History
In 1971, seeing a need for networking among those engaged in the practice of estate planning, a group of men formed the “Tidewater Estate Planning Council,” electing Daniel Klein as their first president. In the beginning, the chapter was less exclusive to those focused in the fields of estate planning, as many professionals were heavily invested in other areas. The first meeting was held at the Admiralty Motor Hotel in Norfolk, VA, where meetings were held until 1991.
In 1991, meetings were moved to the Lake Wright Hotel and in 1992 the first female was added to the board: Susan E. Martin. Membership totaled approximately 140 during this period.
The meetings were moved to the Clarion Hotel in Virginia Beach in 1995 as the membership grew to 156.
In 1998, the name of the council was changed to the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council, and the group elected its first female president during the 1999-2000 fiscal year: Joanne Chapman.
During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, not-for-profit development officers were admitted to the Council and the very next year, the bylaws were amended to include CFP’s and an “Other licensed or accredited professional category.” It was during this year that the membership directory was first printed, the Council began outsourcing management and administrative duties, and that meetings were moved to the Town Center City Club, where the meetings are still held.
At the start of 2017, the Council’s first member was elected to the national board, the NAEPC; John T. Midgett, now an officer, still serves NAEPC and as our local council’s liaison.
The bylaws were amended during the 2018-2019 fiscal year to include the Associate member and Emeritus member categories, allowing both less seasoned professionals and retiring professionals membership privileges.
The fiscal year end was changed from June 30th to May 31st for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
Since its founding in 1971, the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council, has been served by 50 presidents.
