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May 2026 Mile High Pulse Newsletter 
President's Message
Welcome to the Mile High Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators.
Here's where I think we are. The legal industry is in the middle of a real shift - AI is reshaping how work gets done, firms are consolidating, and the pressure on administrators to deliver more with less has rarely been higher. A lot of us are feeling it. The role is evolving faster than the title suggests, and the playbook that worked five years ago no longer fully applies.
That's exactly why this chapter matters.
For more than 160 members across Colorado's legal market, the MHC of the ALA has always been a place to compare notes with people who understand the job. In a market like this one, that kind of community isn't a nice-to-have; it's how we figure out what's working, what isn't, and where the role is headed. No one should navigate this alone, and no one should have to.
This year, two priorities will shape how I lead the chapter.
The first is investing in you - the members already here. The administrator role in 2026 isn't the same as in 2020, and our programming and community need to reflect that. I want us to listen to what members actually need and build experiences worth your time. Part of that means growing the chapter - not as a numbers exercise, but because every new member makes your network deeper. When you hit a problem you've never seen before, the strength of this community is measured by how many peers you can call. A larger, more diverse chapter is more useful, and that benefit flows directly to the people already in it.
The second is our business partner relationships. The vendors and service providers who work alongside us aren't peripheral to this chapter - they're often the ones bringing us the tools, insight, and market intelligence we need to make smart decisions for our firms. I want to deepen those partnerships, make them more substantive, and make sure the value flows in both directions.
Alongside that, we'll continue investing in what makes the MHC of the ALA worth your time: education built for the realities of the Colorado and regional markets, programming that takes on hard topics directly, and the work to pursue national recognition that reflects what this chapter delivers.
If you're already a member, thank you. I want to hear what you need from us this year - directly, candidly, whenever you've got something to say. If you're not yet a member, this is the year to join. Learn more in the Member section of our website, or reach out to me directly. I'm always excited to connect with someone in this profession.
The work ahead is real. So is what we can do together.
Nick Dale, 2026 – 2027 President of the Mile High Chapter of Association of Legal Administrators
Meet the Board
2026-2027 Officers
Nick Dale, President
Chris Mendenhall, President-Elect
Autumn Phillips, Immediate Past President
Natalie Head, Secretary
James Norton, Treasurer
Jennifer Griess, Treasurer-Elect
2026-2027 Committee Chair and Co-Chairs
Brian Bernhard and Michele Hovland-Business Partner Committee
Chris Mendenhall-Awards Committee
Ann Wilson and Nancy Anderson-Communications Committee
Autumn Phillips, Amanda Breault and Jessie Meier-Education Committee
Gwyn Alexander and Allison Zelaya-Membership Committee
Becky Stoudenmire and Stafanie Raph-Professional Development Committee
Amanda Breault-DEIA Committee
Autumn Phillips-Community Relations/Bylaw Committee
Upcoming Education
We hope you enjoyed joining the Mile High Chapter Education Committee for our first in-person Education session of the Board Year! On Thursday, May 21st, James McDonough, PHR, of Employers Council led a dynamic conversation on "Workplace Trends" — and what a great way to kick off the year!
James walked us through the socio-economic, technological, and demographic shifts quietly reshaping today's workplace, and how HR professionals and leaders can stay ahead of them. From understanding how HR functions influence an organization's ability to navigate change, to spotlighting key compliance considerations when building strategy — it was a session packed with real, actionable takeaways.
We're just getting started! Stay tuned for more in-person sessions coming your way this board year — we can't wait to see you at the next one!
Networking
Networking just got more fun 🥒🏓
Meet us at Moodswing Denver for an evening of pickleball, food, drinks, and great conversation.
- ✅ All skill levels welcome
- ✅ New to pickleball? We’ll teach you
- ✅ Not playing? No problem—come for the vibes, networking, and refreshments
All members and business partners are invited! Register now!
Volunteering
We’re always open to new ideas and fresh energy. Whether you're interested in micro-volunteering, joining a committee, or exploring a future board role, we’d love to hear from you. There’s a place for everyone to contribute, no matter your availability or experience level.
Reach out to any Board member, or the Membership Committee ([email protected]) if you would like to explore opportunities!
Business Partner Spotlight of the Month
We’re excited to welcome Elevatus IT as a new Mile High Business Partner! Elevatus IT goes beyond the traditional Managed Service Provider/Managed Security Service Provider (MSP/MSSP) model. They deliver a true in-house IT department experience tailored to support and secure your business end-to-end. Their team is dedicated to elevating your technology strategy, so you can focus on what matters most: running your business. This is their second year in the Business Partner Program and their first one at the Mile High level.
To learn more or connect with their team, their website is www.elevatusIT.com, or reach out to Mark Bowman at 303.522.4115 or via email at [email protected].