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Eight new members have been unanimously elected to the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Board of Visitors. Comprising diverse and distinguished legal professionals and leaders representing all sectors, the Board of Visitors advises the Maryland Carey Law dean and other law school leaders on a wide range of internal and external topics affecting the law school, legal education and the legal profession, and the rule of law.
The new members (above l-r) are:
- Maurice A. Bellan ’98, Managing Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP
- Kathleen A. Birrane ’86, Partner & US Insurance Regulatory Practice Chair, DLA Piper LLP (US)
- Ethan A. Caldwell ’95, Chief Corporate Development Officer, MixMode, Inc.
- Prabir Chakrabarty ’94, Director of Corporate Membership & Global Expansion, Association of Corporate Counsel
- The Hon. Paul A. Fioravanti, Jr. ’97, Vice Chancellor, Delaware Court of Chancery
- Steven G. Metzger ’06, Partner, Gallagher Evelius & Jones LLP
- Michelle Daugherty Siri ’02, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Maryland Legal Services Corporation
- Xochitl S. Strohbehn ’09, Partner, Venable LLP
At the board’s spring meeting, members unanimously approved former Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera ’84, Paul Caiola ’95, former U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin ’67, and Edward Manno Shumsky ’73 for emeritus membership status. The board also recognized Sharon Krevor-Weisbaum ’87 for her steadfast service on the executive committee as board secretary, while unanimously approving Jason St. John ’00 to take on the role. Additionally, the board expressed gratitude to David M. Lynn ’95, Paul A. Tiburzi ’80, and Yitai Hu ’94 for their dedication and service as their board terms came to a close.
The volunteer members of the Board of Visitors share a strong professional and philanthropic commitment to Maryland Carey Law and serve as thoughtful advisors and active participants in the school’s programs and initiatives, including advancement, alumni engagement, career development, and admissions activities.
Among the board’s key priorities is student mental health and wellness. The spring meeting featured a discussion with Carole Dagher, an accomplished legal executive and internationally recognized mental health advocate. Tamika Tremaglio ’95, board chair, arranged Dagher’s visit to the law school, where she also led a special conversation with law students.
“The members of the board care deeply about our students, our community, and our profound responsibility to educate, support, and train the next generation of lawyers and leaders,” said Maryland Carey Law Dean Renée Hutchins Laurent. “As legal education, the legal profession, and the rule of law face unprecedented and existential threats, we greatly appreciate being able to turn to the Board of Visitors for their expert advice, passionate advocacy, generous support, and engaged commitment to the critical work we do every day.”