John "Buz" S. Gorman

John “Buz” S. Gorman, Esq., loving husband, father, friend and successful government affairs and General Counsel, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024 surrounded by his two children, John Patrick (JP), and Andrew, wife Kathy and his beloved dog Einstein, at his home in Arlington, Va,. after courageously battling brain cancer. Buz was 63.

Born in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 1960, Buz grew up in Bethesda, Md., with his parents, JR “Pat” and Marge, siblings Kathy, Susan and Mickey Gorman. As a child he was active in the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Life Scout where he hiked Philmont during his scouting adventures. He was an avid swimmer at Kenwood Country Club in Bethesda and enjoyed spending summers at Ocean City, Md., where one of his first jobs was operating a “Mr. Softie” ice cream truck. As a young boy, Buz attended Rotary Club meetings with his father, which inspired him to start the first Rotary Club for juniors at Walt Whitman High School, where he graduated in 1978. After high school, Buz completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern Florida, where he was a proud member of Sigma Chi, and went on to complete his law degree at Catholic University.

Buz’s passion for public policy led him to begin his career on Capitol Hill with Representative and then newly-elected Senator Connie Mack as legislative counsel handling all banking and environmental issues. In addition to being instrumental in advancing Everglades Restoration, a long-standing environmental priority of the Senator, Buz became known for his relentless pursuit of regulatory relief legislation. He distinguished himself as a staff leader for two bipartisan “Regulatory Relief” bills that were signed into law in 1992 and 1997. Buz’s friendly and honest nature as well as commitment to finding workable solutions facilitated the collaboration necessary to bring all sides together to deliver common sense legislation that remains a foundation of U.S. bank regulation today.

In 1996, Buz joined the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) as a Vice President of Legislative Affairs and quickly assumed the role of General Counsel where he served for over 28 years. Buz was passionate in his advocacy for the state banking system and became an expert on the intersection of state and federal law governing banking regulation.

Known for a steady demeanor and positive attitude, Buz’s work resulted in the development and adoption of critical banking reforms. After adoption of the Nationwide Cooperative Agreement, Buz worked with Congress to develop the blueprint that led to the eventual passage of the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Amendments Act of 2006, a landmark bill that gave state regulators a vote on the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and helped improve supervision of multi-state, state-chartered banks. Buz was instrumental in the creation and launch of the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS), which shaped a national licensing system to help guard against fraud and abuse in the mortgage market. The initiative started in 2003 and culminated with the passage of the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act in 2008, which encouraged states to establish minimum licensing and registration standards. Buz then led efforts in 2009 to get companion bills passed in all 50 states in a single year which at this time, was believed to be the first and only time that has been accomplished. The SAFE Act not only changed the way state regulators oversee the mortgage industry ensuring a safer mortgage market for millions of consumers, and also set the stage for CSBS to grow five-fold over the next decade.

As CSBS grew and financial services continued to evolve, Buz always saw the opportunities to improve the state system for CSBS and its members. He drove efforts to improve how states collaborated and continued to represent the best of the state system and CSBS to policy makers and the financial services industry.

With all these professional successes, Buz’s joy and zest for life was never more present than when he was with his family and friends. Buz was an eternal optimist with an infectious laugh – finding positivity and beauty in everything. He had time for everyone. No matter who they were, he treated all with the greatest respect. He married his soulmate, Kathy Chavanu Gorman, on August 12, 2000. They began their life together in Arlington, Va., where they had two beautiful boys John Patrick (18), Andrew (16), and later added Einstein, his beloved pug.

His love for his wife was deep, and he supported her unconditionally through her career as a nurse and hospital administrator - he was a true partner in all aspects of marriage. His love for his children was even deeper, being an outstanding father was a natural for Buz. He was the most attentive, nurturing, compassionate, mentoring and kind father - present in every aspect of life and instilling values of justice and integrity. There was not a sporting, scouting, science fair, choral or band performance that was missed, and he always managed to get a front-row seat. His moto to his children was “don’t worry about the small stuff - everything can be fixed.”

Buz loved the outdoors, whether that was camping with the scouts, hiking, or skiing. At age 60, he took up Mountain Biking so that he could spend time with his son as he learned a new sport. He was proud to have run the Marine Corps Marathon and several 5Ks. He gave of himself selflessly – donating over 110 pints of blood to the American Red Cross, all to save the lives of others. Buz loved spending time with his family and created wonderful memories traveling, watching a great movie, drinking a favorite IPA or an exotic tea, entertaining with friends and advocating for justice and important causes.

Buz advocated outside of his professional career through his volunteer work in the community, as member of the Washington Rotary Club for over 10 years serving on the Board of Directors as Sergeant at Arms, Treasurer, and as a member of the Paul Harris Society. He engaged his sons to participate in the Grate Patrol (a Rotary sponsored program to provide blankets and hot meals to the homeless). Buz actively supported Boy Scouts Troop 106 and Cub Scouts Troop 167 in Arlington, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a long-standing member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Washington, D.C. and served as a greeter. He frequently helped navigate difficult legal challenges for friends – always with great success and a smile, even as he worked into the late evenings to do so. Throughout his life, Buz has always exemplified “Service Above Self.”

Buz was preceded in death by his parents JR “Pat” and Margaret Gorman, and his brother Mickey Gorman. He is survived by his wife Kathy; sons John Patrick (JP) and Andrew; sisters Kathy and Susan; parents-in-law Donald and Shirley Chavanu and 13 brother/sister in-laws, 18 nieces and nephews, as well as many wonderful friends and colleagues.

The family extends its deep gratitude to friends and the community for the tireless support, prayers and love during Buz’s illness. We are most appreciative of the doctors, nurses, therapists, and care teams for their expert care while Buz was battling his cancer.

The family will receive visitors on February 19, from 4:00-7:00pm at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Va. On February 20, at 10:30am a Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3513 N. St. NW, Washington, D.C., followed by a burial at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, and a celebration of life at Washington Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to The John “Buz” Gorman Charitable Trust, which the family will designate to key causes supporting medical and nursing teams working to fight cancer.

The John “Buz” Gorman Charitable Trust

Sterling Foundation Management, LLC

12030 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 450

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