Dear KCMBA Members,

It is with enormous sadness that I must inform you of the passing of our great friend and former Executive Director, Bobbie Lou Nailling-Files.  Bobbie Lou passed away Sunday, January 9, 2011 in Florida.  A celebration of Bobbie Lou’s life will be held Saturday, January 15, 2011, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with remarks at 6:00 p.m., at the Mission Hills Country Club, 5400 Mission Drive, Mission Hills, Kansas.

As Executive Director from 1970 until her retirement in 2001, Bobbie Lou played a key role in building our Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.  During her tenure, Bobbie Lou led KCMBA in its growth and development as one of the preeminent metropolitan bar associations.  Along with a tremendous increase in membership, she developed numerous projects that have served as models across the country.  Her work for KCMBA and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation was recognized by many organizations, including the American Bar Association, the Missouri Humanities Council, the National Conference of Bar Foundations, Kansas City Society of Association Executives, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri.

After retirement as Executive Director, Bobbie Lou continued to serve as Executive Director of our Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Foundation, a position she held until 2006.  Bobbie Lou’s daughter, Cary Powers, also served loyally and ably our KCMBA for 24 years until her retirement in 2007.  The last several years of her service were in the position of Associate Executive Director.

Bobbie Lou’s portrait hangs proudly at our new KCMBA headquarters in a prominent place just off the reception area.  She will long be remembered for her energy, always-optimistic personality and her dedication to our KCMBA.  Our condolences and our thoughts and prayers go out to Bobbie Lou’s family during this difficult time. 

Sincerely,

Jim Heeter
KCMBA President