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NAELA Announces New Board of Directors for 2025-2026

On June 2, 2025, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) proudly revealed its Board of Directors for the upcoming term of 2025–2026. Established in 1987, NAELA's mission focuses on enhancing the quality of legal services offered to older adults and individuals with disabilities. The organization currently represents a community of more than 4,000 attorneys specializing in elder and special needs law.

NAELA continues to play a crucial role in supporting its members through ongoing education, advocacy, and collaborations among peers. This is particularly significant given the increasing complexities surrounding legal challenges faced by clients in the areas of long-term care, estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid, and disability rights.

The need for informed, ethical, and compassionate legal representation is becoming increasingly vital as the elderly and those with disabilities grow in number. Alexander T. Graham, the CEO of NAELA, stated, "We are proud to be guided by a board that is deeply committed to advancing the field of elder and special needs law to serve these vulnerable populations."

To celebrate the new leadership and transition, NAELA has also released a video featuring a conversation between outgoing President Judith Flynn and incoming President Eric Einhart. This dialogue underscores the importance of NAELA membership amidst evolving legal, regulatory, and political landscapes, while offering insights into Einhart’s vision for the year ahead. The video can be viewed on the NAELA website.

New Board Members

The following individuals are set to begin their new positions from June 1, 2025:

• - President: Eric J. Einhart, Esq. (Garden City, New York)
• - Vice President: Marielle F. Hazen, CELA, Fellow (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
• - Treasurer: Heather Voorn, CELA, CAP (New Lenox, Illinois)
• - Secretary: Mark T. Johnson, CELA (Fitchburg, Wisconsin)
• - Past President: Judith M. Flynn, CELA, Fellow (Quincy, Massachusetts)

Returning Directors

The returning directors who will continue their roles include:

• - Andrew R. Boyer, Esq. (Sarasota, Florida)
• - Caleb S. Lihn, CELA (Peoria, Arizona)
• - Lauren Marinaro, Esq. (Clark, New Jersey)
• - Christopher M. McCarthy, CELA, CAP (Midlothian, Virginia)
• - Beth A. McDaniel, CELA, CAP (Renton, Washington)
• - Barbara Boone McGinnis, CELA (Hendersonville, Tennessee)
• - Paul D. Shapiro, CELA (Portland, Maine)

New Additions to the Board

Additionally, several new directors are joining the board:

• - Terry Berthelot, MSW, J.D. (Mansfield Center, Connecticut)
• - Audrey Ehrhardt, Esq. (Crystal River, Florida)
• - E. Spencer Ghazey-Bates, CELA (Northampton, Massachusetts)
• - Lindsay C. Jones, Esq. (Willoughby Hills, Ohio)
• - Deirdre R. Wheatley-Liss, CELA (Morristown, New Jersey)

About NAELA

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys stands as the primary professional association aiming to elevate the quality of legal services for older adults and people with disabilities. With over 4,000 members and 33 active state chapters, NAELA provides essential education, advocacy, community, and resources to attorneys practicing in elder and special needs law. The organization continuously seeks ways to better serve its clients and advocates for improved legal standards in these critical fields. For more information, visit NAELA.org.