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2022 In-House
Leaders in the Law
May 4, 2022
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
State Room
60 State Street, Boston
SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS: GOLD SPONSORS: SILVER SPONSOR:
B2 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
Sullivan & Worcester
congratulates our friends
and clients, Jennifer Clark
of The RMR Group and
Deborah Marson of Iron
Mountain, on their well-
deserved honors at this
year’s Massachusetts
Lawyers Weekly “Leaders
in the Law” Awards.
sullivanlaw.com
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IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B3
2022 In-House
Table Of Contents
Michel Bamani................................................ B4 Yalonda T. Howze......................................B12
Jennifer B. Clark.........................................B4 Mary R. Jeka............................................B13
Kathleen C. Henry.......................................B6 Jan Ryu Koo.............................................B13
Christian M. Ehrbar.....................................B7 Stacy D. Krause........................................B14
Jason M. Ellis.............................................B7 Jennifer L. Lauro......................................B14
Inez H. Friedman-Boyce..............................B8 Deborah Marson.......................................B15
Lurleen A. Gannon......................................B8 Amanda E. Petrillo....................................B16
Hanok M. George........................................B9 Karen J. Petrulakis....................................B17
Damon P. Hart..........................................B10 Sucharita S.K. Varanasi.............................B18
Todd Keebaugh.........................................B11 Daniel B. Winslow.....................................B19
Profiles by Correy E. Stephenson
Publisher
Susan A. Bocamazo, Esq.
CONGRATULATIONS
Editor
Henriette Campagne
To our clients and
Digital Editor friends honored as
Matthew Cove
Adver tising Director Leaders in the Law
Scott Ziegler
Sales Executives
for 2022
Elaine Fanning and Melanie Footer
Events Manager
Jill Wicht
Production Specialist
Anna Otto
Ad Designer
Michael Bertani Helping management navigate
Published by Lawyers Weekly Inc., 40 Court St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108. today’s complex workplace.
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B4 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
MICHEL BAMANI
Assistant VP and Assistant General Counsel
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Boston University School of Law
M
ichel Bamani finds himself in an Congo, laws exist on the books somewhere real time.
unusual place. For the first time but at some point, became suggestions. “It warms my heart that we are helping
in 40 years, the Federal Reserve Here in America, there are laws on the people and small businesses know exactly
Bank is releasing a new product. books and people follow them. People will how much money they have for accurate
“In some ways, our work is like a start sit at a red light in the middle of the night accounting and to avoid overdraft fees, to
up – we have a deliverable date (2023) to with no other cars around until it turns avoid a guessing game at the end of the
get this product out and we are moving at green.” month,” he says.
breakneck speed on a new innovation,” Bamani’s legal career has alternated Community outreach also warms
he explains. “At the same time, the Fed between private practice and in-house Bamani’s heart — he chairs the board of
is an institution that has been around for work, including a prior stint at the Federal
English for New Bostonians, which provides
more than a century, and we don’t have Reserve before he returned in February
funding for programs to offer English for “It warms my heart
the margin of error that a private company 2021.
would have, as confidence in the payment “Life happens for a reason,” he says. “I
speakers of other languages. that we are helping
system is so important.” enjoyed my previous time here but I needed
“I can personally tell you the impact of
not being able to speak English and the
people and small
Balancing the divergent perspectives
while moving the work forward has
to broaden my skill set and then come back
in house in a place in my career that made barriers to entry it creates,” he says. “The businesses know
come naturally for Bamani, who came sense.” organization helps immigrants to fully exactly how much
to the United States as a refugee from Broadening his skill set to establish a participate in American life.” money they have.”
the Democratic Republic of Congo as niche practice in fintech means he is now A member of the Massachusetts Black
a teenager. The experience spurred his a key part of the Fed Now effort, which will Lawyer’s Association, Bamani also serves
interest in a legal career. establish a new instant payment service to as an advisor for the African Bridge Network
“The role law plays in setting up a society enable financial institutions to provide safe and sits on the alumni council for Bowdoin
has always interested me,” he says. “In and efficient instant payment services in College, his alma mater. MLW
JENNIFER B. CLARK
General Counsel and Executive VP
The RMR Group
Boston University School of Law
J
ennifer B. Clark describes her 23- hats. She leads a 27-person legal team as the acquisition of Red Lion Hotels and
year career in commercial real estate and handles responsibility for all legal its eight brands.
as “serendipity.” Uncertain of what matters, ranging from transaction real Clark mentors and sponsors other
type of law she wanted to practice, she estate work to human resources issues to women at RMR, and recently expanded
gravitated toward the real estate group — regulatory concerns, in addition to “all the the company’s diversity and inclusion
and never looked back. things that don’t fall into any other bucket programs. Her commitment to positive
“I have always enjoyed the transactional so the legal team tackles them.” impact in the workplace was on full display
nature of the work and I like working with A member of the Executive Operating in 2018, when she spoke up in response
concrete assets,” she explains. “One of Committee, she plays a key role in to a member of a panel discussion using
the reasons I’ve been at my job for as determining the strategic direction of the
inappropriate and sexist language.
long as I have is because every day brings company, and as a member of the Capital
“The experience highlighted for me that “One of the reasons
something new and unexpected. The Allocation Committee, she is involved
things that are consistent are working with with decision-making on all potential
the real estate industry needs to work I’ve been at my job
the legal groups and the business team to acquisition and disposition transactions.
harder in advancing women, as well as
how fortunate I am to work at a company
for as long as I have
try and implement our business strategies
and achieve our objectives.”
