The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys is pleased to announce that David K. Cahoone, J.D., LL.M. has joined the Academy as our new Director of Education.
David brings more than three decades of experience in estate planning, charitable planning, tax strategy, and legal education. He most recently served as Senior Partner at the Dorcey Law Firm and previously spent six years as Director of Philanthropic Strategies and Planned Giving at Brown University. Earlier in his career, he built his own practice, David K. Cahoone, PA, and was a partner at Esperti Peterson & Cahoone, PA, working with high-net-worth families across the country.
David has spent much of his career teaching. As a national keynote speaker, he has addressed attorneys, financial advisors, CPAs, and trust officers at conferences nationwide, most recently presenting on 2025 tax reform and the statutory GRAT. He is co-author of three books on estate and wealth planning, holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and earned his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida College of Law.
“”David is someone Robert Armstrong and I have known and respected for many years,” said Sanford M. Fisch, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy. “David’s depth and breadth of knowledge and experience will be a real bonus for Academy Members.”
A Transition Built on Years of Strong Leadership
David succeeds Tereina Stidd, who led the Academy’s Education Department for five years before returning to private practice. Tereina’s energy and commitment shaped our educational programs and had a meaningful impact on our Members, and we thank her for everything she built during her time with the Academy.
David is spending the coming weeks working alongside our team, including staff attorney Jensen Puno and Executive Administrator Donna Higgins, learning our systems and Core Documents as he prepares to step into the role full time in mid-July 2026.
Meet David at the Fall Summit
Members will have their first opportunity to meet David in person at the Fall Summit, October 15 to 18, in San Diego, California. Attorneys interested in learning more are welcome to inquire about attending by emailing Information@aaepa.com.
We are excited about what lies ahead for our Education Department and look forward to introducing David to our Members personally at the Summit.
Jennifer Price
Chief Operating Officer
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com
