What are some of your proudest recent achievements? As a retired Bankruptcy Judge and public servant of many years, I am proudest of my cases that involve serving the public interest. Off the top, Texas, together with an ad hoc consortium of states, retained me to represent their interests from a bankruptcy perspective in the various opioid litigations and bankruptcy cases. Obviously, my experiences on and off the bench played a role in shaping my advice. Other public interest matters since joining Otterbourg include serving as Patient Care Ombudsman in health care bankruptcies (where I monitored patient care to assure it is not adversely impacted by the bankruptcy) and as Receiver in Platinum Partners, as a fiduciary in related SEC litigation. Also, at the very top of the list, is my appointment by the NYS Health Commissioner to serve as the first Temporary Operator of a community hospital, Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn.

What does it mean to be a leader? Set an example. Have confidence in your colleagues and give them the opportunity to step up.