Clark also serves as the chief governance
officer and liaison between institutional where speaking up was supported,” she is because every day
As managing director of The RMR Group, governance teams and the boards as says. brings something new
an alternative asset management company corporate secretary. Clark is involved in organizations that and unexpected.”
that manages five real estate investments “My favorite part of the job is working find, care for and foster rescue dogs,
trusts (REITs) listed on NASDAQ, two real with a lot of smart people on interesting including Save A Dog. She also supports
estate-based NASDAQ listed operating and challenging projects,” Clark says. Most Voices Against Violence and the Immigrant
companies and a privately owned hotel recently, those projects include the $4 Learning Center, and sits on the board of
management company, Clark wears many billion acquisition of another REIT, as well the Arlekin Players Theatre. MLW
IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B5
Congratulations to
Jennifer Clark
Managing Director, Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary,
The RMR Group (Nasdaq: RMR)
on being named one of
Massachusetts Lawyers
Weekly’s Leaders in the
Law for 2022.
Your leadership, commitment
to excellence and tireless
execution have been central
to The RMR Group becoming
one of the nation’s leading
alternative asset managers.
Thank you for being a decisive
steward for our nationwide
company and a champion
for inclusion and employee
development.
W W W. R M R G R O U P . C O M
B6 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
KATHLEEN C. HENRY
General Counsel, Eastern Bank
Northeastern University School of Law
T
he last few years have been busy of our employees who were working from to talk to me. It could be a direct report
for Kathleen C. Henry. home when we never had remote workers who has an issue or an employee who is
She joined Eastern Bank in 2016 before.” struggling — they set the agenda.”
and played a pivotal role in taking the bank Her busy schedule shows no signs of Prior to joining the bank, Henry spent
public in 2020 — right in the middle of the slowing down, with a forthcoming merger more than a decade in private practice,
COVID-19 pandemic. with Century Bank and Henry’s leadership followed by 16 years in the insurance
“It was a huge challenge to turn a efforts on Eastern’s “Road to Equity” industry.
200-year-old mutual bank into a brand strategic plan, which aims to increase “I’m proud of the fact I pivoted a few
new public company, but adding the diversity, equity and inclusion in several times and bet on myself,” she says. “It
complications of COVID made things even areas, including talent acquisition, retention
wasn’t always a smooth path, but I love
more complicated,” she recalls. “It was an and development and supplier diversity.
being a lawyer.” “The best part of my
amazing experience and required some “The best part of my job is that I am
really interesting problem solving.” able to influence our culture in a way that
Throughout her career, she has balanced job is that I am able to
Not long after, Henry was promoted to is proactive and not just reactive — I love
her civil legal practice with pro bono work.
Henry is a longtime board member for the
influence our culture
chief human resources officer, adding to her
already full plate as general counsel.
that I am able to help drive positive cultural
change,” she says. Political Asylum Immigration Representation in a way that is
“It has been an intense few years To remain connected to the more than Project (PAIR) and is the past co-chair proactive and not just
between the IPO and leading HR with 2,000 Eastern employees, Henry blocks off and current advisor to the Northeastern reactive.”
a workforce profile that is 40 percent every Friday afternoon with an open-door University School of Law Women in the
essential workers,” Henry says. “We policy. Law Conference. A trustee of the Boston
had to establish policies and practices “Friday is my favorite day of the week,” Bar Foundation and member of its Grant
to prioritize their safety and health while she says. “My entire afternoon is open and I Committee, she also sits on the board for
turning on a dime for the other 60 percent spend the time talking to anyone who wants the Foundation for Business Equity. MLW
HONORS
Eastern Bank is committed to recognizing
Congratulations!
the good in our communities and celebrating
the work of MA Lawyers Weekly.
We proudly support the
2022 LEADERS IN THE LAW
Kathy C. Cloherty Henry
and extend our sincerest congratulations
to our own Kathy Henry, General Counsel of Eastern Bank
and Chief Human Resources Officer,
and all of the 2022 honorees. for being selected as
a 2022 In-House Leader
by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Winning Intellectual Property ® 100 HIGH STREET BOSTON MA 02110-2321
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IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B7
CHRISTIAN M. EHRBAR
General Counsel and VP, Berkshire Grey
Boston College Law School
I
n the two-plus years Christian M. required him to quickly get up to speed company,” he says. “The beauty of being
Ehrbar has been at Berkshire Grey, his on the company’s history, as he worked the first lawyer in is that everything
work as the company’s first general his way through due diligence to a comes to me so I know everything that is
counsel has been a “nonstop fire drill”. successful completion of the deal in July going on; the challenge is that it can be
Ehrbar knew when he took the helm 2021. overwhelming.”
in December 2020 that the company, He was able to rely on his experience As the company continues to
which offers robotic automation that uses taking companies public during his expand both in the United States and
artificial intelligence to pick, pack and decade in private practice, as well as his internationally, Ehrbar enjoys seeing the
sort orders within distribution centers, extensive technology experience. Ehrbar growth. “The beauty of being
was looking to go public.
“The incredible growth in e-commerce
spent years working in-house at software “I love seeing our systems get started the first lawyer in
and hardware companies, biotechs and in customer facilities,” he says. “We
has driven alternate distribution methods, a solar panel manufacturer, as well as have a weekly meeting where we see
is that everything
which, combined with labor shortages, several years at IBM. the number of systems that are up or comes to me so I
makes this business really important,” Now that the company is public, Ehrbar ramping up on a map, with a goal that know everything
he says. finds himself focused on contractual every package shipped in the world
Ehrbar hit the ground running, working work, as well as intellectual property and passes over our equipment at some
that is going on;
down the path toward a “special purpose development issues. point.” the challenge
acquisition company” (SPAC) transaction. “I’m the type of person that likes to A former volunteer with Citizen Schools is that it can be
The transaction — a less common form
of taking a company public by merging
get everything done well and doesn’t
like to slip, which can be hard when
and the Citizenship Clinic, Ehrbar also
serves as an ambassador for the Cannon
overwhelming.”
with an existing public company that there are so many things to do and Mountain Ski Area (and hits the slopes
doesn’t sell products to consumers — calls coming in from every area of the himself in his rare free time). MLW
JASON M. ELLIS
Senior VP and General Counsel, Staples
Suffolk University Law School
A
third-generation Massachusetts company into a small, privately held company Staples Foundation, he serves as secretary
lawyer, Jason M. Ellis worked as a centered in North America, right-sizing and board member for the Staples Share
real estate and corporate attorney in everything in the legal department along Fund, which grants tens of thousands of
private practice for many years before he the way, as well as navigating multiple dollars each year to associates in their time
found his niche in-house. international jurisdictions and subject matters of need.
