Congratulations and Fond Farewell to a Standout Surety and Legal Professional!

Having to say goodbye to a professional colleague who has been such a significant part of my professional life for many years is indeed bittersweet. Martha Perkins, NASBP’s General Counsel, related to me earlier this year that she will retire as of December 31. Martha has served as NASBP’s General Counsel for over 11 years, but I have known Martha far longer than that, as Martha and I first met when I worked as a Senior Counsel for the Associated General Contractors of America and had, among my responsibilities, staffing of the then AGC Surety Committee, to which Martha liaised as a Senior Counsel for the American Insurance Association. She was warm, engaging, extremely knowledgeable, and savvy about industry interests and perspectives, and I could trust her to give me the straight answer, and not BS. In the trade association world and, indeed, in most environments, such candor and connections are precious capital, and I greatly valued our professional interactions. It also didn’t hurt that Martha was a lot of fun at AGC meetings, typically then held at nice resorts, as she possesses a wonderful sense of humor, an impish streak, and has passions for good food, good wine, and spicy conversations. Martha eventually moved on from her role at the American Insurance Association, deciding to return to the private practice of law, but fate had a way of intwining our paths.

Once I came on board NASBP as its in-house general counsel, I needed a “go-to” legal professional to assist with various matters from time-to-time that would arise and that required an outside legal perspective. Martha and her colleagues at the law firm of Whiteford Taylor were the natural choice, and Martha provided me with years of excellent counsel and assistance. Later, after becoming CEO, I had the opportunity to hire Martha to fill the vacant general counsel’s position, as Martha wished to leave private practice. I have felt so fortunate to have had Martha’s expertise, guidance, and counsel as the association navigated so many matters, internal and external. She also has left an indelible mark on the surety community through her advocacy of surety interests in countless meetings, communications, and comment letters educating public officials, design professionals, obligees, and others about matters impacting surety bonding. Her legacy includes forming and managing the NASBP Attorney and CPA Advisory Councils, whose many contributions to the association in the form of articles, blogs, presentations, and seminars are indispensable and outstanding.

Martha, congratulations on your many career achievements and your well-deserved retirement. Cheers on making your time your own. I and the NASBP community are sincerely grateful for all your exceptional contributions which have elevated and will continue to elevate the Association and the surety industry for many years to come!