ABI Leadership Profile: Frank Monaco
Frank Monaco is the subject of our most recent ABI Leadership Profile. Frank is a Member of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, where he is resident in the firm's Wilmington, Del., office. At this year's Annual Spring Meeting, Frank was appointed to a three-year term as a member of the Board of Directors of ABI. He also served on the faculty of this year's ABI Litigation Skills Symposium. Frank received his B.A. from the University of Delaware and his J.D. from Villanova University.
How did you become involved with the ABI?
I became involved with the ABI after I got a phone call from former Chief Judge Helen Balick of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware almost 25 years ago. Judge Balick told me that it would be a good idea for me to get involved with this organization.
Were there a lot of Delaware practitioners involved at the time?
No, I don't think there were more than 25 Delaware bankruptcy attorneys because the Delaware bankruptcy practice was just getting started about the time the judge called me.
What positions have you held in the ABI since you joined?
I'm co-chair of the Mid-Atlantic Bankruptcy Workshop and the Commercial Fraud Task Force Section. Also I'm a member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Certification, which is affiliated with the ABI. I have been involved in the Ambassador Program for new members. I have just been elected to the ABI Board of Directors.
How has your association with the ABI helped you in your practice?
It's helped me immensely from a business referral standpoint. I have gotten a number of referrals and matters from colleagues in the ABI, especially given where my practice is situated. Also, I have formed a lot of great friendships with people all over the country. I've certainly used the resources of the ABI to further my professional development. I have been a speaker at a number of ABI bankruptcy programs, which has provided me great exposure in the bankruptcy world.
What do you say to new members and young members of the ABI who would like to get more involved? What do you suggest that they do to get ahead in the organization?
The ABI has just recently revamped its committee organization. In the old days, there was really just one chair of each section. Now there are two co-chairs that rotate every two years, and each section has five different positions: education director, membership, special tasks, listserve and, newsletter editor. Volunteering to assist one of these subcommittees is a good way to advance in the ABI.
What are your goals for your term as a member of the board of directors of ABI?
Every director must get involved with a [Board] committee. I am going to be involved with the Education Committee, which is involved with the educational programs, speakers and topics, etc.