“I love this profession and I love going to to coordinate the divestitures of all foreign Every year, he brings students interested
work each day,” he says. “I enjoy being part business units. He also spent a great deal of in the law into the office, where they
of the team working together to achieve the time tackling the challenges presented by shadow him and get exposure to the world
growth and development of the business. I COVID-19, ensuring Staples’s status as an of in-house counsel, as part of a mentoring
consider this role of providing legal counsel essential retailer, managing the company’s program with Bates College, his alma mater.
to the business team to be the best job in the response to the constantly changing “My most important accomplishment is “The job truly covers
company.” regulatory scheme around the country and, when I’m able to guide younger lawyers
Ellis appreciates the diversity of his role “most importantly, recognizing that the health (and aspiring lawyers) to mentor their
the gamut of so many
at Staples, which can have him focused on and safety of our people is the greatest careers and goals, and provide them with the parts of the legal
a large class action lawsuit in California one
day, working on an M&A deal the next and
priority.”
For the last 10 years, Ellis has worked to
opportunities to gain experience and skill sets
to succeed however they wish,” he says.
world, so I couldn’t
determining the company’s reaction to a new guide the business to embrace the benefits Ellis also participates in the retail industry get bored even if I
COVID regulation after that. and opportunities of being active within the as a member of the National Retail Federation tried.”
“The job truly covers the gamut of so many communities in which Staples operates, and the Retail Industry Leaders Association,
parts of the legal world, so I couldn’t get whether organizing the donation of supplies sitting on the board of the Retailers
bored even if I tried,” he laughs. to schools in need or to first responders Association of Massachusetts and on the
During his tenure, Ellis helped transition during the pandemic. Association of Corporate Counsel Northeast
what was a billion-dollar multi-national A former clerk and board member of the Chapter Programs Committee. MLW
B8 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
INEZ H. FRIEDMAN-BOYCE
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
HarborOne Bank
Georgetown University Law Center
A
s the first general counsel at compliance requirements. what the general counsel of a financial
HarborOne Bank, Inez H. Friedman- “I feel incredibly lucky to have found work institution would handle in normal times and
Boyce was able to create and define in an organization that I love and believe I got to know a lot of people that way.”
her role. With 25 years of private practice in where I feel like I am making a positive Active in the community, Friedman-Boyce
under her belt, she decided to go broad, impact on the community by helping people is the president and co-chair (since 2015)
taking on responsibility for a wide variety plan their financial future and guiding small of Lawyers for Civil Rights. Over the years,
of transaction, litigation and regulatory and businesses towards getting the funding she has partnered as a cooperating attorney
compliance matters at the bank. that they need to grow their entrepreneurial on several high-profile cases, including as
On the litigation front, she has vision,” Friedman-Boyce says. lead counsel to the cities of Chelsea and
successfully resolved a significant Starting at the bank just before Lawrence in their challenge to the Trump “I feel incredibly lucky
contractual claim relating to the sale COVID-19 hit posed a challenge to building administration’s Executive Order that sought to have found work in
of mortgage loans to an entity that relationships, but the responsibilities of to cut off federal funding to so-called
subsequently filed for bankruptcy, as well being a part of HarborOne’s Pandemic “sanctuary cities.” During the pandemic,
an organization that
as an arbitration matter with a technology Response Committee — crafting all of the LCR focused its efforts on ensuring that I love and believe in
vendor that Friedman-Boyce tackled herself.
Friedman-Boyce has guided the bank
internal communications for the employees,
for example — offered a crash course in
communities of color had equal access to
the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and
where I feel like I am
through its acquisition of several former meeting everyone. personal protective equipment. making a positive
East Boston Savings Bank branches and “COVID came to dominate my focus Co-chair of the board of Women in Law impact on the
led the renegotiation of a contractual
relationship with the bank’s largest vendor.
not long after I got here and it was hard
since I was just getting my legs under me,”
Empowerment Forum Boston since 2017,
Friedman-Boyce also recently joined the
community.”
She also coordinates the annual inspections Friedman-Boyce recalls. “On the other hand, board of OneGoal Massachusetts, an
and supervisions by both state and as a team member on the Committee, I had organization that aims to close the degree
federal regulators to satisfy regulatory and a lot of responsibilities that went beyond divide in the state. MLW
LURLEEN GANNON
VP and General Counsel, Vinfen Corporation
Boston College Law School
L
urleen Gannon was introduced to the loved the role. contract, dealing with an employment issue
law at a younger age tham most. Her “Being an in house lawyer is a totally developing in real time over the course of
grandmother worked for many years different skill set and plays to my strengths in the day, setting up a structure to partner with
as a secretary at the Dedham Superior ways I never would have guessed,” Gannon another organization — or all of these things
Courthouse, and would bring Gannon along explains. “It’s really about relationships, could be happening at the same time,” she
to introduce her to various lawyers and consensus-building, thinking creatively and says.
judges — and the real highlight: let her make being flexible to get things done in a much Gannon takes pride in her efforts to further
copies.
