The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) Board of Governors, serving in its capacity as a nominating committee for the nomination of officers, is proud to announce its slate of officers for the 2026-27 Bar Year. This year’s nominees represent a diverse cross-section of the legal profession, bringing together exceptional leadership from the corporate, state and federal government, small and large firm sectors.
The slate, upon election by the Membership in at the June 12, 2026 Annual Meeting, will join current President Elect Natasha Dartigue as MSBA officers for the 2026-27 Bar year. Leading the slate is Randolph Sergent, nominated as President-Elect. Joining him are Natasha Nazareth as Treasurer and former US Attorney Erek Barron as Secretary.
Below, we highlight the distinguished backgrounds of the leaders poised to guide the MSBA into the future.
Natasha Dartigue - Maryland State Public Defender
Stepping into the role of President for the 2026-27 year is Natasha Dartigue. A trailblazer in the justice system, Ms. Dartigue currently serves as the Maryland State Public Defender, leading the agency’s mission to provide superior legal representation to indigent defendants. She holds the historic distinction of being the first person of color to lead the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
A graduate of Howard University School of Law, Ms. Dartigue has dedicated her career to public service. She previously served as the Deputy District Public Defender for Baltimore City and has been a tireless advocate within the MSBA, serving on the Board of Governors and the Criminal Law & Practice Section.
The Nominees:
Randolph Sergent - Executive Vice President & General Counsel, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
The MSBA is thrilled to nominate Randolph (Randy) Sergent as President-Elect for the 2026-27 Bar Year. A seasoned leader with deep roots in Maryland’s legal and healthcare sectors, Mr. Sergent brings a wealth of governance and regulatory expertise to the Association.
Currently, Mr. Sergent serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where he oversees the company’s legal, government affairs, and corporate governance matters. His leadership extends well beyond the corporate boardroom; he has previously chaired the Maryland Health Care Commission, where he played a pivotal role in modernizing state health planning and aligning regulations with Maryland's Total Cost of Care Model.
Prior to his tenure at CareFirst, Mr. Sergent was a partner at Venable LLP and served in the Maryland Attorney General’s Office as Deputy Principal Counsel to the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. His dedication to the MSBA is longstanding, having served on the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee, Chair of the Health Law Section, and Chair of the Ethics Committee. His collaborative approach and extensive experience in complex regulatory environments make him an invaluable asset to the MSBA’s future leadership.
Natasha Nazareth, Treasurer - Co-Founder, Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit LLC
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Nominated to continue her service as Treasurer is Natasha Nazareth. Ms. Nazareth is a co-founder of Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit LLC, Maryland’s first Certified B Corporation™ law firm. Her practice focuses on providing general counsel services to purpose-driven businesses, independent schools, and nonprofits.
Ms. Nazareth is a recognized leader in the business law community, bringing significant financial and operational acumen to the role. A Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation, she has served on the MSBA Board of Governors, the Investment Committee, and the Editorial Advisory Board of the Maryland Bar Journal. Her background in education law and corporate governance ensures the MSBA’s financial stewardship remains in capable hands.
Erek Barron, Secretary - Member, Mintz
Rounding out the slate as the nominee for Secretary is Erek Barron. A prominent figure in Maryland’s legal landscape, Mr. Barron is a Member at Mintz, where he focuses on white-collar defense and crisis management. He recently served as the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, where he was the first African American to hold the post, overseeing high-profile federal prosecutions and civil rights matters.
Mr. Barron’s extensive career also includes service as a Maryland State Delegate (District 24) and as a partner at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston. His return to MSBA leadership brings a unique blend of legislative, federal, and private practice perspectives that will greatly benefit the Association's governance and strategic planning.
Next Steps The official election of the nominees will take place at the MSBA Annual Business Meeting. Registration for the 2026 Legal Summit & Annual Meeting is now open. We look forward to seeing you in June.