to the Foundation you can take pride in supporting organizations that truly make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. And after the storms and floods and fires of 2017 we know the demands on these organizations and their need for financial support will increase substantially in 2018 and 2019.
So, to borrow a phrase, “pay it forward” as we anticipate and address that need. Please remember the Foundation in your 2017 charitable giving, and help us exceed our target again this year as you did so impressively in 2016.
And finally, with sincere and heartfelt gratitude for your interest (hey, you’ve read all the way to the end of this Column!) and support of the Foundation, wishing you all a peaceful and joyous holiday season and a healthy, prosperous and fulfilling New Year.
From the Chair
through your efforts that the College has continued to establish itself as a renowned organization of consummate professionals in the bankruptcy and insolvency field. In addition, without detracting in any way from the contributions of others, I would like to single out three individuals whose special contributions have made a profound impact on the College.
Among those we will be seeking to replace this year is Bill Perlstein. Bill has served as the College’s counsel for a number of years. In recognition of its special status, College Counsel is the only position that does not have term limits. Bill has served with distinction, giving us the benefit of exceptional judgment, clear and concise drafting and steady guidance. He is truly one who can be followed but never really replaced. He leaves huge shoes to fill, but we believe that we have identified a candidate richly suited to follow in Bill’s footsteps.
We also face the task of replacing Susan Freeman as the Secretary of the College. The Secretary is truly one of the unsung heroes in any volunteer organization. Given the constant turnover in leadership, it is a continuing challenge to maintain continuity and institutional memory. The Secretary’s minutes are one vital source to help leadership meet that challenge. Susan has done an exceptional job of providing the institutional memory that enables the College to keep itself on track and moving forward as intended. Once again, her skills will be difficult to replace, but the Committee believes that we have a candidate to carry on Susan’s good work.
Some years ago, the College amended its By-laws to limit the offices of Chair, President and Chair of the Board of Regents to a single two-year term. The goal of that change was to provide greater opportunity for Fellows to participate in College leadership. However, a single term does place greater demands on individuals selected to learn the responsibilities of the position and to organize to accomplish the tasks at hand. Unquestionably, the most difficult job in College leadership, and the most important, is the Chair of the Board of Regents (“BOR”). Truly, the BOR Chair creates the future of the College, by guiding the Regents in the selection of Fellows who will become the College in the years to come. This year, the Nominating Committee is choosing a successor to Rick Mikels, as BOR Chair. Rick has done a superb job in his two years as Chair, helping the College in its efforts to increase diversity and to identify younger professionals who will become the College leaders of the future. By virtue of Rick’s leadership and the efforts of the BOR, we can all be confident in the continued success of the College. As he passes the mantle to a successor we believe will carry on his good work, we all can thank Rick for a job well done.
Finally, as I approach the conclusion of my term as College Chair, I want to thank the Fellows for the singular privilege of allowing me to serve the College. It has been an enjoyable and enriching experience, made better by the great assistance of Shari and her staff, by the wonderful partnership I have shared with President Marc Levinson, and by your collective support and encouragement. Through the decisions made by the Nominating Committee, I know I will be leaving College leadership well-positioned to continue its progress. Thank you all.
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