“If my grandmother had grown up in
quicker time frame.”
While at the MBTA, she worked her way
Vinfen’s strategic goals by leading its merger
and acquisition efforts, including structuring
“Being in-house ...
a different time or with different means, up to first deputy general counsel, counseling deals, negotiating contractual agreements, plays to my strengths
I expect she would have pursued a legal the agency’s leaders, directing its relationship conducting due diligence, obtaining the in ways I never would
career herself,” she says. “She was really with outside regulators and managing day- necessary regulatory approvals and leading
proud when I went to law school and I have a to-day labor and employment matters. cross-division post-acquisition integration
have guessed. It’s
picture of us from graduation up in my home In 2017 she moved to Vinfen, a nonprofit teams. about relationships,
office.”
Gannon began her legal career as a
health and human services provider
serving individuals with mental health and
“I really enjoy being a valued member of
the team,” she says.
consensus-building,
litigator, in private practice and for the developmental disabilities. The past-president of the Women’s Bar thinking creatively and
city of Boston, where she tried cases As the only in-house attorney, Gannon Association, Gannon currently serves as an being flexible to get
involving everything from potholes to police
misconduct. While she enjoyed the courtroom
works with a small team to manage the legal
needs of the company, which has more than
emeritus board member, chairs the In-House
Counsel Committee and sits on the Awards
things done in a much
experience, she moved in house in 2014 3,200 employees and roughly $200 million in and Recognition Committee. She is also a quicker time frame.”
to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation annual revenue. member of the Association of Corporate
Authority and discovered just how much she “I could be working on a large commercial Counsel’s Women’s Committee. MLW
IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B9
HANOK M. GEORGE
Executive VP and General Counsel
Azurity Pharmaceuticals
Albany Law School
W
hen Hanok M. George joined everything from contracts to project (until he realized how much he despised
Azurity Pharmaceuticals as management software to legal billing. chemistry). He spent a few years in
employee number 55 and the “I am a big proponent of putting private practice before making the jump
company’s first in-house attorney in in processes so that things become in-house, excited by the focus of Azurity.
2018, it had just launched its first FDA- automatic and using technology to be “I have always wanted a career where
approved drug. Just four short years as efficient as possible,” he explains. “I I can make a meaningful impact in
later, the company has grown to north of also firmly believe in making goals and people’s lives and what better place to
400 employees with more than 20 FDA-
approved drugs and other approved and
responsibilities clear to my team so that do that than at a company focused on “I have always
they are empowered to do what they underserved and overlooked patients,” he
non-approved products. need to do.” says. “The work we do is so important to wanted a career
“The company just exploded with Until October 2021, George wore me and I can’t even imagine the millions where I can make a
a trajectory of rapid growth,” George an additional hat as the head of the of people our products have served.” meaningful impact
recalls. company’s human resources department, George has been heavily involved
As chief compliance officer, he helped facing the challenge of COVID-19 as an on the board of directors of the South
in people’s lives and
guide the company through a 2019 essential business with manufacturing Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston what better place
acquisition and merger, the acquisition of and commercialization operations. for several years. He is also a member to do that than at a
three new neurology products in 2020, “For me, every day is a new lesson and of the South Asian Bar Association of
and the completion of a major financing I try to continue learning,” he says. North America, the Massachusetts Bar
company focused
transaction in 2021, as well as another The role is the perfect fit for George, Association, the Boston Bar Association on underserved and
acquisition and merger last year. who has long had an interest in life and USA 500 Clubs, while serving as a overlooked patients.”
To keep things sane, he put as sciences and started off his college mentor for law students and recent law
many systems in place as possible, for career with plans to become a doctor graduates at his alma mater. MLW
Vinfen celebrates
LURLEEN GANNON, ESQ.,
for being named one of Massachuse�s Lawyers
Weekly’s Leaders in Law for 2022.
Congratulations
for being selected as
one of Massachusetts
Lawyer Weekly’s
“Leader in Law” honorees
Vice President & General Counsel
Inez H. Friedman-Boyce, Esq.
SVP General Counsel &
Thank you for all that you do
Corporate Secretary
for the Vinfen community.
Vinfen transforms lives by building the capacity
of individuals, families, and communi�es to learn,
thrive, and achieve their goals.
Member FDIC.
Member DIF. www.vinfen.org
B10 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
DAMON P. HART
Executive VP and Chief Legal Officer
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Boston College Law School
D
amon P. Hart is all about fulfilling every kind of product — we insure cars, things I do in the community.”
promises. boats, houses and buildings, as well as Hart is passionate about advancing
“Insurance is a contract of things like satellites and rickshaws,” he diversity efforts at Liberty, the legal
promises, which includes a partnership says. “We’ve got business all over the community and society in general. Just
with legal in the duty to defend and the world so this is a perfect job for someone days after the murder of George Floyd,
duty to indemnify,” he explains. “Our who values a growth mindset.” Hart co-founded the New Commonwealth
customers have to believe that we will Hart appreciates the variety of his Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund, a
stand behind our promises. I see my role
as creating an environment where we
practice.
“At least once a week something
group of Black and Brown executives with
a goal of dismantling systematic racism
“I see my role
can be the best legal department there hits my desk that is a law school exam in the commonwealth. as creating an
is, where we think innovatively and solve question,” he laughs. “The work is “I’m very proud to be associated with environment where
our clients’ problems in order to fulfill our fascinating and the variety of issues that that group,” he says. “We’ve raised a
promises.” come up are endless.” significant amount of money and given
we can be the best
Prior to going in-house, Hart spent 15 In addition to the variety of work as out a significant amount of money. We’ve legal department
years as a generalist in private practice.
