The Board of Regents met virtually via Zoom on October 12, 2020 to consider the election of new Fellows. The meeting was the culmination of more than seven month's work by 100+ Fellows led by our
Regents and the Chairs of our Nominating Committees. The nominating process began shortly after the March 2020 induction of Class 31 into the College. I am delighted to say that the process resulted in invitations being offered to thirty-seven professionals to enter the College as our 32nd Class of Fellows. Those new Fellows will be inducted at the Annual Meeting on March 19, 2021 in Washington, D.C.
DIVERSE CLASS: The Board of Regents, the Circuit Admissions Councils, the Judicial Nominating Committee and the International Nominating Committee were keenly focused on adding more diversity and youth to our ranks. And I am happy to report that our new Fellows will indeed improve the diversity of the College (an effort that I hope will be continued for many years to come). Women represent thirty-six percent of the Class (compared to twenty-two percent overall within the College), six new Fellows add diversity as to the racial and national origin of our College, and a majority of the Class is under the age of 53. Class 32 also includes a high percentage of consumer-focused professionals. We will also be inducting our first Honorary Fellow, a unique position within the College. The Class is comprised of twenty-seven lawyers, two judges, six financial advisors, one journalist and two international professionals. Our new international invitees are from Canada and France. You may access the complete list of invitees by clicking here.
THE PROCESS: The nominations process is demanding and designed to ensure that our new Fellows are of the highest caliber and more than satisfy the rigorous standards mandated by our bylaws and tradition. We require excellence in professional service, the utmost in professionalism and integrity and a strong commitment to supporting professional, civic, religious and/or charitable communities. This year's invitees clearly represent the best and brightest within the bankruptcy and restructuring profession. They are a classic example of the excellence of the membership of the College. You will learn more about them at the Induction Ceremony.
Every year, as you might imagine, there are candidates nominated who are not approved by the Board of Regents. Our day long discussion is thoughtful and thorough and there is usually a healthy exchange of views about each candidate. As I complete my first year as Chair of the Board of Regents, I observe that the level of diligence and care taken by the Regents and Nominating Committee chairs was exceptionally high, leading to greater diversity and an extremely well-qualified group of new Fellows. When I assumed the role as Chair of the Board of Regents, I thought it was the best job in the College. My experience in building Class 32 and working with the Regents and Committee Chairs affirms that belief.
COLLECTIVE EFFORT: I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Mark Bloom, Melissa Kibler, Pat Vance, all the Regents and
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Class 32 is Classic!
Charles A. Beckham, Jr., Haynes and Boone, LLP
Chair, Board of Regents