Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 25 General Counsels of 2023. The recipients of this year's awards are from some of the most successful and enduring brands on the globe. Nonetheless, achieving success in any domain usually entails disputes and challenges in the legal world. The counsels listed this year demonstrate the indispensable proficiency, direction, and effective management required to guide their companies through complex legal landscapes. Many of them are industry veterans and experts in a variety of fields, including corporate governance, capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, securities law, regulatory, federal and state government relations and policy, internal audit, and risk management, among others.
One of the recognized individuals this year is Amy Wilson, who serves as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Dow Inc., which is among the three largest chemical producers in the world. Wilson, who has been part of Dow's legal team for more than two decades, balances her time by also serving on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Another esteemed awardee, Eric Braun, holds the position of Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Caterpillar, which has continued to expand for nearly a century, notably pulling in $51 billion in sales and revenues for 2020. Brent McIntosh, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Citigroup, is also honored for his extensive experience in executive leadership positions, such as representing the U.S. at the IMF and World Bank.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 General Counsels of 2023.
1. Elizabeth Forminard
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Johnson & Johnson
Elizabeth Forminard is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel for Johnson & Johnson and a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. She also serves as legal advisor to the Board of Directors and company executives, making her responsible for shaping legal strategy worldwide. On top of that, Forminard oversees the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy; Office of the Corporate Secretary and Privacy organization. Furthermore, she serves as the executive sponsor of the Open & Out LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
Since joining Johnson & Johnson in 2006, Forminard has served as General Counsel across each of the Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health and MedTech sectors; as well as Vice President, where she leads the Corporate Governance function and numerous other functional and business-facing roles. Most recently, Forminard served as General Counsel for the Pharmaceuticals Legal Group and was a member of the Pharmaceuticals Group Operating Committee.
Before joining Johnson & Johnson, Forminard developed extensive regulatory legal experience as an associate at a top international law firm. She also served in positions of increasing responsibility with the North America and Asia Pacific legal operations of Pfizer. Forminard holds a BA from Cornell University and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law.
2. Alicia Kelly
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, TJX
Alicia Kelly is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at TJX, the leading off-price apparel and home fashions retailer globally. TJX has four global home offices, seven brands, nearly 4,700 stores in nine countries, and five distinct e-commerce sites. The company specializes in offering discounted prices on brand-name and designer merchandise across various categories, including apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. TJX has achieved significant success through its off-price business model, attracting a wide range of customers seeking value-oriented shopping experiences.
With 28 years of experience starting in 1995, Kelly previously served as a partner at Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP. She holds a JD from Cornell Law School and an undergraduate degree in political science from Brown University. Kelly's expertise and achievements position her as a highly knowledgeable professional in the industry.
3. Ann Miller
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Nike
Ann Miller joined Nike in 2007 and serves as EVP, Chief Legal Officer. For the past six years, she served as Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer. NIKE, named for the Greek goddess of victory, is the world's leading designer, marketer, and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities.
Notably, Miller previously served as Converse’s General Counsel. Today she brings more than 20 years of corporate governance, capital markets, mergers & acquisitions and securities law expertise to her role. Prior to joining Nike, Miller worked at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. She received her JD from the University of Arizona, where she finished second in her class and served on the Law Review.
4. Ann Kappler
Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Prudential Financial
Ann Kappler, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Prudential Financial, is the head of Law, Compliance, Business Ethics and External Affairs. She’s also a member of the Executive Leadership Team. She was appointed in September 2020 after serving as the company’s deputy general counsel and head of External Affairs for six years. In that role, Kappler oversaw Prudential’s corporate legal functions, including M&A, litigation, regulatory law and corporate investigations. On top of that, she led the company’s public policy advocacy, managing all federal, state and international government affairs activities.
Prior to joining Prudential in 2009, Kappler was a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr in Washington, D.C. Additionally, her previous roles included litigation partner at Jenner & Block and general counsel at Fannie Mae. Earlier in her career, she clerked for Judge Abner Mikva of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Harry Blackmun.
