Susan Wetzel Named President of ACEBC
The Dallas-based partner at Haynes Boone took the helm of the legal organization in October 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Human Resources
In October 2026, Susan Wetzel assumed the presidency of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel. She steps into the role following the organization's annual meeting in San Diego.
Why it matters
The appointment elevates a Dallas-based attorney to lead a national professional organization dedicated to the field of employee benefits. Wetzel brings extensive experience to the leadership position, having advised on benefits issues in over 1,000 mergers and acquisitions.
The American College of Employee Benefits Counsel maintains a roster of over 475 fellows. Susan Wetzel serves as a partner at Haynes Boone, a firm that operates 21 global offices and employs 750 lawyers.
The players
Susan Wetzel
She is a partner at the law firm Haynes Boone and the newly appointed president of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel.
American College of Employee Benefits Counsel
This professional organization was founded in 2000 to recognize significant contributions to the employee benefits law field.
Haynes Boone
This international corporate law firm is based in Dallas and maintains 21 global offices with approximately 750 attorneys.
The details
Wetzel, a partner at the firm Haynes Boone, was first inducted as a fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel in 2017. She has built a career advising corporate clients on complex benefits matters throughout her time in Dallas.
Timeline
The American College of Employee Benefits Counsel was founded in 2000.
Susan Wetzel was first named a fellow of the organization in 2017.
The organization held its annual meeting in San Diego in October 2026.
Wetzel officially assumed the role of president in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The American College of Employee Benefits Counsel continues to shape the standards for legal practitioners in the complex field of retirement and health benefits. This transition marks a new chapter for the institution as it maintains its role in vetting elite practitioners.
Clients in the Dallas area and beyond working with Haynes Boone may see continued expertise in benefits law during M&A activity. The professional alignment of firm leadership with industry groups often signals a focus on standard-setting for corporate benefits packages.
The takeaway
Professional appointments within industry-specific legal colleges highlight the importance of specialized expertise in corporate mergers. Leaders in these roles often influence the regulatory and best-practice frameworks that govern employee benefits across the country.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and employment law trends, visit the Human Resources section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Globallegalchronicle.
