The ACTEC Foundation Announces the 2023–2025 Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC, February 7, 2024:  John T. Rogers, Jr., President of The ACTEC Foundation, and Cynthia G. Lamar-Hart, Chair of the ACTEC Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Committee, are pleased to announce the Ninth Class of Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders.

The Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders Program was designed to foster scholarship and education in trust and estate matters, promote diversity and inclusivity, and encourage the development of potential ACTEC Fellows. Initiated in collaboration with the American Bar Association Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section (RPTE) Fellows program, it provides successful graduates of the two-year RPTE program an opportunity to extend their participation in RPTE leadership activities through the financial support of The ACTEC Foundation. In March 2018, the program was named after Dennis I. Belcher, ACTEC President 2009–2010, a leader of the College and mentor to many young trust and estate lawyers.

John Rogers offers his congratulations to the recipients: 

“I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the esteemed members of this new Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders class. These four exceptional individuals represent excellence in the trusts and estates arena, and we are thrilled to have them as integral members of our program for the upcoming two years. I congratulate each of them.”

The ACTEC Foundation 2023–2025 Class of Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders are:

Jeffrey D. Hopkins

Associate
Barnes, Alford, Stork & Johnson, LLP

“I am honored and thankful to be accepted into the Dennis I. Belcher ACTEC Foundation Young Leaders Program. The truth is I am simply fortunate enough to learn from leaders in my office, such as Alan Reyner, and wonderful mentors within the ABA RPTE Section, such as Tim Bronza and Kelly Perez. Their guidance, encouragement, and wisdom are everything a young lawyer could need to grow in the practice of trusts and estates and to get involved in the community. I look forward to continuing to fill a role within this exciting program.” 

Rachel M. Lee

Associate
Strategic Planning Law Group, P.C.

“I am thrilled to be accepted into the Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders Program and immensely grateful for ACTEC’s support. I look forward to continuing my involvement with RPTE leadership, expanding my network, and contributing my efforts to further the Section’s important work.”

Imaan Moughal

Senior Associate
Manice, Budd & Baggett, LLP

“Receiving the honor of becoming a Dennis I. Belcher Young Leader with The ACTEC Foundation is both humbling and inspiring. It reinforces my commitment to excellence in law, and I am eager to contribute to the advancement of our profession alongside esteemed colleagues. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the trust and estate community.”

Lisa Goodrich Page
Counsel
Dungey Dougherty PLLC

“I’m honored to be among this class of Dennis I. Belcher ACTEC Young Leaders and grateful to The ACTEC Foundation for its support in continuing the work I began as an RPTE Fellow. These organizations provide invaluable models for service to our profession, and I’m as appreciative of this opportunity to participate as of the introduction to the broader ACTEC community.”

The Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders Program provides lawyers with an in-depth introduction to ACTEC and its role in the trust and estate community and encourages active engagement in responsibilities that support future eligibility for nomination as an ACTEC Fellow. Young leaders are offered tuition-free attendance for ACTEC/ALI-CLE webinars and financial support to attend ABA/RPTE Section Meetings, and they are invited to attend ACTEC Regional and State Meetings.  Since this program was established in 2015, twelve Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders have been elected to the College.

About The ACTEC Foundation: The ACTEC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). The Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) that promotes scholarship and education for families and professionals and supports students interested in the trust and estate area of the law. Through continued financial support, The ACTEC Foundation offers professional development, scholarships, and education for a number of important efforts, including legal education, educational support, public initiatives, legal publications, and the student editorial board for the ACTEC Law Journal.

About the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC): Established in 1949, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) is a national, nonprofit association of approximately 2,500 lawyers and law professors throughout the United States and abroad. ACTEC members (Fellows) are peer-elected on the basis of professional reputation and expertise in the preparation of wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, trust administration and related practice areas. The College’s mission includes the improvement and reform of probate, trust and tax laws and procedures, and professional practice standards. ACTEC frequently offers technical comments with regard to legislation, and regulations but does not take positions on matters of policy or political objectives.

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