UIHJ President Marc Schmitz had the honor to attend the 43rd Annual Meeting of the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS), held at the Orlando Marriott Lakeside in Orlando, Florida, on 25 and 26 April 2025. NAPPS, a valued and longstanding member of the UIHJ, once again demonstrated its strong commitment to professionalism and innovation.
The meeting commenced on Friday, 25 April 2025. The morning session featured the delivery of the annual reports by the President, the First and Second Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, and the Administrator, offering a comprehensive overview of the association’s activities, achievements, and financial situation over the past year.
Subsequently, detailed reports were presented by the various committees, including the International Relations Committee. These reports reflected the active engagement of the committees in addressing current challenges and opportunities facing the process serving profession, with a focus on technological adaptation, legislative advocacy, and the strengthening of professional standards across jurisdictions.
The report of the International Relations Committee was presented by Sue Collins, Secretary of NAPPS and Deputy Secretary of the UIHJ, and highlighted key activities of the UIHJ throughout 2024. The presentation was followed by a brief address from Marc Schmitz, President of the UIHJ, who warmly greeted the assembly and delivered a forward-looking message. He called upon the audience to embrace the future of electronic service of documents, reminding them that the question is no longer “if” but “when.” He urged all NAPPS process servers to position themselves at the forefront of this transformation, to seize the opportunities it presents, and to lead the profession confidently into the digital age.
The morning concluded with discussions on matters of old and new business, followed by a recess for lunch. The meeting resumed in the afternoon with the open nomination of officers and directors, in anticipation of the elections scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday, 26 April 2025, an Educational Seminar was held, offering a rich and diverse program. The first session, presented by Linda McGrath-Cruz, focused on “AI 101 for Professional Process Servers: Definitions to Demonstrations.” This presentation provided an insightful exploration of the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal and process serving professions, highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges associated with the adoption of new technologies.
The second session, led by John Levesque, addressed the topic “Employee vs. Independent Contractor Business Model.” Drawing from extensive professional experience, the speaker discussed the strategic advantages of hiring in-house employees versus engaging independent contractors, providing participants with valuable considerations for business development and operational management.
The Educational Seminar concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Shawn Condrey, during which representatives of various state associations shared practical advice and highlighted best practices concerning “Interjurisdictional Do’s and Don’ts” in the service of legal documents across different jurisdictions.
In the afternoon, the General Assembly reconvened for the election of the officers and directors. A key outcome of this session was the election of Ms. Jillina Kwiatkowski as the new President of NAPPS. Her election heralds a new era for the association, with a renewed emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and the strengthening of the profession both nationally and internationally. Marc Schmitz, President of the UIHJ, extended the UIHJ’s congratulations to her.
The 43rd Annual Meeting and Educational Seminar of NAPPS provided an outstanding forum for professional exchange, education, and governance. It reaffirmed the importance of solidarity among members, the strategic integration of technology, and the ongoing commitment to excellence that defines the process serving profession. The strong collaboration between NAPPS and the UIHJ was once again underscored, reflecting a shared vision for the advancement of the profession worldwide.