He initially moved to Liberty to manage
in-house counsel, Hart values the more
holistic approach to lawyers.
come a long way in a short time, although
we still have a long way to go.”
there is, where we
the employment law group, increasing “At a firm, there is a production-based The past president of the think innovatively
his responsibilities and workload as time metric based on how much you bill and Massachusetts Black Lawyers and solve our clients’
went on, until he was appointed chief
legal officer on Jan. 1, 2022, taking the
how much you generate,” he explains.
“At Liberty, I am viewed based on all that
Association, Hart serves as vice-chair
of the board of The Home for Little
problems in order to
helm of a global legal team of 2,100 I bring to the table — my partnership Wanderers and is a member of the fulfill our promises.”
people in 19 countries. with the business, my efforts to increase National Bar Association. He also coaches
“The beauty of my job is that we sell diversity, equity and inclusion and all the youth sports and acts as a mentor. MLW
Securing a
brighter future
Liberty Mutual Insurance is proud
The Wagner Law Group Congratulates
to support Massachusetts Lawyers
Weekly’s commitment to bringing Todd Keebaugh
legal professionals together,
On Being Honored as a
celebrate the leaders in our
community, and build relationships. 2022 Leader in the Law
Congratulations to this year’s www.wagnerlawgroup.com
honorees, including our own,
Boston
Damon Hart. 125 High Street
Oliver Street Tower, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02110
617-357-5200
Lincoln, MA New York Washington, D.C.
Chicago St. Louis Los Angeles
San Diego San Francisco Tampa
Boynton Beach Cedar RapidsIN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B11
TODD KEEBAUGH
Executive VP and General Counsel
Eliassen Group
California Western School of Law
T
odd Keebaugh is a true generalist. transaction efforts to leverage synergies worked with and helped build,” he says.
In his role at Eliassen Group, he and integrate new employees. “For me, the rewarding part of my job is
finds himself working on everything Also on his plate: oversight of several watching members of my team evolve
from corporate development to mergers other operations for the company, and grow into more prominent positions
and acquisitions to employment issues including human resources, contracts, in the company or outside the company,
for the strategic and technical consulting immigration, corporate recruiting seeing them be successful elsewhere.”
company, which has grown significantly and facilities and administration. For Keebaugh has spent almost all of his
in the two years he’s been part of the Keebaugh, the key to getting it all done is roughly 30-year legal career as an in-
team. communication. house attorney, following a short stint as “The best part of being
Keebaugh has helped with the
recent evolution of Eliassen, which has
“A leader must be a good
communicator, but a big part of
a litigator with the Department of Justice in house is that I actually
historically placed a strong emphasis on communication is listening,” he says.
after law school.
“The best part of being in-house is
get to see my feedback
technology, into a consulting business,
providing subject matter expertise and
“Leaders also need to have transparency,
that I actually get to see my feedback at at work, not only
credibility, the ability to make decisions
resources to companies in the areas that are fact-based and with input from
work,” he says. “Not only because I am a because I am a partner
of technology and talent solutions, others, as well as be able to motivate partner in the business but I’m invested
as a member of the company, so I see the
in the business, but I’m
professional solutions and life sciences or
biometrics.
teams and get them to execute. The
retention piece — having people stay value coming back.” invested as a member of
“We are a highly acquisitive company, and work with you, especially today — A member of the American Corporate the company, so I see the
with seven deals in the last 18 months speaks volumes.” Counsel’s Northeast Chapter Pro Bono value coming back.”
alone,” Keebaugh says. And he is involved Teamwork also plays a big role for Committee, Keebaugh also provides pro
from beginning to end, from screening Keebaugh. bono service to local community sports
potential acquisition candidates to post- “I’m really proud of the teams I’ve programs. MLW
ROPES & GRAY
congratulates all of our clients and friends
who are being honored as
Leaders in the Law
at the
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Leaders in the Law Awards Gala
ropesgray.comB12 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
YALONDA T. HOWZE
Executive VP and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
Codiak BioSciences
University of Virginia School of Law
C
onsidering her accomplishments as needed them. Foundation, she recently hosted an event
executive vice-president at Codiak “Although it can be painful to work on the legacy of James Baldwin and held
BioSciences, it would appear that backwards and forwards at the same time a forum to discuss current issues on race,
Yalonda T. Howze has spent considerably to build something you need so that you can civil rights and belonging with the author of
more than just two years in-house. execute it now, once you’ve done it nobody “The Fire Is Upon Us.”
Howze spent a decade in private else can know it better and it is custom built In addition, Howze is involved with In
practice, primarily focused on the biotech for what you need it to do,” she explains. “It Real Law and Move the Needle, an initiative
industry. She jumped in-house in 2020, really allows you to make your mark on how on diversity in the legal profession. She
staying in the industry she loves by joining things function at the company.” is also a member of the Massachusetts
Codiak. Within months, she executed Howze also appreciates the various hats Black Lawyers Association and a fellow
an IPO for the company, which started she gets to wear at Codiak, particularly as a of the American Bar Foundation. Howze
two clinical trials around the same time, member of the executive team and playing has been recognized for her efforts with
followed by a complex transaction that a role in decisionmaking at the company. the Trailblazer Award from the MBLA, The
“I came in at a very
sold the company’s manufacturing facility For many years, she has been extremely Voice of Change Award from the Boston Bar fortuitous time, as
and established a long-term strategic
collaboration with the purchaser.
involved in civic engagement. A longtime
board member of Lawyers for Civil Rights
Association, the Ida B. Wells Pioneer Award
from the Massachusetts Black Women
there has been a ton
“It has certainly been an exciting ride,” (she currently serves as secretary and Attorneys Association, and the Adams Pro to do.”
