By Katayun Jaffari
This summer, the Philadelphia Bar Association bids farewell to Harvey Hurdle as he steps down from executive director and begins his retirement. We greatly appreciate all of Harvey’s work and dedication to the Association, and wish him the very best as he embarks on the next stage of his lifetime with his family and friends. In this issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer, co-editor-in-chief Shelli Fedullo interviewed Harvey about the past six years and his experience leading the Association.
Since you will hear from Harvey in his own words, I thought it was fitting to also share a few words *about* Harvey from each Chancellor with whom he has worked during his tenure, along with our current Chancellor-Elect Ezra Wohgelernter and Vice Chancellor Kristine Calalang.
2019 Chancellor Shelli Fedullo:
Harvey is an exceptional strategic and creative thinker, team builder and leader. Beyond that, he is authentic, sincere, and an overall good person. I am very grateful to have had him at my side in 2019 and for his continuing friendship.
2020 Chancellor Hon. A. Michael Snyder (ret.):
I was fortunate enough to have a regular 8 a.m. wake-up call with Harvey during 2020. Although Harvey came into the ED position new to Bar Association issues, he soon became a trusted friend, counselor and advisor. I was always impressed with Harvey’s calm demeanor and his exceptional sense of what was right for us to do. As the years have gone by, I saw that Harvey always had the interests of the Association at heart. He was my steady rock, a supportive voice, and ultimately, my very dear friend. I will miss seeing him at the Association, as will so many others. Harvey, you have been such an important part of all of our lives for the past six years. I wish you a retirement filled with all good things.
2021 Chancellor Lauren McKenna:
I began my tenure as Chancellor in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and Harvey Hurdle was right there with me, a true partner. Harvey was a steady hand in turbulent times, helping me plan official public statements, guide the Bar Association through court re-openings and remote work debates and decide when and how to resume in-person events. Each day started with an 8 a.m. call with Harvey to go over the latest developments and to set the agenda for achieving the Association’s objectives. Harvey would always provide thoughtful and strategic counsel, whether it involved advocating for criminal defense attorneys to access the COVID-19 vaccine or overseeing the important work of the Judicial Commission. Over that challenging year, we became partners in the shared objectives of the Association and true friends. I wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter focused on family and travel.
2022 Chancellor Wesley R. Payne IV
Harvey’s dedication to the Bar Association and each Chancellor’s success is noteworthy. Every morning, we would touch base, as is his practice with each Chancellor, to discuss the upcoming events and issues. My wife and I called it “coffee with Harvey”. He never left any stone unturned during these briefings, and I truly appreciated his dedication.
2023 Chancellor Marc J. Zucker:
Harvey brought a refreshing perspective to the Bar Association, with a keen focus on fiscal responsibility and common sense. He knew that we couldn’t have an impact on the legal profession and the community if we overspent and ran through our reserves. He found new sources of revenue and continued our trend, ably led by CFO Susan Knight, to reduce expenses. Likewise, he expanded our efforts, ably led by Andrea Morris-Tracey, to increase membership with institutional partners that added depth to our Association. He supported the initiatives we introduced and, as a result, we are well-positioned for future success.
2024 Chancellor Jen Coatsworth:
Harvey has been a transformational executive director of our Bar Association, stewarding seven Chancellors through their leadership of the Association and providing wise guidance and counsel, helping to achieve each leader’s vision for the organization. Harvey used his personal expertise, as well as national contacts, to help us develop a meaningful strategic plan and he is a master at ensuring that the activities of the Association comport with some aspect of the plan. He has developed innovative new streams of revenue to sustain the finances of the Association, while building and enhancing the membership experience with additional services and benefits. Harvey has also used his connections and vast network within the City and beyond to build relationships, which elevate the profile and stature of the Association and the impact that our work has in the community. Harvey has truly helped the Association reach new heights and he has positioned us to continue that trajectory for years to come.... We are so lucky to have the benefit of his wisdom, and I’m personally lucky to call him a dear friend. He will be missed!
2025 Chancellor-Elect Ezra Wohlgelernter:
Harvey Hurdle’s steady leadership and financial stewardship have left an indelible mark on the Bar Association. His commitment and management skills ensured the long-term vitality of the Philadelphia Bar Association. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him the very best in retirement.
2025 Vice Chancellor Kristine Calalang:
Harvey is a very special person. He is warm, welcoming, and graciously invests his time and energy in building and supporting leadership in our wonderful Association. I fondly remember Harvey encouraging me to run for the Board of Governors, and the rest is history! All my love to Harvey on his retirement, and I look forward to staying connected in this new, exciting chapter of his life!
2025 Chancellor Katayun I. Jaffari:
As for me, your 2025 Chancellor, my thoughts center around Harvey’s humanity. Harvey’s kindness, his generosity of spirit, his generosity of time and his generosity of love, have not gone unnoticed, nor unappreciated by me and the members. I have been the recipient of all of these things, which are part of Harvey’s true nature. It’s in his DNA to be kind, caring and generous. And so for me, while Harvey’s leadership and advancement of the Association go without saying, I am grateful for his role as a trusted advisor—someone I could turn to for sound and wise advice and guidance and someone I knew had my back –with all of the humanity that comes with it.
Thank you, Harvey, for your leadership, your friendship and your tireless work on behalf of our community and we all wish you the very best in your well-deserved retirement!
Kathy Jaffari is 2025 Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. You can reach her at chancellor@philabar.org.
