The 2025 Annual Meeting took place in La Quinta, California, from March 19 to 23. ACTEC is deeply grateful for the continued support of its sponsors, who remain valued partners of the College.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

President’s Welcome Dinner

Fellows and guests attended the President’s Welcome Dinner on Thursday, March 20, sponsored by South Dakota Trust Company LLC.

Sponsor Perspective

James (Jim) Paladino
South Dakota Trust Company

During the 2025 Annual Meeting, Jim Paladino, Managing Director and President of South Dakota Trust Company LLC, shared his insights on the company’s long-standing sponsorship of the President’s Welcome Reception and ACTEC meetings.

How did South Dakota Trust Company initially come to sponsor the President’s Welcome Dinner?

Being a sponsor of the ACTEC Annual Meeting has been a wonderful, long journey of getting to meet many ACTEC Fellows. Our involvement in the President’s Dinner has provided a unique opportunity to welcome Fellows and their guests, offering a chance to interact with them outside of the classroom. This experience has helped us build deeper, more personal relationships with each Fellow.

South Dakota Trust has consistently committed to sponsoring the Annual Meeting. What inspires you to renew this sponsorship year after year?

We’ve been a sponsor of the ACTEC Annual Meeting for over 15 years, and every year, we go to a more beautiful place and have another opportunity to meet New Fellows and revisit those we met the year before. It’s just a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and, over the last 15 years, even make good friends.

Beyond the Annual Meeting, are there other ACTEC meetings that you find sponsorship particularly rewarding?

The Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting is another event where sponsorship is particularly rewarding. South Dakota is part of the Rocky Mountain region, and the Fellows in South Dakota initially asked us to sponsor their Regional Meeting. The meeting is smaller and more intimate, allowing us to meet more of the local attorneys and build close relationships with Fellows in the region.

Do you have a vision of how your company will be involved with ACTEC in the future?

We will definitely continue to sponsor the Rocky Mountain Regional Meetings and the Annual Meeting. They are both great opportunities to meet the New Fellows who join ACTEC and keep the College growing. As we look to the future, our recent acquisition by JTC strengthens our ability to continue nurturing these relationships. Our continued partnership with ACTEC aligns with JTC’s vision to build stronger ties, offer innovative solutions, and enhance our industry presence, ensuring that our relationships with Fellows continue to grow and evolve for years to come. Overall, ACTEC is an amazing community of knowledgeable trust and estate professionals who all get together and enjoy each other’s company!

Passing of the Gavel

Bessemer Trust sponsored the Opening Breakfast, Annual Business Meeting, and Passing of the Gavel Ceremony on Friday, March 21.

Susan D. Snyder and Peter S. Gordon

Outgoing President Susan D. Snyder called the Annual Business Meeting to order on Friday, March 21. She conducted the election of the Board of Regents, thanked incoming and outgoing Committee and State Chairs, ACTEC sponsors, and ACTEC staff, and passed the gavel to incoming President Peter S. Gordon.

L. Henry Gissel, Jr. Spirit of ACTEC Lecture

On Friday, March 21, President Susan D. Snyder opened the biennial L. Henry Gissel, Jr. Spirit of ACTEC Lecture and introduced ACTEC Foundation President John T. Rogers, Jr. John introduced Past President Ann B. Burns, who delivered her lecture ‘Minnesota Nice’ – Collegiality in Today’s Trust and Estate Practice. Ann defined collegiality as establishing relationships with common goals and emphasized the importance of genuine communication and accountability.

John T. Rogers, Jr., Susan D. Snyder, and Ann B. Burns

The Annual Joseph Trachtman Memorial Lecture

ACTEC President Susan D. Snyder introduced Past President Stephen (Steve) R. Akers (2020–2021) to present this year’s Trachtman Lecture, stating: “I had the privilege of selecting Steve to present this year’s lecture. Today, Steve will explore the science behind his lecture, Counting Down Counting Up: Flourishing. Steve provided a scientific backdrop and concepts of positive psychology as a distinct field, referencing books, university courses, and scholarly articles in the wellness area.

Susan D. Snyder and Stephen (Steve) R. Akers

Farewell Reception & Dinner

Christie’s sponsored the Farewell Reception & Dinner on Saturday, March 22.

Board of Regents Reception and Dinner

On Sunday, March 23, ACTEC’s Board of Regents, Regents-Elect, Past Presidents, State Chairs, Incoming State Chairs, and Spouses and Guests met for a reception and dinner sponsored by Sotheby’s.

Silver Sponsors

New Fellows and International Fellows

New and International Fellows had multiple opportunities to network at the La Quinta Resort. On Friday, March 21, they met for a beautiful evening reception under the California sky. (Pictured L-R) International Membership Committee Chair Lyat Eyal and New Fellows Steering Committee Chair Amanda M. Gyeszly welcomed guests.

On Thursday, March 20, ACTEC Fellows met with International Fellows for a chance to ask questions about foreign jurisdictions, seek clarification on international issues, and get to know one another during the International Fellows’ Meet and Greet.

Bronze Sponsors

First Time Sponsors

Tours and Competitions

Fellows, guests, and sponsors had multiple opportunities to network, enjoy some friendly competition, and explore the beauty of the California desert through a variety of tours and tournaments. From scenic outings to spirited matches, these activities brought everyone together in the best way.

On Wednesday, March 19, Fellows, guests, and sponsors hiked in Joshua Tree National Park and took in views of the Coachella Valley!

The John L. Sullivan Annual Meeting 5K Fun Run/Walk was held on Saturday, March 22.

Congratulations to the Winners!

Women’s (Pictured L-R): 3rd Place: Sponsor representative Sherri Cohen, Sotheby’s; 1st Place: Fellow Karin C. Prangley; 2nd Place: Fellow Jessica A. Uzcategui.

Men’s (Pictured L-R): 2nd Place: Sponsor representative Thomas Bell, Bessemer Trust; 1st Place: ACTEC Fellow Joseph (Lee) Lee Brown; 3rd Place: Sponsor representative David Murray, Cumberland Trust.

The College thanks all who participated in the competitions and invites Sponsors to visit the 2025 Annual Meeting App’s Activities Feed.