#United States #legal services #Vienna, Virginia #Elder Law #NAELA

NAELA Welcomes a New Leadership Team for 2026-2027

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has recently announced its new Board of Directors for the upcoming term of 2026-2027. This organization, renowned for its commitment to enhancing the quality of legal services available to older adults and individuals with disabilities, has taken a significant step forward in response to the growing legal needs of an aging population in the United States.

As the U.S. Census Bureau forecasts that over 73 million Americans will be 65 years or older by 2030, NAELA's leadership is poised to address an unprecedented demand for experts in elder and special needs law. These areas encompass essential legal services including long-term care planning, navigating public benefits, guardianship issues, estate planning, and protecting disability rights. As such, the work of NAELA is more critical than ever.

With over 4,000 attorneys in their community, NAELA provides invaluable resources to help families manage the complexities associated with legal, financial, and healthcare decisions, all centered on ensuring independence, dignity, and security for older adults.

The new Board, effective June 1, 2026, consists of both returning and newly appointed members:

Board Officers

• - President: Marielle F. Hazen, CELA, Fellow from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• - Vice President: Heather Voorn, CELA, CAP from New Lenox, Illinois
• - Treasurer: Mark T. Johnson, CELA, CAP from Fitchburg, Wisconsin
• - Secretary: Paul D. Shapiro, CELA, CAP from Portland, Maine
• - Past President: Eric J. Einhart, Esq. from Garden City, New York

Returning Directors

• - Terry Berthelot, MSW, J.D. (Mansfield Center, Connecticut)
• - Andrew R. Boyer, Esq. (Sarasota, Florida)
• - Audrey Ehrhardt, Esq. (Crystal River, Florida)
• - Spencer Ghazey-Bates, CELA, CAP (Northampton, Massachusetts)
• - Lindsay C. Jones, Esq. (Willoughby Hills, Ohio)
• - Beth A. McDaniel, CELA, CAP (Renton, Washington)
• - Deirdre R. Wheatley-Liss, CELA (Parsippany, New Jersey)

New Directors

• - Marjorie Brown, CELA (Concord, North Carolina)
• - Gorham S. Clark, Esq. (Leesburg, Virginia)
• - John R. McNair, CELA (Dallas, Texas)
• - Bridget Mullins, Esq. (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

NAELA's CEO, Alexander T. Graham, expressed confidence in the newly formed board, stating, "The leaders serving on our Board of Directors bring extraordinary expertise, compassion, and commitment to their profession." Under their guidance, NAELA aims to continue its mission to advance excellence in elder and special needs law.

As the landscape of elder care law evolves, the proactive involvement of NAELA in advocating for the rights of older Americans and individuals with disabilities is essential. This leadership transition marks not just a change in personnel but a more profound commitment to ensuring that legal resources remain accessible and effective for those who need them most.

By strengthening its organizational backbone with such experienced and passionate leaders, NAELA is set to continue its impactful work in shaping legal policies and practices that uphold the dignity and rights of some of the most vulnerable populations in our society. For more information on NAELA and its initiatives, visit NAELA.org.