The ACTEC Foundation Announces Six Attorneys Selected for the 2027–2029 Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzy Shaw, Suzy.Shaw@actec.org, 202.465.8270

WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 12, 2026 — Lora G. Davis, President of the ACTEC Foundation, and Stacy E. Singer, Chair of the ACTEC Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Committee, are pleased to announce the selection of six attorneys for the Twelfth Class of the Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders Program.

The Dennis I. Belcher (DIB) Young Leaders Program supports the next generation of trust and estate attorneys by fostering scholarship, education, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Established in 2015 in collaboration with the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Law (RPTE) Section Fellows Program, the initiative provides graduates of the two-year RPTE program with opportunities to deepen their involvement in the trust and estate profession.

Participants receive an in-depth introduction to ACTEC and its role in the trust and estate community, along with opportunities to engage in activities that support future eligibility for nomination as an ACTEC Fellow. Program benefits include financial support to attend ABA/RPTE Section Meetings and invitations to ACTEC Regional and State Meetings.

“The future of the trust and estate profession depends on investing in talented attorneys who bring fresh perspectives, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for service,” said ACTEC Foundation President Lora G. Davis. “We are delighted to welcome these six exceptional attorneys to the Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders Program. By connecting them with experienced professionals and opportunities to deepen their knowledge and leadership skills, we hope to inspire their continued contributions to the profession.”

The six members of the 2027–2029 Class of Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders are:

• Leah Boston — College Park, Maryland
• Samantha M. Contreras — Chicago, Illinois
• Samuel Dangremond — New York, New York
• Carly Johnson — Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Natasha D. McFarland — Washington, D.C.
• Brandon Lee Wolff — King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Since the program’s establishment in 2015, 19 Dennis I. Belcher Young Leaders have been elected as ACTEC Fellows, demonstrating the program’s important role in developing future leaders of the College and the trust and estate profession. In March 2018, the program was named in honor of Dennis I. Belcher, ACTEC President from 2009 to 2010, in recognition of his distinguished leadership within the College and his dedication to mentoring young trust and estate attorneys.

About The ACTEC Foundation

The ACTEC Foundation’s mission is to promote scholarship, education, and community outreach in trust, estate, tax, charitable, and related areas of the law. The Foundation serves professionals, students, and the public by providing grants for an array of educational programs, widely available resources, scholarships, legal research, and scholarly writing competitions, among other activities in these areas of the law.

About the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)

Established in 1949, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel is a national, nonprofit association of approximately 2,300 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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