A Message from Luke Weedon, 2024 ACIC President
Happy Holidays!
As we all frantically try to close year-end deals while also enjoying this festive season with our colleagues, friends and families, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of the ACIC during 2024. It has been a privilege to serve as your president over the last year, and I am proud of what we have accomplished.
In April, Sumbul Ali and Jeff Dutson prepared a fabulous conference in Chicago that paid homage to the great performances of our time.
Based on feedback from our members, we analyzed current conflict issues that arise in the private placement market, we published an update to the guiding principles, and we hosted a CLE in June that addressed conflicts of interest and advance conflict waivers.
Earlier this year we hosted a webinar regarding creditor-on-creditor violence, and we have another webinar on this developing topic in the works. Stay tuned for more information on this webinar, which will most likely occur in January.
In October, Sarah Olson and Julia Singh prepared an enlightening world’s fair-themed conference in New York, which left us all wanting more tickets for more events.
The TPMC spent the year working on many important projects that will be rolled out in the coming months, including an update to the model form and a project to answer the age-old question: Do we really need physical notes?
These achievements are a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of the members of the College.
Thank you to my fellow ACIC board members for your support, leadership, and friendship. And thank you to the staff at MCC, and CJ Marchain in particular, for your tireless efforts that have made all the difference. And to each member of the ACIC, your enthusiasm, dedication and collegiality are what make the ACIC truly exceptional.
As we look forward to the future, the College is in good hands. Below is the list of officers and trustees that were nominated and approved at the annual meeting in October.
Principal Officers:
President: Melody Cross (The Prudential Insurance Company of America)
Vice President 1: Bryan Cho (MetLife Investments)
Vice President 2: Patti Boss (Voya Investment Management)
Treasurer: Michael Robson (Greenberg Traurig)
Secretary: Robin Lenarz (Loomis Sayles)
At-Large Trustees:
Class of 2027: Charles Calloway (Greenberg Traurig), Jeff Dutson (King & Spalding), & Tom Pasuit (Kuvare)
Class of 2026: Jennifer Fitzpatrick (Pacific Life), Heather Wenzel (Morgan Lewis), & Brendan Kelly (New York Life)
Class of 2025: Jenna Jenson (Thrivent), Kevin Knohl (ArentFox Schiff), & Kate Lindsay (MetLife Investments)
Past Presidents: Luke Weedon (Baker Botts) & Renée Dailey (Eversheds Sutherlands)
Congratulations to our new officers and directors! I would also like to thank our outgoing board members, Chris Dallas and David Lawton, for all of their contributions to the College over the years.
As we look ahead to 2025, I hope you will join us at the Spring Conference, which once again will be held at the Four Seasons in Chicago, April 3-4. Our Co-Chairs Nicolette Lopez of Voya Investment Management and Peter Butler of ArentFox Schiff are already hard at work organizing another informative and educational conference.
As I pass the torch to our incoming president, Melody Cross, I am excited about the future and the energy and fresh ideas that Melody will bring to the College.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president, and I hope you have a Happy Holiday!
Luke
