

inspire them to get out in their communities once again; and encourage members to get involved in their bar association. Mr. Hermanson is open to sug gestions on how the OBA can best meet members’ needs. He also encourages all members to sign up for a committee and get involved in their bar association. “When you make a living doing something, you have to be ready to give back,” he said. “Everyone is different, but being an attorney is so much more than making money. We’re here to serve. You may not get paid as a volunteer, but you gain the chance to have fun with fellow lawyers, you get to see many good things about the practice of law.” Charlcy and Mr. Hermanson as Scout and Atticus Finch during a performance of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Ponca Playhouse

From left Brianna, Ruslyn, Mr. Hermanson and Charlcy

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL