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ABOUT US
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (“STEP”) is the global professional association for individuals who specialize in family inheritance and succession planning. We work to improve public understanding of the issues families face in this area and promote education and high professional standards among our members.

STEP members help families plan for their futures, from drafting a will to advising on issues concerning international families, protection of the vulnerable, family businesses and philanthropic giving. Full STEP members, known as TEPs, are internationally recognized as experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience.

STEP New York is the largest and fastest-growing branch in the United States.

STEP New York was founded in 1995. Today we have over 315 members, and are continuing to grow. Being a very active branch, we hold more than 12 meetings and events per year, many of which give CLE /CPE credits. Average attendance of each meeting is 75. We have hosted in conjunction with the New York State Bar Association the International Estate Planning Institute in March of each year since 2005. We have attendees from all over the Globe.

STEP NY attracts speakers for international topics pertinent to New York members’ needs.

WHAT WE DO

STEP’s primary purpose is to improve public understanding of the issues families face in relation to inheritance and succession planning and promote education and high professional standards among our members.

Training and Development
STEP New York meets in-person about 12 times per year. Most of our gatherings include an educational program on various topics of interest; recent programs have included cross-border charitable giving, Mexico’s tax amnesty program, and planning with non-grantor foreign trusts for U.S. beneficiaries. Educational programs typically provide professional credit (CLE, CPE) for STEP members requiring it, and are held in one of two formats: monthly luncheons and quarterly afternoon programs. Additionally, STEP New York co-hosts the two-day International Estate Planning Institute each March, which brings together STEP members and colleagues from around the world.

Professional Networking
Because STEP is an interdiscplinary organization, members have unique areas of expertise and benefit from sharing best practices with other members. STEP New York provides periodic opportunities for members to connect professionally and socially, all to the benefit of clients and their families.

Worldwide Network
All STEP New York members have the opportunity for professional development and networking with peers at a local level, as well as STEP’s 100+ branches and chapters around the world. Global STEP conferences include multi-day sessions across the United States, Latin America, the UK, Europe, and Asia.

WHO WE ARE

STEP New York Slate of Officers 2024

Branch Co-Chairs
Kathryn von Matthiessen, Katten Muchin Rosenman
Marina Cristiani, JTC Group

Treasurer
David Isaacs, FTI Consulting

Vice Chair & Program Committee Chair
Murray Stoltz, AITi Tiedemann Global

Vice Chair & Sponsorship Chair
Carly E. Doshi, HSBC Global Private Banking

Vice Chair & Events Committee Chair
Danielle Barrett, Brown Advisory

Vice Chair & Membership Chair
Anastasia Tonello, UB Greensfelder

Co-Vice Chair & Legislative Initiative Chair
Mario Signori, South Dakota Trust Company

Co-Vice Chair & Legislative Initiative Chair
Alistair (Sandy) Christopher, Withers Worldwide

Branch Administrator
Susie Belanger


What Our Members Do

Our members work with families, helping them with real problems. Some examples of what our members advise on are: providing for a husband following his wife’s death, while protecting the interests of their children; ensuring elderly or vulnerable relatives are cared for and supported; helping families with interests spread across the world to be compliant with the laws and tax rules of different countries; ensuring that a family business will pass safely from one generation to another; and helping clients to support charitable causes in an effective way. STEP Worldwide STEP New York is a branch of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners (“STEP”). Globally, STEP has over 100 branches and chapters across the world, consisting of more than 21,000 members from across 95 countries. Members belong to a local branch/chapter that provides professional development and opportunities to network at a local level. STEP Worldwide’s headquarters is in London.

GOVERNANCE

STEP Worldwide has more than 21,000 members from across 100 countries. Members belong to a local branch/chapter that provides professional development and opportunities to network at a local level.

Within the United States, STEP is known as STEP USA. Currently, there are 18 branches and chapters in the USA. The number of members in this region makes up approximately 5 percent of the global STEP membership.

A regional body, STEP USA, has been established to coordinate activities and grow membership across the USA branches and chapters. STEP USA has its own Board of Directors.

The current STEP Council Members representing the USA are Joseph Kellogg and Ellen Kratzer.

STEP New York is the largest and fastest-growing branch of STEP USA.

CONTACT US

Please reach out to one of the Branch leaders below. If he/she can’t assist you directly, your email will be forwarded to the appropriate person.

To learn more about STEP membership:
Anastasia Tonello, UB Greensfelder

For monthly program ideas, topics, or speakers:
Murray Stoltz, Tiedemann Global

For event ideas, topics or speakers:
Danielle Barrett, Brown Advisory

For Sponsorship opportunities:
Carly Doshi, HSBC Private Banking

For information on legislative initiatives:
Mario Signori, South Dakota Trust Company or
Alistair (Sandy) Christopher, Withers Worldwide

For questions or comments about the website and other communications, contact STEP NY's Branch Administrator:
Susie Belanger

Any other inquiries contact the Branch Co-Chairs:
Kathryn von Matthiessen, Katten Muchin Rosenman
Marina Cristiani, JTC Group

STEP WORLDWIDE

https://www.step.org

https://www.step.org/where-we-are