NCMA DC Honors Ronald S. Perlman with Chapter Appreciation Award

Dave Freeman and Ron Perlman

There once was a law man from Brooklyn

Who went from BC to DC (that’s Boston College)

The water was warm, the clients started to swarm

He guided them, taught them, led them to win

Ron wowed them from NCMA to NDIA

At Holland & Knight, the money rolled in

 He and Rita are enjoying the swim

Well, that’s the end of this poem but there really is no end to the enduring effect Ron Perlman has had on the Washington Chapter and on our profession. When I visited Ron at Holland & Knight in 2009 to ask him to serve as President of the chapter, the only wall hanging in this impressive office was his Fellow award from NCMA. His participation and service to NCMA goes back to even before that chapter across the river (NOVA) and later conversion to the DC Chapter.

He has been a great leader for us, always probing and challenging with new ideas; providing access to some very famous speakers; providing a home and workshop venue at Holland & Knight for which we are forever grateful; and, for his discipline in making sure we got our jobs done and the many activities he sponsors with Rita’s help to build community among the Executive Council each year.

Ron continues to teach, mentor and introduce young professionals and new companies to the importance of association and to the profession. He finds ways for them to join in and help.

Infrequently mentioned but perhaps most important is the service that Ron and so many others in this room tonight provide with their willingness to take the time, inconvenience and effort to travel bringing the insights from Washington by speaking to far-flung, frequently struggling, chapters around the country – long hours sitting in small, damp airports or driving home late at night.

Ron, the Washington Chapter is forever grateful for all you continue to do for us.

by: Dave Freeman