As the Boston Estate Planning Council (BEPC) enters its 86^th year, we proudly stand as one of the largest and the oldest councils in the country.  Founded in 1930, BEPC is comprised of more than 750 professionals with more than 100 members volunteering on our various committees.  We have a full line-up of educational programs and networking opportunities with over 25  events scheduled for the upcoming year.  Our members come from multiple disciplines, and include attorneys, accountants, bank and trust officers, wealth managers, financial planners, insurance professionals, appraisers, planned giving specialists and other allied professionals.   

As many of you know, BEPC has made great strides over the last several years.  Both membership and sponsorship have grown exponentially.  We’ve enhanced our website, and upgraded Programs with our Signature event at the Museum of Science.  Currently, BEPC is in the best financial condition that we have ever been in.  

I would like to thank Deirdre Prescott, our immediate Past President, for helping us to reach these milestones.  Deirdre’s vision, leadership, and dedication have brought many positive changes to BEPC during her tenure.  

So where do we go from here?  The short answer is upwards.  We will seek to enhance our members’ experience by continuing our commitment to programming with prominent speakers, and  with another Signature event scheduled at the Gardner Museum in the Fall.  We will also upgrade our networking events by offering better venues, and by targeting events that will appeal to both new and long-time members.  We will form a new Strategic Advisory Committee to find ways to improve BEPC, and launch a new Community Outreach Committee to look for opportunities to give back to the community at large.  We will also expand on our multi-disciplinary study groups, and explore ways to develop strategic alliances with other professional organizations. 

The torch has been passed to a new generation of BEPC leaders.  I will challenge them to “think outside the box,” and to take BEPC to new heights.  I also encourage our members to contact me directly with your ideas, thoughts or feedback to improve our Council.  I look forward to the upcoming year as your BEPC President.  Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, and I hope to see you at a future event.

Very truly yours,

Tim McBride

President, Boston Estate Planning Council, 2015-2016