We are very sad to let you all know that David Cole, our former Executive Director, passed away on January 30, 2026, after a brief hospital stay battling Parkinson’s Disease.

A memorial service will be held for David sometime in the spring with details to follow.

Dave served as PADC’s Executive Director for over 20 years. He was the glue that held the organization together. With the annual appointment of new officers, imagine having a new boss every year. Dave worked well with each new team giving them a crash course on the organization’s administrative functions, tax obligations and its by-laws with which Dave was intimately familiar. Dave was a sage confidante and advisor not just for parliamentary procedure or vendor contracts. He offered officers and members individual professional support and encouragement. Dave offered this support to people long after they vacated their respective official positions within PADC.

Dave was the face of our organization.  He successfully attracted new sponsors and maintained fruitful and productive relationships with existing ones. Similarly, Dave worked tirelessly to maintain and grow our membership and in providing educational and professional resources to them. This was severely tested during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dave worked closely with PADC officers in successfully advancing the organization’s goals and maintaining sponsors and members during that difficult time.

Dave served as a productive liaison between PADC and other organized bar organizations. He established close relationships with their administrators and made major contributions in collaborative efforts such as the joint PADC/PDI/PTLA Holiday Party and Continuing Legal Education programs that included presenters from PADC and other bar associations.

And of course, Dave was guided by his wife, Robin. In turn, PADC received the benefit of Robin’s grace, common sense, and many contributions. Robin recalled Dave’s fond memories serving as ED for PADC and PDI and his close friendships with their members.

David was a true support for PADC and we will miss him.

Condolences can be sent to David’s wife of 44 years, Robin Cole at 12050 Sinepuxent Road, Berlin, MD, 21811.