When you hear the words “gone too soon,” it is usually related to death. Fortunately, that is not the case here. Pamela Simmons Beasley, Chapter 13 Trustee for the District of South Carolina in Columbia, made an indelible impression on me and the NACTT. Pam joined our Bankruptcy Community in 2016. Right from the start we were friends. Though she initially committed to serving for three years, she devoted eight years to her trusteeship and the NACTT.
Pam retires effective September 30, 2024. I served with her on the Inclusion and Acceptance Committee. Her leadership and guidance were stellar. Regardless of the subject matter, her viewpoints consistently provided an air of wisdom and grace that only she could deliver. Her time, energy, and efforts expanded our organization’s awareness, involvement, and knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also served on the Automobile Creditors’ Committee and promoted the Tom Vaughn Memorial Internship program by employing college and law students as interns even though some were not local. Pam also served as Chair of the Bankruptcy I.D.E.A. Consortium.
“Pam Simmons-Beasley is an exceptional person and the very best personification of a Chapter 13 Trustee. In addition to performing the duties of a 13 Trustee, Pam was always willing to take on extra responsibilities in support of the NACTT. Any group needs generous individuals who give of themselves and their time in support of an organization’s goals. Pam is that person. She has been energetic, humble and extremely effective as a leader in NACTT. I can only say that I firmly believe she helped NACTT set new standards in its continued growth in the consumer bankruptcy community. My hope is that others in our group honor the legacy of Pam Simmons-Beasley and further her work in support of the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees.” David Peake, Chapter 13 Trustee for the Southern District of Texas.
Greg Burrell, Chapter 13 Trustee for the District of Minnesota, was quick to reply when asked his thoughts regarding Pam. “Pam’s light shines so bright and she has been a beacon to the Chapter 13 community. She has created an environment within NACTT where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves and welcome growth and change.”
“Pam is a leader of remarkable faith and courage. As a Chapter 13 trustee she has worked tirelessly to help fulfill the potential of Chapter 13 to be a fresh start for debtors. She has also been a national leader in the work of inclusion, acceptance and diversity, chairing the Bankruptcy IDEA Consortium and serving as Co-chair of the NACTT’s first Inclusion and Acceptance Committee. She has done all of this with a remarkable warmth and caring spirit- an inspiration to all who have had the good fortune of working with her.” –Jan Sensenich, Chapter 13 Trustee for the District of Vermont (retired as of 9/30).
“Pam embodies all that we strive to be as professionals. She is kind and patient, but firm – leading with strength, empathy, and integrity; and she is an effective communicator who leads by example and provides support for her colleagues. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pam, learning from her, and connecting with her.” –Dynele Schinker-Kuharich, Chapter 13 Trustee for the Northern District of Ohio. While we will miss her greatly, we’re excited for the next chapter of her journey knowing she will continue to shine while nurturing her husband and spoiling her grandson. Thanks for everything Pam and best of luck in all of your future endeavors.
