The MLA held its Spring Meetings in NYNY from April 30to May 1, 2025. Thanks to our host law firms at Blank Rome, Holland & Knight, K&L Gates, and Clyde & Co. Many of our committee meetings featured CLE presentations. We are grateful for the participation of the USCG at several committee meetings and also the address by Admiral Batson at our General Meeting.

The MLA was also privileged to co-host the Healy Lecture hosted by John Kimball. Social events included a Reception at the NY Yacht Club, a Connolly’s Pub Party, and a co-sponsored WISTA Reception. Our next General Meeting is on October 15, 2025, at the InterContinental Wharf in Washington D.C.

In the Winter of 2025, the MLA Board of Directors met in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and toured Port Everglades. The Board discussed membership issues including meeting formats, CLE, technology, dues, and increasing membership undertaken by an Ad Hoc BOD Committee. The Ad Hoc Membership Committee is working on a membership survey and will report to the general membership in October on its findings and recommendations. The Ad Hoc Committee’s work is in line with the Future of the MLA project which has continued since 2005. The BOD has also discussed the formation of an Ad Hoc Multi Modal Transportation Committee to address the intermodal issues between ship, rail, and trucking interests. Past President Holland reported on the work of the new Nominating Committee and the transparency of their work. Finally, training was provided on the new webpage that was launched officially on May 28, 2025.

This Summer, the MLA BOD has been invited to meet with the Canadian MLA President and will discuss, inter alia, cross border issues.

MLA members are active in the Average Adjusters Association and the Comité Maritime International. Several MLA members met in May at Lloyd’s of London for the Annual Average Adjusters Meeting and then participated in the Annual Savoy Dinner where Joe Grasso presented.

Later in May, approximately ten (10) MLA members attended the CMI Meeting in Tokyo, Japan. MLA members actively participated in working group committees including Lex Maritima, Cargo, Offshore Wind, Marine Insurance, Cruise Lines, and Arctic issues. The U.S. voting delegation included Grady Hurley, James Moseley, and Lynn Krieger. Mr. Moseley was elected as a titulary member. Past President, Frank Nolan, serves on the CMI Executive Committee and has focused on the adoption of the Beijing Convention on Judicial Sales of Ships.

The MLA has just learned of the passing of Keith Heard, a long time member of the Association. A memorial service for Keith Heard will be held on April 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Second Congregational Church, Greenwich, Connecticut. The address is 139 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Deborah M. Nolan, married to MLA Past President Frank Nolan III, passed away on April 11, 2025. Debby served as a Deputy Attorney General for New Jersey, was an accomplished painter, and a published author of four novels. She embraced and supported the work of the MLA and was a dear friend and role model to many in our Association. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Roseland, N.J.