Howze says. “I came in at a very fortuitous director), Howze was the lead attorney for Bono Award from the Supreme Judicial
time, as there has been a ton to do.” The the organization’s amicus brief to the U.S. Court.
experience has meshed well with her Supreme Court concerning the citizenship “I have always sought to contribute to the
philosophy of “learning while doing,” as she question of the 2019 census. A member pool of Black lawyers in Boston by being
was frequently required to build systems of the board of advisors for the John F. a mentor and making myself available
and processes she needed, while she Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum whenever I can,” she says. MLW
Visionary Leadership
We are proud to join in congratulating
our client, former partner, and friend,
Yalonda Howze of Codiak BioSciences,
on being named one of the
2022 Leaders in the Law by
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
We salute your commitment to excellence
mintz.com
and your work to advance diversity and
inclusion in the legal profession.
Boston | London | Los Angeles | New York | San Diego | San Francisco | Washington
© 2022 Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.CIN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B13
MARY R. JEKA
Senior VP and General Counsel
Tufts University
Boston College Law School
F
or almost 20 years, Mary R. Jeka issues, but they are intertwined political and Human Resources Committee. When
has played a pivotal role at Tufts issues and public policy issues, so we she returned to Massachusetts, she took
University, where she is now the have to navigate and try to find the path on the role of general counsel of the
senior vice president and general counsel. forward while keeping Tufts true to its Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
“I don’t think there are many jobs that identity.” during the construction of the $4 billion
are as interesting as those in higher In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston Harbor Project. She stayed in the
education,” she says. “Tufts is a city all one of the biggest current challenges public sector for a few more years at the
on its own and it is a wonderful place to for institutions of higher education is Massachusetts Health and Educational
work.” managing sexual harassment issues, Jeka Facilities Authority before transitioning into
A member of the university president’s notes. higher ed at Tufts in 2003.
senior leadership team, Jeka works closely “These cases are not picked up by “In many ways, my roles have
with the Board of Trustees and directly the DA’s Office, but they need to be similarities, in that Tufts is mission driven,
advises on major university decisions. Her investigated and determinations need to and the mission of higher education to
“I don’t think there are
role also encompasses oversight of the be made,” she explains. “We have created change people’s lives is so important,” many jobs that are as
Office of University Counsel, government
and community relations, the Office of
a quasi-justice system at universities and
trying to navigate a path that is fair to both
Jeka says. “I have seen firsthand how
education can change someone’s life.”
interesting as those in
Equal Opportunity, and the university’s parties is a huge challenge.” A board member of the National higher education.”
communications and marketing. Jeka leverages her background in Association of Colleges and University
“On any given day, there are a whole government relations, having spent Attorneys, Jeka also sits on the boards
lot of things people might come to talk roughly a decade working for Sen. of the Massachusetts Women’s Forum,
to me about,” she says. “The intellectual Edward M. Kennedy, both in Washington, Rogerson Communities, Justice Bridge and
stimulation is one of the reasons I love D.C. and Massachusetts, and serving the Massachusetts Association for Mental
higher education. Yes, there are legal as general counsel of the Senate Labor Health. MLW
JAN RYU KOO
Senior Counsel and VP
State Street Global Advisors Trust Company
University of Sydney Law School
J
an Ryu Koo’s legal career has not Massachusetts bar, and then found her feet transparency.
followed a linear path. with in-house positions at Upromise, Fidelity “No day is ever the same,” she laughs.
Born in Korea and raised in Investments and, since 2015, State Street Ryu Koo also takes a leadership role with
Australia, Ryu Koo was inspired to become Global Advisors. regard to diversity efforts. At State Street,
a lawyer after witnessing the struggles “My journey to where I stand now was she is the treasurer of the LCARS Diversity
of her immigrant family. After law school, not a linear one, but I firmly believe that my & Inclusion Subcommittee, which focuses
she started at a boutique practice and unique identity and background enables me on internal community engagement, as well
discovered an interest in corporate law, to be particularly effective in representing as a member of the Professional Women’s
taking her first step into the financial clients,” she says. “I haven’t walked a Network and the Asian American Affinity
services world as an in-house lawyer at a
credit union before joining an investment
typical path and I hope to be an inspiration
to at least one other person to understand
Group.
Outside of the office, she sits on the
“I haven’t walked a
bank, where she focused on securitization that it is ok to do things a different way.” board of directors for the Asian American typical path and I hope
and mortgage law. At State Street, Ryu Koo provides legal Lawyers Association of Massachusetts to be an inspiration
In 2011, she moved to the United States advice to the company’s institutional client- and serves as chair of the AALAM In-
and found herself in an uncertain position. facing businesses, particularly related to House Committee. She is also a member to at least one other
The financial services industry was still sales, distribution and products. Her diverse of the National Asian Pacific American person to understand
reeling from the recession and Ryu Koo
needed to complete several steps before
background has proven invaluable to a
global institution with many cross-border
Bar Association and the Korean Lawyers
Association of Massachusetts, which
that it is ok to do
practicing in the U.S. She completed the transactions. Recently, she collaborated provides pro bono legal assistance to the things a different way.”
LL.M. program in Banking and Financial with multiple business functions to create Korean community. In addition, Ryu Koo was
Law at Boston University School of Law, a global compendium of language to use in appointed by the president of the Republic
taking extra classes in order to meet agreements relating to fees, providing both of Korea to the Peaceful Unification Advisory
the eligibility requirements to take the internal and external clients with clarity and Council. MLWB14 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
STACY D. KRAUSE
Senior VP and General Counsel
Kadant Inc.
