Haynes Boone Partner Susan Wetzel, a longtime leader in employee benefits law, has taken the helm as president of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel (ACEBC), an organization dedicated to advancing excellence in the profession.
Wetzel officially assumed the role immediately following ACEBC's annual meeting in San Diego this month.
Her appointment follows years of leadership within the ACEBC, where she has served as a fellow, board member, secretary, assistant secretary and co-chair of the Membership Committee. Wetzel was first named a fellow in 2017.
"It is a tremendous honor to lead an organization that has played such an important role in my professional life," Wetzel said. "ACEBC brings together attorneys with a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to advancing employee benefits law. I look forward to building on that foundation, supporting the next generation of practitioners and continuing the College's tradition of education and service."
Founded in 2000, the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, character and professional achievement throughout their careers in employee benefits law. Its 475-plus fellows include practitioners representing employers, unions, benefit plans, participants and government agencies. ABEBC promotes professional excellence through continuing legal education, law student outreach, educational programs and collaboration with government agencies.
Based in Dallas, Wetzel counsels employers, executives and corporate boards on retirement plans, welfare plans, executive compensation and employee benefits matters arising from mergers and acquisitions. Throughout her career, she has advised on employee benefits issues in more than 1000 mergers and acquisitions, including complex cross-border transactions.
Wetzel is also a frequent speaker on employee benefits issues and has held numerous leadership positions in the legal community, including serving as chair of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation's Employee Benefits Committee and president of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association Foundation.
"Susan has long been a leader in employee benefits law, both through her work with clients and her dedication to the broader legal community," said Haynes Boone Dallas Office Managing Partner Sakina Rasheed Foster. "She brings a tremendous depth of knowledge, a collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. I can't think of anyone better suited to lead the College."
Haynes Boone’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice advises clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies on retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, executive compensation, mergers and acquisitions, and ERISA litigation. The team combines deep regulatory knowledge with practical, business-focused counsel on complex domestic and international benefits matters. Chambers USA 2026 recognized the practice nationwide, including a Band 1 ranking in Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
