Hello Section Members!
By Did you know the NCBA is the largest voluntary legal association in the state? I’m excited and honored to serve as Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section this year. Following in the footsteps of Leann Gerlach, Jennette Byrum, Heather Baker, Barry Jennings, and Eleasa Allen is both intimidating and inspiring. We have an excellent section, and I look forward to helping deliver value to our section members through opportunities to learn, socialize, and support the professionalism and camaraderie that define our community.
I have lived in Raleigh since 2005, the same year I began practicing (yes, I know, I absolutely DO NOT look like I’ve been practicing that long), but I’ve called North Carolina home since 2002. Outside of work, my interests are wide-ranging, from languages and travel, to cooking, knitting, and gardening (I was in my grandma era before it was a thing). I am married to my husband Ian, who is both the luckiest and longest-suffering person on the planet, as well as my two children, who are equal parts hilarious and terrifying.
I’m lucky to be working alongside an exceptional leadership team: Jack Waisson as Vice-Chair, Tim Wilson as Secretary, and Casey Spence as Treasurer. You likely recognize their names, as they have served the section in many capacities over the years, and I am very appreciative of their time and dedication to our group. I am also excited about the many members who have stepped up to lead our committees, including Membership, Communications, CLE, Legislative/Ethics, NCIC, Pro Bono, Sponsorship, Dispute Resolution, Paralegal Division, and YLD. I encourage all of you to reach out to your colleagues – partners, associates, paralegals – and invite them to join our section.
2025 has been quite a year so far. There have been many, many headlines. But one in particular stood out: Hawaii has banned loud laughing. It’s bold, but they are committed to keeping it to A LO HA . . .
There will be more jokes to come, but I can’t promise they’ll get better.
Kyla K. Block serves as the 2025-2026 chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section.