Covington’s Mark Plotkin Receives BBYO’s Phil Berg Alumni Award

Covington’s Mark Plotkin Receives BBYO’s Phil Berg Alumni Award

December 6, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC, December 6, 2013 — BBYO, the world’s oldest and largest Jewish youth organization, honored Covington & Burling Partner Mark Plotkin with its Phil Berg Distinguished Alumni Award yesterday during its ninth annual celebration held in Potomac, Maryland.

Mr. Plotkin was recognized for his exceptional leadership, professional accomplishments and service to BBYO and the Jewish community over nearly four decades. His past achievements include serving as the 55th international president of the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA), the fraternal boy’s component of BBYO.

“Much of the emphasis in AZA and BBYO more generally was on social justice, community service and the virtues of cultural and religious pluralism,” Mr. Plotkin said. “We learned as teenagers to take action on behalf of people who were oppressed or treated unfairly. We also came to understand the power of individuals in formulating public policy and the need to stand up for our principles. I use the lessons I learned in BBYO every day in my work on behalf of persons of all different backgrounds.”

As the leader of AZA, Mr. Plotkin met with then-President Carter and traveled to meet with political leaders in Israel, the United Kingdom and Canada. He was involved in youth programs advocating on behalf of Israel and in support of the Camp David Accords.

At Covington, Mr. Plotkin has worked with Israel on sensitive security and defense matters. And in keeping with BBYO’s tradition of bridging cultural divides, he likewise, has developed close relationships with companies and governments in the Arab world.

Mr. Plotkin is currently chair of Covington’s national security and defense practice and also handles bank regulatory matters. Mr. Plotkin received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his law degree from Harvard Law School.