Taft Partner and Chair of Public Policy Marcia Fudge was recognized with the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award at the Arena Stage Gala for her contributions to arts in the community. Each year, the award is presented to a female leader who strives to better the community in which they live through their own unique strengths and talents. The Arena Stage Gala was featured in Washington Life magazine here.

Fudge has more than five decades of experience working with lawmakers, elected officials, key staff, and coalitions at the local, state, and federal levels. From 2021 to 2024, she served as the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During her tenure, Fudge led initiatives to increase housing supply, eradicate the growing homelessness issue, end discriminatory practices in the housing market, and ensure compliance with fair housing rules.