The American Bankruptcy Institute elected new members to leadership positions as officers and directors, including naming Christopher A. Ward, chair of Polsinelli’s bankruptcy and restructuring practice and managing shareholder of its Delaware office, president for a one-year term, succeeding Soneet R. Kapila of KapilaMukamal, who will now assume the positions of both immediate past president and interim chairman. Due to the unfortunate passing of Hon. Kevin J. Carey of Hogan Lovells, who was to be named chairman, the ABI’s bylaws stipulate that Kapila will serve as interim chairman of the board until next year, when he will become chairman for a one-year term.
The Hon. Bruce Harwood (D. NH; Concord), formerly the ABI vice president of communications and information technology, was named president-elect and will become ABI president in April 2025. Jennifer McLemore of Williams Mullen will replace Judge Harwood as vice president of communications and information technology and will serve a two-year term.
Ericka Johnson of Bayard was elected to serve as an at-large member of the executive committee, while the following executive committee members were reappointed for second terms: William Henrich of Getzler Henrich & Associates (treasurer), Paul Hage of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister (secretary) and Paul Leake of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (vice president of publications.
In addition, five ABI members were elected to their first terms on the ABI’s board of directors, including:
- Timothy Anzenberger of Adams and Reese
- Amber Carson of Gray Reed
- Lindsay Milne of Bernstein Shur
- Megan Murray of Underwood Murray
- Jolene Wee of JW Infinity Consulting
Of note, the five new members of the board of directors this year are former ABI “40 under 40” honorees. There are 60 total members on the ABI board of directors.