New York State Bar Association Mourns the Passing of Executive Director Pamela McDevitt

New York State Bar Association Mourns the Passing of Executive Director Pamela McDevitt

1.7.2026

By Susan DeSantis

It is with deep sadness that we share that Pamela McDevitt, Executive Director of the New York State Bar Association, has passed away after a short illness.

“Pam had an unwavering commitment to justice,” said Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association. “She never wanted to bring attention to herself, but she was a powerful force behind the scenes at the New York State Bar Association. Pam made everyone around her better and we are so fortunate to have had her in our lives.”

From 2006 to 2010, Pam was the director of Law Practice Management at the New York State Bar Association. She then became a director of the American Bar Association, where she served until 2017 when she returned to the New York State Bar Association as executive director. A former Army JAG Corp lawyer, Pam was a well-respected Schenectady attorney in private practice before beginning her successful career with NYSBA and the ABA.

A graduate of Rivier University, she earned her law degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 810 Union St., Schenectady, at 12:30 p.m. on January 10. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Community Hospice or the Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, where Pam served on the Board of Directors.

She is survived by her mother, Marilyn Boland; her daughters, Megan McDevitt, and Samantha McDevitt (Rick Newkirk); her grandchildren, Parker June McDevitt and Ricky Newkirk Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Paige McDevitt; and her brothers, Russell and David. She was predeceased by her son, Kevin McDevitt; and her father, Russell Boland.

For more information, please see her legacy obituary.