Henderson to lead Bar Foundation.

Maria E. Henderson, an insurance consultant at Akerman Senterfitt, takes office July 1 as president of The Florida Bar Foundation, a statewide charitable organization that works on behalf of Florida's legal profession to expand access to justice.

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Henderson, who earned bachelor's degrees in math and physics at the University of Florida and a master's degree in management information systems at American University, is the first non-lawyer to serve as president of the Foundation.

"Growing up, I watched my mother take time from her busy schedule raising five children to volunteer her time to those less fortunate. Her example planted in me the seed of caring for others who may not have the resources to help themselves," Henderson said. "The Foundation allows me to do that. My service on the board has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I am grateful to work at Akerman, where such service is encouraged."

Henderson, who works in the firm's Tallahassee office, began serving on the Foundation board in 2004 as one of its public members. She has chaired the Foundation's Improvements in the Administration of Justice and Legal Assistance for the Poor/Law...