The ACTEC Foundation Announces New President and 2026—2027 Officers and Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rebecca Vandall, 202.465.8270
Washington, DC — March 12, 2026 – The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Foundation today announced the President, the 2026–2027 Foundation Officers, and the new Directors elected to the Foundation’s Board on Friday, March 6, during the ACTEC 2026 Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida.
Lora G. Davis was elected President of The ACTEC Foundation for a three-year term ending in 2029. “I am honored to serve as President of The ACTEC Foundation. I look forward to working with the Foundation’s Officers and Directors to further our important mission of strengthening the trust and estate profession,” said Davis.
The following were elected as Officers for one-year terms ending in 2027: T. Randolph Harris, Vice President; Benetta Y. Park, Treasurer; and Robert K. Kirkland, Secretary.
The following Fellows were elected as Directors for an initial three-year term ending in 2029: Gerry W. Beyer; Gerard G. Brew; S. Gray Edmondson; Julia B. Meister; and Suzanne Brown Walsh. Edmondson previously served the remaining year of an unexpired term and is now eligible to serve his first full three-year term.
In addition, the following were elected as Directors for a second three-year term ending in 2029: Shannon G. Guthrie; William P. LaPiana; and Kendis Key Muscheid.
Pursuant to the Foundation Bylaws, John T. Rogers, Jr., will serve a one-year term as Immediate Past President and continue as a member of the Board.
About The ACTEC Foundation: The ACTEC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers education to families and professionals and supports students interested in the trust and estate area of the law. The ACTEC Foundation promotes scholarship and education in trust, estate, tax, and related areas of the law by supporting scholarship to improve the law and by encouraging teaching, careers and lifelong learning in the area. The Foundation also encourages civic engagement of individual Fellows of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel through programs and activities that serve the general community.
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 2,300 lawyers and law professors from 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.
# # #
Latest ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk Podcasts
Federal and State Estate Tax Apportionment: Planning Pitfalls and Best Practices
Estate tax apportionment isn’t always straightforward. Learn how federal and state rules affect beneficiaries and how to avoid planning pitfalls.
Using AI for Document Review: Getting Started for Trust and Estate Attorneys
Learn how estate planning attorneys can use AI for document review, trust analysis, client intake, and drafting assistance while maintaining professional judgment and confidentiality.
Planning With Directed Trusts
Learn how directed trusts divide trustee responsibilities, the role of trust protectors, and how modern trust design creates flexibility in estate planning while maintaining effective trust administration.


