27 Sep New IMLA President Confirmed, Beth Anne Childs
IMLA confirms Beth Anne Childs as IMLA President from September 27, 2026 – October 14, 2027.
In a business meeting held on September 27, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, IMLA confirmed the nomination of Beth Anne Childs of Owasso, Oklahoma to be President of IMLA.
Beth Anne Childs has been a practicing attorney for over 32 years, with the majority of her career spent in the public sector. She served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Norman and as an Assistant City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, and City Attorney for the City of Broken Arrow. She is presently the principal in The Childs Law Firm, PLLC, and represents the City of Bristow, the Towns of Wynona and Luther, and the Metropolitan Environmental Trust. Beth Anne serves as the City Prosecutor and an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Owasso and has provided Interim City Attorney support for the cities of Bethany and Coweta. She also performs routine contract work for the City of Stillwater and has handled matters on behalf of the cities of Tulsa, Jenks, Norman, Bartlesville, McAlester, and Chickasha. Beth Anne has tried numerous civil and criminal cases to verdict, routinely handles district court and appellate matters, and has argued three cases before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Beth Anne has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Letters and a Juris Doctorate, both from the University of Oklahoma. She is licensed to practice before all Oklahoma Courts, including the Northern, Eastern, and Western Federal District Courts, and is a member of the United States Supreme Court. She serves on the Board of Directors for the International Municipal Lawyers Association and the Oklahoma Association of Municipal Attorneys.
When asked about her presidency, Ms. Childs remarked: “IMLA has been an advocate and a resource for local government attorneys since 1935. It offers cutting-edge programming, support, and educational opportunities to local government lawyers throughout the United States and Canada. I am humbled to serve IMLA in the office of President and encourage any attorney who represents municipalities to avail themselves of the services offered by this wonderful organization.”
In response to Ms. Childs’ new position, her colleagues had many well wishes and congratulatory thoughts:
Immediate Past President, Susana Alcala Wood with new IMLA President, Beth Anne Childs
Susana Alcala Wood, IMLA’s outgoing President, wished Beth Anne well stating, “Beth Anne is an incredibly smart and thoughtful lawyer. I have had the privilege of working with her on the IMLA Board for several years and she is a turned advocate for her clients and dedicated to the advancement of municipal law. IMLA will be in excellent hands under her leadership.”
Amanda Karras, IMLA’s Executive Director and General Counsel had similar high praise regarding Ms. Childs’ appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Beth Anne Childs as IMLA’s incoming President. Beth Anne is the kind of leader who combines deep municipal law expertise with a practical, hands-on approach to solving problems. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and to strengthening the legal profession. I have no doubt that her thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication to local government law will further advance IMLA’s mission. We look forward to working with Beth Anne as she helps guide the association and continue its long tradition of service to local government lawyers.”
Mayor Will Joyce, Mayor of Stillwater, Oklahoma remarked: “IMLA membership has been a valuable resource for the Stillwater City Attorney’s Office providing opportunities for education, information sharing, and networking in the highly specialized field of municipal law. IMLA’s University Cities working group has been especially valuable by bringing together city attorneys to share experiences and facilitate problem solving in areas that are unique to university cities. The advocacy and support to local government that IMLA provides is unmatched. Throughout her career, Beth Anne has demonstrated a genuine commitment to advancing the practice of municipal law while supporting and developing the next generation of municipal attorneys. Her experience and dedication to public service align with IMLA’s mission, and I am confident she will serve IMLA well in this important leadership role.”
From Left to Right: Alan Bojorquez (President Elect), Beth Anne Childs (President), Susana Alcala Wood (Immediate Past President) & Amanda Karras (Executive Director & General Counsel
Suzie Paulson, Executive Director of OMAG, noted: “I am incredibly proud to see Beth Anne Childs step into the role of President of IMLA. Beth Anne is one of the most respected municipal attorneys in Oklahoma, and for good reason. She has devoted her career to helping cities work through the wide range of legal issues that come with serving their communities. She is thoughtful, practical, and never hesitant to take on a difficult or unusual municipal issue.
Beth Anne has also led the Oklahoma Municipal Attorneys Association for many years and consistently puts together excellent programs with speakers and topics that are timely and relevant to municipal attorneys. I have no doubt she will lead IMLA with that same professionalism, practical insight, and commitment to the profession. Oklahoma is fortunate to have her representing our state on the national stage.”
Rian Harkins, Town Manager of Luther, Oklahoma added: “The Town of Luther commends the International Municipal Lawyers Association on selecting Beth Anne Childs as its President-Elect. Her work for the Town of Luther reflects a sustained commitment to effective municipal governance, legal integrity, and the public interest. Through her professionalism and practical guidance, Ms. Childs has supported the Town’s efforts to serve its residents responsibly and meet the community’s evolving needs. Her commitment to helping municipalities navigate complex issues makes her a valuable resource.”
Julie Trout Lombardi, City Attorney of Owasso, Oklahoma observed: “Beth Anne Childs is what I consider to be a “lawyer’s lawyer.” Her legal acumen is tremendous, and her leadership skills are outstanding. Her vision and guidance will serve IMLA well!”
Founded in 1935, the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization consisting of over 2,500 local government attorneys throughout the United States and Canada. IMLA provides a wide range of services and programs to its membership, including comprehensive educational programs, legal research, professional publications, and legal advocacy on behalf of its members in the United States Supreme Court, as well as federal and state appellate courts.