The Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) is a non-profit professional association of attorneys which educates its members and others regarding needs and solutions for the elderly, their families, and their caregivers, and advocates for beneficial care and laws for these persons.

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Officers

Officers and Directors for 2026-2027

President: Stephen E. Taylor
Vice President: Robert W. Haley
Treasurer: Joseph W. Thelin
Secretary: Lelia Winget-Hernandez
Immediate Past President: Gorham (Rory) Clark

Board of Directors

Directors with a term ending June 30, 2028.

Doris W. Gelbman (Communications & Member Relations Committee)
Virginia C. Haizlip (Education Committee)
Sarah M. Saville (Education Committee)
Ari Sommer (Public Policy Committee)
Joseph Z. Simmons (Education Committee)

Directors with a term ending June 30, 2027.

Melissa A. Freakley (Education Committee)
Christopher M. McCarthy (Governance & Management Committee)
Elizabeth McMaster (Public Policy Committee)
Mario Pizzamiglio (Communications & Member Relations Committee)
Aubrey Carew Sizer (Communications & Member Relations Committee)