The WBA was deeply saddened to learn Tuesday of the passing of former WBA President Mary K. Ryan. Mary was President of the WBA from 1984 – 1985. During her time on the board, Mary was responsible for creating the WBA’s Legislative Policy Committee, which remains one of the WBA’s most active committees, guiding the WBA’s critical work in upholding the rights of women in the Commonwealth. In addition to her role as President and board member, Mary stayed deeply connected to the WBA throughout the years, serving as a mentor to many WBA members, including in an official capacity as a mentor in the inaugural WBA’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) class from 2009-2010. Mary would later serve as Co-Chair of the WLI from 2017-2018 and Senior Chair from 2020-2021. Mary was also a member of the WBA’s Emeritus Board from 2015-2021.

Mary made her career at Nutter and was a trailblazer for women in the legal profession. She was a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Environmental Lawyers and a Director of the Environmental Business Council of New England for over 25 years. She was also passionately committed to pro bono efforts and helping those in need through her unwavering commitment to improving our legal system to make access to justice a reality for all. In 2003, the WBA recognized Mary’s impact by honoring her with the Lelia J. Robinson Award, an award that recognizes women attorneys who are pioneers in the legal profession and have made a difference in the community. 

“I am deeply saddened by Mary’s passing and am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know her during my time on the board and now as President of the WBA,” President Allie Mitropoulos remarked. “Mary was an incredible attorney and mentor, and we are so grateful to her for the amazing legacy she left for the WBA to continue.”