NCBP S2, Ep. 9: Nov. 2, 2026: The Long View: Strategic Planning and Bar Leadership

Every organization needs a strategic plan—a North Star that provides a steady, consistent focus for new ideas and major decisions. In bar associations, where leadership changes hands each year and incoming presidents bring new goals and priorities, maintaining that long-term vision can be challenging. Leaders must learn to navigate these transitions while remaining grounded in the organization’s mission and guiding principles. Amanda Arriaga and Juan Thomas welcome Priya Purandare, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA, https://www.napaba.org), to discuss the importance of strategic planning in bar leadership. They explore how bar associations can balance fresh perspectives with long-term goals to advance their broader mission. They also discuss the impact of affinity bars and their advocacy efforts for both members and the communities they serve.