Fall 2025 President's Message
- Jacklynn Barras
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
To my fellow Philadelphia Estate Planning Council members,
As we embark on another exciting year together, I am honored PEPC’s 2025-26 season, and my presidency, begins in celebration. First, at our September meeting, PEPC recognized previous board member, John Hook, Esq. of Stradley Ronon, as our latest Distinguished Planner Award winner. Throughout his career, John has worked tirelessly to advance the PEPC and the broader estate planning industry. Serving as a mentor to many, including another past president of the PEPC, Stephanie Sanderson Braem, John also has guided and inspired the next generation of trust and estate leaders with integrity and dedication. PEPC is what it is today thanks to members like John. Congratulations, John!
Our second celebration came this week during National Estate Planning Week when the Board accepted the Council of Excellence Award at the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (“NAEPC”) Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Annual Conference in Washington, DC. This award honors councils dedicated to exceptional member experience, thought provoking and innovative programming and an unwavering commitment to advancing the estate planning profession. The Council of Excellence award reflects the commitment, professionalism, active involvement and collaborative approach demonstrated by our members.
These celebrations only scratch the surface of what is to come. This year, the phenomenal programming that PEPC is known for will continue. On October 28th, AK Moody of BNY Wealth and Emily Plocki of Venable will speak on 2025 Federal Tax Law Highlights for Fiduciaries, with special thanks to Hindman Freeman’s for sponsoring. November 20th will feature the Philadelphia return of Villanovan Molly Gron of Hindman Freeman’s Recent Updates in Estate Planning for Tangible Personal Property - Philadelphia Edition! The PEPC Holiday Party also will return to the Racquet Club on December 3rd. Please take the time to register to secure your spot soon. Sponsorship opportunities remain for the November program and Holiday Party.
As with many of you, I was drawn to PEPC’s tremendous programming, networking and community engagement and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member for your role in that. As you know, the best way to celebrate is together and, on behalf of the Board, I call on each of you to continue to support the PEPC by attending our events and joining a committee. It is through your participation, engagement and enthusiasm that we can build on our legacy, foster professional growth and serve our members’ diverse and changing needs. Please join us before the October 28th program for our meet and greet coffee station in the Farragut Room from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. to learn what opportunities exist. We also encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities offered through PEPC’s participation in NAEPC, including continuing education and national networking events.
I look forward to seeing you all on October 28th and to the year ahead!
With warmest regards,
Jackie Barras
President, Philadelphia Estate Planning Council
