The executive committee of the American Bankruptcy Institute’s (ABI) board of directors has selected ABI Deputy Executive Director Amy Alcoke Quackenboss to succeed Samuel J. Gerdano as ABI executive director effective January 1, 2020.

She was chosen by a search committee following a nationwide search led by Sterling Martin Associates of Washington, D.C.

Quackenboss joined the ABI staff as deputy executive director in November 2010, and added the title of general counsel in 2012. In her capacity as deputy executive director, Quackenboss has been involved in all aspects of ABI’s operations, including educational programming, publishing, information technology, staff management and budgeting. She also led a team of ABI volunteers and staff in developing ABI’s 2020-22 strategic plan, which will be released soon.

“Amy was selected from among a very distinguished group of candidates as the most qualified to succeed Sam Gerdano,” said ABI President Alane Becket of Becket & Lee. “Her experience and commitment to the success of the ABI is unmatched and I have no doubt she will be an exceptional leader.”

Prior to joining the ABI staff, Quackenboss practiced law at Hunton Andrews Kurth, where she focused her practice on bankruptcy litigation and restructuring. She has significant experience representing lenders, secured and unsecured creditors, indenture trustees, creditors’ committees, and acquirers of assets in Chapter 11 bankruptcies.

“Amy is perfectly suited to lead ABI, and I’m delighted she has been selected Executive Director,” said Gerdano, who announced his retirement in June 2019, after 29 years as ABI Executive Director.