Right of Way - January/February2019

Education

• Paralegal, Auburn University at Montgomery, 1988

• Environmental Site Assessor, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1991

• Alabama Real Estate Sales License, Alabama Real Estate Institute, 1995

• Alabama Real Estate Appraisers License, Alabama Real Estate Institute, 2003

Employment

• Director of Right of Way at Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.,

1988-Present

IRWA Activities

• International Finance Committee, 2018-Present • International Governing Council Member, 2017-Present • Region 6 Chair, 2017-Present • Region 6 Vice Chair, 2014-2017

• Region 6 Secretary/ Treasurer, 2013-2014

• Chapter 24 Valuation Chair, 2012-2016

• Chapter 24 Director, 2011-2013

• Chapter 24 President, 2011-2012, • Chapter 24 Professional of the Year 2012

• Chapter 24 Vice President, 2010

• Chapter 24 Treasurer, 2009

• Chapter 24 Secretary, 2008

• Chapter 24 Education Co-Chair, 2004-2008

• Chapter 24 Certified Course Coordinator • Achieved the IRWA SR/WA designation in 2004

• Achieved the IRWA R/W-AC designation in 2004

• Achieved the IRWA R/W-NAC designation in 2004

JUDY JONES, SR/WA
Candidate for IRWA International Secretary

There is no doubt that each member of our organization works daily to improve people’s quality of life. Although we don’t start our day thinking about it, it’s just who we are; it’s what we do. I have been privileged to work for the same company for 30 years.

During this time, I have witnessed countless projects come to life on paper. I have struggled through the approval and permitting process and I faced challenges in acquiring necessary right of way.

But through these challenges, we succeeded in making positive impacts on the communities in which these projects were located.

We should all be proud of the industries we serve and may we never underestimate the value of our contributions.

I am sure many of you will agree that the IRWA has played an integral role in our careers. The opportunities to grow through educational offerings, the immeasurable value of the network that we can plug into for guidance, as well as the opportunities to lead are all facets of the organization that I have grown to love and respect. The organization has witnessed many changes in the 15 years that I have been a member, and I am excited about our future. We are in a transitional period, not only in our organization but also our society. Four different generations are intermingled in the work place, technology changes daily and despite a healthy economy, budgets seem to get tighter. These same challenges are present in our organization, but I choose to see them as strengths instead of hurdles to overcome.

As Region 6 Chair, I currently serve on the IGC and have witnessed the devotion of many to improve and advance the IRWA. It is my hope that I can be a positive influence on our IEC, alongside the many dedicated and talented professionals who lead our organization. Together, I hope we can all strive to improve the value of our organization to its members. As we grow beyond our borders, may we be cognizant of the cost of the investment versus the benefits obtained. May we always look to strengthen our offerings to our Canadian members and may we never forget what brought us to the place we are today. Our Code of Ethics calls for us to dedicate ourselves to a course of conduct which manifests respect, confidence and trust. In absence of this behavior, we cannot deliver the purpose of the IRWA. My goal is to continue restoring confidence and trust at all levels within our organization.

Each and every member should have the ability to have their voices heard and their concerns considered. I’m excited about the growth and improvements our organization has witnessed over the years and hope to expand on those initiatives, but never at the cost of abandoning the needs and desires of our members—the heart of our association.