University of Pennsylvania Law School
I
n her four short years at Kadant “Our business is helping our customers to her for everything. Feeling like an integral
Inc., Stacy D. Krause has already be more efficient with their resources and part of the team inspired her career shift.
made a big difference in the legal improve productivity, so it fits squarely in Krause got some in-house experience under
department. She modernized and the ESG world,” she says. Through a series her belt at a semi-conductor company and
improved many processes, including of corporate sustainability reports, Krause a technology business that was acquired
board communication, legal billing has been able to tell the company’s story, in a $3 billion deal she led, managing the
management, compliance training and from policy changes to recognition for its post-closing integration efforts before
commercial contract submission and sustainability efforts to its membership in heading to Kadant.
review — all while managing multiple the United Nations Global Compact. “I love that I am able to provide trusted
acquisitions (three in 2021 alone). “It has been incredibly rewarding to start
business advice to help propel the company
“While I’ve been at the company, something from scratch and watch the
I’ve really tried to focus on process progression — setting goals, meeting them,
forward,” she says. “I am really proud
of being able to make such a difference
“I love that I am able
improvement, as well as improving our improving and doing more every year, with
improving the legal department in such a to provide trusted
availability to our internal clients and our accolades coming in,” she says. “Often
response time to the business, making sure legal is viewed as a cost center that doesn’t
short time as well as accomplishing all the business advice
we are faster and better at what we do,” necessarily help the business progress, but ESG work we’ve been focused on.” to help propel the
Krause hosts and mentors students
she explains.
Krause also oversees the environmental,
with ESG I feel like we are doing that.”
Krause began her career in private interested in the law, both from company forward.”
social and governance (ESG) program for practice as a general corporate lawyer, Northeastern University School of Law
the company, which handles industrial focusing on securities and mergers and and Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. A
manufacturing such as wood processing acquisitions. While she enjoyed her work, member of the Women’s General Counsel
systems, bulk material handling and fiber her favorite client was a company that Network, she is also involved with The Thirty
processing. didn’t have in-house counsel and relied on Percent Coalition. MLW
JENNIFER L. LAURO
VP Group Counsel – HR and Litigation
The Hanover Insurance Group
Boston University School of Law
J
ennifer L. Lauro traces her interest in Lauro manages in-house and outside The Hanover’s response to the COVID-19
the law back to elementary school, counsel responsible for litigation brought pandemic.
when she initiated a protest because against The Hanover or directly by “We were facing very new, complex
the boys had a bigger and better school the company (including class actions, legal issues that were emerging on a daily
yard than the girls. employment, contract, unfair competition
basis,” she says. “We had to be really
Lauro led her fellow female students in and trade secret disputes).
creative and responsive while dealing with
a sit-in at the boys yard, which caught the The other half of her job focuses on
very high stakes. I partnered with HR to
attention of the administration and resulted human resources, where she provides
in a policy change: Going forward, the yards employment advice to the management create employee-focused policies and our
would be divided by grades, not gender. and HR team; develops training programs business thrived as a result.”
“It was my first win and I loved it,” she designed to promote effective management Those issues included a transition “I love being able to
recalls. “That’s when my desire to be a practices, while minimizing employment from a culture where remote work was
lawyer started because I saw that I could liability exposure and designs; and not embraced to all but essential on-site
have a real impact on
have an impact and create change.” The develops and helps implement effective workers being at home, as well as policies my company in a way
experience spurred her legal career, first in
private practice and for the last 17 years,
and compliant employment policies and
practices.
attending to employee mental health and that I was not able to
in-house at The Hanover Insurance Group. “I love being able to have a real impact
responding to family and caregiver needs. have as an outside
“In a small way, I’m still having an impact on my company in a way that I was not able
A former member of the Steering
Committee of the New England Labor
counsel.”
and creating change at my current job, by to have as an outside counsel,” Lauro says.
making the workplace a better place to be,” “I also love the mentoring and teaching Counsel, Lauro is a member of the Women’s
Lauro says. “It is an honor and a privilege aspect of the job.” Bar Association and the Boston Bar
to get to positive affect the work life and Like many, the last two years of her Association. She is also an active supporter
careers of others.” work have been primarily focused on of Worcester Community Legal Aid. MLWIN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B15
DEBORAH MARSON
Executive VP and General Counsel
Iron Mountain
Suffolk University Law School
D
eborah Marson has been an in-house company presents a lot of intellectual with whom I had not had prior contact
attorney for over four decades. She and practical challenges because you are who educated me further on the needs of
joined The Gillette Company in 1981, advising the most senior business people and marginalized populations in the Iron Mountain
and spent more than two decades in senior reporting to the CEO on strategic and material regions.” It also led her to volunteer to be a
roles as a leader among women seeking to issues for the company,” she explains. sponsor for one of the eight ERGs: Capable,
navigate corporate America — part of a small For Marson, people are the highlight of the which works with the employee population
team that initiated the first network at the job. with disabilities or perceived limitations
company dedicated to the advancement of “I love managing people from all over the impacting their participation in the workplace.
women. world,” she says. “I love working with people She serves as clerk to the Iron Mountain
In 2009, she joined Iron Mountain, where from different cultures and perspectives. It’s Charitable Foundation and the Iron Mountain “I love working
today she is responsibile for handling global refreshing, keeps me intellectually curious Employee Relief Fund, which provided more with people from
legal issues, including compliance and and gives me great satisfaction.” than $1 million of assistance to employees
privacy, customer and vendor agreements In 2020, Marson was appointed as the worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic
different cultures
and partnerships, real estate, employment, acting head of Iron Mountain’s diversity team. and is currently providing aid for eastern and perspectives. It’s
technology and cyber, SEC compliance
and mergers and acquisitions, and global
She led global efforts to advance diversity,
equity and inclusion with new programs,
European employees.
Throughout her career, Marson has also
refreshing, keeps me
corporate affairs. including the company’s employee resource served as a mentor to other women. A former intellectually curious
A given day could find her working on a groups (ERGs), to better understand their trustee at Suffolk University and overseer at and gives me great
billion-dollar acquisition, advising the board
of directors, working with her international
concerns and address issues.
