Number of years with firm: 3

Law school: University of Virginia School of Law (2009)

Legal leadership: As with most in-house attorneys, my role requires me to handle major lawsuits and business crises on a near daily basis. Whenever Sentara appears in the news, it is almost certain that I am involved in the underlying matter. In my role I manage almost all litigation involving Sentara (excepting some health plans lawsuits and malpractice) from class actions involving tens of thousands of individuals to single-plaintiff discrimination claims. While my principal focus has its genesis in Labor and Employment, as an in-house counsel I am asked to take on matters outside of my primary focus, and most importantly, to be a business leader at Sentara. I frequently advise the C-suite on matters from policy, administration, operations, and law.

Pro bono work/community involvement: I previously served on the EVMS Board of Visitors and currently serve on the River Ellis Board, a non-profit organization that focuses on “giving a sunrise” to those in need in our community by providing immediate assistance within hours to families facing unexpected hardships.

Awards/accolades: “Legal Elite” in Labor and Employment from Inside Business, “Top 40 Under 40” from the National Black Lawyers Associate, and membership in both the Virginia and California Bar.

On my identity and background: I have had the privilege of both growing up in the Hampton Roads area and attending great schools that focus on honor, improvement, and giving back. After law school, I relocated to California to broaden my horizons, cutting my teeth at Jones Day before returning to the commonwealth.

Number of years with firm: 5

Law school: University of Virginia School of Law (1998)

Legal leadership: I managed the 2021-2022 sale of my company, Trader Interactive, to global digital marketplace enterprise CAR Group Limited, based in Australia, in a transaction valued at nearly
$2 billion. In the last six months, I have managed and closed two transformative acquisition transactions for Trader Interactive. In private practice, I also served as the de-facto general counsel for Southeastern Public Service Authority, which manages waste disposal for most Hampton Roads communities.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I served Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters (CHKD) in various volunteer capacities for over 15 years, culminating in my role as Vice Chair of the Children’s Health Foundation Board of Directors.

On my identity/background: I would be remiss in not citing my nearly 20 years of service with Norfolk-based law firm Willcox & Savage as the most significant influence on my legal career. There, I was fortunate to work with the finest group of attorneys I have ever encountered, and an extraordinarily sophisticated and diverse group of clients. Tom Inglima and Rob Dewey at Willcox, and Rusty Friddell at Landmark Media/Dominion Enterprises, were beyond instrumental in my development as a lawyer and advisor—to the extent I am an effective legal advisor, it is because of their training, guidance and influence and I remain profoundly grateful for all of it.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: Navigating the landscape of facilitating use of exciting AI platforms in our products and services.

Number of years with firm: 5

Law school: Washington University School of Law (2005)

Legal leadership: I once obtained a favorable settlement in a child custody case (my client obtained full custody and child support) during a recess at trial. This was, in my view, the optimal outcome for the children. Indeed, I think the court saved the children from a potentially disastrous situation. I was particularly proud of my advocacy because I was, at that time, a transactional lawyer with very little litigation experience and no family law or trial experience whatsoever. Moreover, I appeared on very short notice via a court appointment and had only a few days to prepare for trial. I have since been involved in many commercial litigation matters, which — in terms of the parties and financial stakes involved — probably appear more impressive to an outside observer, but this representation nonetheless remains one of my most treasured.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I served as president of Habitat for Humanity of Guam for several years about 10 years ago. I currently teach ESL in Arlington.
On my identity/background: I enjoy competition and don’t like to lose. This probably made me more tenacious and, ultimately, successful when I was a litigator.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: I think the most pressing issue for in-house counsel today is the successful and ethical integration of technology designed for the legal trade.

Evolution of the IHC position: I think in-house counsel allocate much more time and attention to regulatory compliance than they did in the past.

Number of years with firm: 8

Law school: LSU Law (2012)

Legal leadership: Over the past year, I stepped in as president during one of the most challenging periods in our company’s history. Simultaneously with the announcement of my promotion in January, I faced the immediate effects of DOGE policy shifts and am now navigating the uncertainty of a government shutdown. I have demonstrated sustained commitment to industry leadership through ACT-IAC as co-chair of the Treasury Fed Financial FIE, organizing four events for engagement between agency leadership and industry. As a member of the Voyagers Program, I helped raise over $15,000 for K9s for Warriors.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I volunteer with the Consumer Protection Office Hours as part of Legal Services of Northern Virginia, helping individuals understand their rights and navigate issues involving contracts, debt collections and other financial hardships. I am currently scheduled to staff two sessions in November. I also serve as general counsel for OPEN, a nonprofit that promotes entrepreneurship in the Washington, D.C. area, where I advise on governance and compliance matters.

On my identity/background: Being an older brother has been the perfect training ground for a legal career. Years of settling disputes without authority taught me persuasion; years of being “never wrong” honed my confidence; and years of sibling debates refined my rebuttal skills to a near-lethal edge. I entered the law well-prepared — having already survived cross-examination at the family dinner table.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: Navigating heightened risk amid constant policy and market uncertainty. Legal leaders must go beyond compliance to serve as integrators — connecting legal insight with operational, financial and strategic decision-making.

Number of years with firm: 15

Law school: University of Virginia School of Law (2000)

Legal leadership: I have steered Atlantic Union Bank through periods of incredible growth with strategic and risk advice, helping transform it from a small local community bank to a major regional financial services powerhouse with $37 billion in assets. I led sensitive negotiations for acquisitions of five banks and managed response to a three-year regulatory enforcement investigation that resulted in a positive outcome for the industry. I established risk strategies for an online-only bank expansion, led the successful rollout of the federal Paycheck Protection Program, and implemented deep partnership strategies. I was also a key leader in developing Atlantic Union Bank’s $11 billion commitment to community investment and serve as a panelist for industry groups including the ABA and Virginia Bar Association.

Pro bono work/community or civil involvement: I am a board member of the Library of Virginia Foundation Board of Directors and co-chair of the Corporate and Foundation Gifts Committee for the Library of Virginia Campaign. I have also provided pro bono work through Wills for Heroes.
On my identity/background: Being a woman and coming from a disadvantaged background made me comfortable with being the only person in the room with my particular experience. Growing up in a trailer without running water and later seeing few women in banking leadership, I learned to embrace discomfort and seek new experiences and responsibilities. My legal team is an all-woman team, and I remain passionately committed to advancing women in the workplace.

Most pressing issue that IHCs face: Managing legal and reputational risk in a chaotic environment where legal principles and assumptions no longer apply.