Robinson+Cole Insurance + Reinsurance group partner Dana M. Horton ascended to the role of President of the Rhode Island Bar Association (RIBA) during the association’s Annual Meeting held June 11–12, 2026. She will serve a one-year term.

A lifelong Rhode Islander, Horton steps into the role following more than two decades of active involvement with RIBA and a career defined by deep ties to the state’s legal community. Since the outset of her practice, Horton has been committed to building relationships within the Rhode Island bar—an early necessity that evolved into a sustained dedication to advancing the profession and strengthening access to justice across the state.

“This role represents the culmination of more than 20 years of practicing law in Rhode Island and staying actively engaged with the Bar,” said Horton. “I’ve always believed in the importance of connection—learning from others, sharing knowledge, and helping make Rhode Island a place where lawyers can build meaningful, successful careers. It’s an honor to now serve and support this community in such a significant way.”

Horton has played a key role in RIBA leadership for many years, including service on the association’s Executive Committee as President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member at Large. Her involvement also includes leadership positions with the Young Lawyers Committee, District Court Bench Bar Committee, Annual Meeting Committee, and the Superior Court Bench Bar Committee, which she chaired for five years. She has been a member of the RIBA House of Delegates since 2009 and currently serves on the Federal Court Local Advisory Council. In 2024, she was appointed to RIBA’s Leadership Academy Task Force.

In her term as President, Horton plans to build on the organization’s focus on legal education by emphasizing engagement within the profession. At RIBA’s Annual Meeting, she announced the launch of the ANCHOR NETWORK, a new professional support initiative designed to connect Rhode Island lawyers with colleagues who can offer guidance, share experience, and help navigate unfamiliar challenges. The program aims to foster stronger connections across the bar—particularly between newer and more experienced attorneys—while creating meaningful opportunities for knowledge-sharing and mentorship.

At Robinson+Cole, Horton is a member of the firm’s Insurance + Reinsurance group and has more than 20 years of trial experience representing corporate and insurance company clients in complex commercial disputes, including property and liability insurance coverage, extra-contractual and bad faith claims, large loss property subrogation, and product liability matters.

Also during the Annual Meeting, Robinson+Cole Bankruptcy + Reorganizations partner Steven J. Boyajian was honored with the 2026 Victoria M. Almeida Servant Leader Award. The award, named for former RIBA President Victoria Almeida, recognizes individuals who embody the principles of servant leadership through their commitment to collaboration, stewardship, and advancing equal justice for all. Boyajian was selected for his dedication to serving others and his meaningful contributions to the legal and broader community.

For nearly 130 years, RIBA has supported the legal profession and the public through its work to uphold the rule of law, promote the administration of justice, and foster collaboration across Rhode Island’s legal community.