“Diversity and inclusion are a passion
Colby College, she currently sits on the Dean’s
Cabinet of Suffolk University Law School,
satisfaction.”
team of lawyers, or advancing cutting-edge of mine,” she says. “It was a personally and serves as the vice chair of the Risk and
products for the Fortune 1000 company. satisfying experience as our efforts are Compliance Committee as a trustee at Beth
“The job of a GC at a multi-national worldwide, and I met many employees Israel Deaconess Medical Center. MLW
Congratulations
Jennifer Lauro and to
all the 2022 Leaders
in Law honorees!
We are proud to have you on our
team, Jen, and appreciate
all your efforts.B16 IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022
AMANDA E. PETRILLO
Assistant General Counsel, Fenway Sports Group
Suffolk University Law School
A
s a diehard sports fan, Amanda E. providing guidance on ever-changing COVID product itself but the dynamic events that
“Mandy” Petrillo had her sights regulations. come to the ballpark are one of my favorite
set on sports law even before law Petrillo estimates that 90 percent of parts of the job, especially when we can
school. Growing up in Foxboro, she played her time is spent drafting, reviewing and bring in new and interesting ideas.”
a variety of sports and was raised on the negotiating contracts. While none of them Petrillo also makes an effort to give back.
Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox. As are player-related, she has a hand in all Two years ago she began volunteering for
an undergrad, she worked for an amateur of the sports management and marketing the Red Sox Social Justice and Inclusion
athletic organization to gain exposure to deals, as well as the contracts for NESN and Advisory Committee, an effort to diversify
the business of sports and decided law all of the events at Fenway. the fan base of the club.
school was the best way to get her foot in
the door.
That includes concerts by artists ranging
from Aerosmith and Lady Gaga, and other
Co-chair of the Intellectual Property “The dynamic events
Although she had a brief stint working events such as “Big Air,” a snowboarding
Committee of the Boston Bar Association,
Petrillo achieved another career goal when
that come to the
for a sole practitioner focused on real and ski-jumping fest in partnership with
she became an adjunct professor of Sports ballpark are one of my
estate, Petrillo got her chance in 2008 as U.S. Ski and Sports that took place in the
a paralegal at the Fenway Sports Group, Fenway outfield.
Law at her alma mater, Suffolk University favorite parts of the
working her way up the ladder year after This year, after a delay thanks to Law School. job, especially when
“When I took the class as a student, I said
year.
Today, as assistant general counsel, she
COVID-19, Petrillo is working on plans for
the inaugural Fenway Bowl, a postseason to myself, ‘If I ever make it in this business, we can bring in new
focuses on the transactional side of things, college football game between teams from I want to teach this class,’” she recalls. “I and interesting ideas.”
handling multi-million dollar sponsorship the American Athletic Conference and started teaching about five years ago and
transactions annually, managing a myriad Atlantic Coast Conference. it has been awesome. I find it so rewarding
of intellectual property issues for all of the “I absolutely love working in sports,” she and I truly love being a mentor to the
brands in the company’s portfolio, and says. “I’m incredibly passionate about the students.” MLW
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr
proudly supports
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s
2022 Leaders in the
Law Awards Gala.
saul.com
Congratulations to
all Honorees! Boston Office:
131 Dartmouth Street
Suite 501
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 723-3300IN- HOUSE Leaders | 2022 B17
KAREN J. PETRULAKIS
General Counsel, Wellesley College
Stanford Law School
A
fter 11 years at two different gender equality, inclusive excellence and “I really respect and enjoy the people that
educational institutions, Karen J. community deeply resonate with me,” I work with and I appreciate that everyone
Petrulakis has found her niche. Petrulakis says. “I have always been at all levels understands the mission of the
“Once you get into higher education passionate about creating opportunities for college and is committed to its purpose,” she
law, you never leave,” she explains. “It is women to have work-life balance and to says.
a candy store of legal issues, never fails to advance into leadership roles.” Active in the higher education legal
be interesting and challenging and always During her time at the school, she has community, Petrulakis served on the board
feels very relevant, like you can really make tackled major issues, including a transition of directors of the National Association of
a difference. I would never go back to a from on-campus student health services to College and University Attorneys as well as
different type of practice.”
Petrulakis spent 17 years in private
Newton Wellesley Collegiate Health, part of
the Mass General Brigham system. The move
multiple committees for several years, and
is currently a member of the Committee on
“Wellesley’s
practice, focused primarily on litigation and was intended to modernize the delivery of Honors and Awards and the Committee on core values of
labor and employment issues, before she health services to the school but also proved Nominations and Elections. empowerment, gender
began working at the University of California, instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recently completed a term on the
at the time a $28.5 billion enterprise with 10 Petrulakis stepped up to chair the college’s Steering Committee for the Boston Bar equality, inclusive
campuses, five major medical centers and health and safety team during the pandemic. Association’s College and University Law excellence and
three national laboratories.
In 2017, she took a major leap of faith and
She served as a member of the operations
team and testing team as Wellesley
Section and is a regular participant with
the New England Council of Counsels,
community deeply
geographical boundaries, moving across the transitioned to remote education in March the General Counsel group of The Boston resonate with me.”
country with her family to become the first 2020, to a partial remote and partial in- Consortium, and the Association of
general counsel of Wellesley College, inspired person program for the 2020-2021 academic Independent Colleges and Universities.
by the women’s college’s mission. year, and back to a full in-person return for She is also a member of the Women’s Bar
“Wellesley’s core values of empowerment, the current 2021-2022 year. Association. MLW
Wellesley congratulates
KAR EN
PETRULAKIS
on being named a
2022
MASSACHUSETTS
LEADER IN THE LAW
and
applauds all of this
year’s honorees.You can also read
