Spring 2026 President's Message

by Jacklynn Barras

To my fellow Philadelphia Estate Planning Council members,

As we move into spring after a seemingly endless winter, we welcome the opportunity to reflect, renew and continue the celebration we started at the beginning of PEPC’s 2025-2026 season. For those of us in the estate planning profession, it also marks the close of another demanding tax season and a moment to recognize the important work that we have done on behalf of our clients, their families, the institutions they care about most and to the broader estate planning community through our time with PEPC.

This spirit of celebration feels especially meaningful as our nation approaches the 250^th  anniversary of the United States. The semiquincentennial invites reflection on the enduring ideals, civic responsibility and shared purpose that have shaped our country across generations. Here in Philadelphia, where our nation’s founding principles took form, that milestone reminds us that we are not only beneficiaries of a remarkable legacy, but also stewards of what we have inherited.

That concept of stewardship resonates deeply within PEPC members. As professionals, we help individuals and families think carefully about legacy, responsibility and continuity. We guide them in preserving what matters most and preparing wisely for the future. In doing so, we participate in work that is both highly practical and deeply meaningful.

The same is true of our beloved Council. Organizations such as ours are sustained not simply by history or reputation, but by the active engagement of their members. PEPC has long benefited from the talent, collegiality and commitment of professionals across disciplines who share a dedication to excellence in our field. To remain strong, however, our organization depends on members who are willing to serve as good stewards of the Council itself.

I encourage each of you to consider how you might support that mission. Whether by joining a committee, assisting with programs, mentoring newer members, or contributing ideas and leadership, volunteering is one of the best ways to strengthen the Council and invest in its future. Service to the PEPC is an extension of the same stewardship we promote in our professional lives, and it is essential to preserving the vitality of this community for years to come. For me, it has represented lifetime friendships, impactful mentors and many of the most rewarding and important times in my career.

Spring is also a fitting reminder that growth and renewal require intention. The Council continues to flourish because of the relationships we build, the knowledge we share and the high standards we uphold together. Our multidisciplinary character remains one of our greatest strengths, allowing us to learn from one another and to better serve the individuals, families and charitable institutions that rely on our guidance.

As we look ahead, there is much to celebrate: the conclusion of tax season, the arrival of spring, the promise of renewal, and the historic anniversary our city and nation will soon commemorate. There is also much to look forward to within our own Council community as we continue to strengthen professional connections and advance the mission of this organization. In that spirit, we invite you to join us on April 21^st for our Ethics Forum and the Annual Meeting on May 5^th, where we will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, the continued strength of our Council community and vote on our new slate of leaders.

It has been a true honor to serve as President of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council, an organization without equal. I am deeply grateful for each member’s continued commitment to the Council and to the profession we share. Your engagement, generosity and spirit of service are what make PEPC so special, and I am proud to be part of an organization so deeply rooted in collegiality, leadership and shared purpose. Looking forward to celebrating with each of you on May 5^th!

With warmest regards,

Jackie Barras

President, Philadelphia Estate Planning Council