Away from Prudential, Kappler serves on the boards of directors of the Pro Bono Partnership (treasurer) and the National Health Law Program (chair), and serves as program co-chair for the Georgetown Law Corporate Counsel Institute. Kappler graduated from Dartmouth College, magna cum laude, and received her JD from New York University School of Law, where she was editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
5. Christine Wheatley
General Counsel and Group Vice President, Kroger
Christine Wheatley serves as the Group Vice President & General Counsel at grocery giant The Kroger Co. With a dedicated workforce of nearly half a million associates, Kroger serves over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and a network of retail food stores operating under various banner names.
Prior to Kroger, Wheatley was Partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP; and President of Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc. She received an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate degree from Michael E. Moritz College of Law.
Insight for Christine Wheatley
“Christine Wheatley is so very deserving of this recognition,” said Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO, Kroger. “Throughout her time at Kroger, Christine has been a true partner – offering wise counsel in any situation. She regularly guides our leadership team through a variety of challenges presented by running stores in 35 states, helped the company navigate an ever-changing environment during the pandemic, and is currently spearheading our proposed merger with Albertsons. We are proud of Christine and congratulate her on this honor.”
6. Lauren Mogensen
Global General Counsel, Bank of America
Lauren Mogensen is global general counsel for Bank of America, responsible for overseeing the company's legal functions around the world. She is a member of the company's executive management team. An experienced attorney and executive with a background in both risk and compliance, Mogensen has been with Bank of America for two decades. During her tenure, she has served as deputy general counsel and legal executive for several areas of the company; as well as chief risk and compliance officer and chief financial officer for Global Risk and Investment Management (GWIM).
Mogensen first joined FleetBoston Financial in 2001 as managing director, Mergers & Acquisitions. In 2003, she was named deputy general counsel. Prior to joining FleetBoston, Mogensen was a partner at Edwards & Angell (now Locke Lorde), practicing primarily in general corporate law, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. In 1988 Mogensen received a JD with honors from George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. She also holds a BA in government, with distinction, from Colby College.
7. Christine Kalla
EVP, General Counsel, Travelers
Christine Kucera Kalla is the EVP, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of Travelers. In these roles, she is responsible for leading Travelers’ enterprise legal, ethics and compliance functions. She is also a member of the company’s management committee and operating committee. Notably, travelers is an insurance provider, offering comprehensive coverage for homes, cars, valuables, and businesses. With over 165 years of experience, the company has established itself as a leading property casualty insurer. Travelers boasts a dedicated team of 30,000 employees and 13,500 independent agents and brokers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Kalla joined Travelers in 1997. Prior to her current position, she practiced in the areas of litigation management, employment law, and compliance. Before joining Travelers, she practiced at Oppenheimer Wolff and Donnelly in Minneapolis, focusing on commercial litigation and employment law. In addition to her current duties at Travelers, she serves on the board of the Guthrie Theater.
8. Dara Kendall
Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Procter & Gamble
Dara Kendall serves as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Procter & Gamble (P&G), a renowned consumer goods company founded over 180 years ago. Established in 1837, P&G has grown into one of the world's largest and most successful companies. It operates in various sectors, including beauty, grooming, health care, fabric care, and home care.
With two decades of experience, Kendall has made significant contributions to P&G throughout her career. She initially joined the company as a Senior Counsel of Global Baby Care Patents, leveraging her expertise in patent law. Over time, she progressed within the organization, assuming roles of increasing responsibility, including Associate Director & Associate General Counsel and Vice President & Associate General Counsel, Global Fabric & Home Care. She holds a JD in patent law from N. C. Central University, an MS in engineering from N. C. A&T State University, and an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
9. Lynn Charytan
Executive Vice President & Senior Deputy General Counsel, Comcast
Lynn Charytan serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Comcast Cable. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the full range of legal affairs of Comcast Cable. She is also responsible for the wide array of technologies, products, and services delivered to both consumers and businesses in 39 states. Additionally, in her continuing role as Executive Vice President and Senior Deputy General Counsel for Comcast Corporation, Charytan oversees the Comcast Cable’s government investigations–and interfaces with the government affairs and regulatory teams.
Previously, Charytan served as Senior Vice President of Legal Regulatory Affairs and Senior Deputy General Counsel of Comcast Corporation, responsible for providing corporate-wide legal advice on regulatory matters and overseeing the company’s legal regulatory advocacy, including filings in federal and state regulatory proceedings and related litigation and appeals.
Prior to joining Comcast in 2010, Charytan spent more than 17 years at WilmerHale in Washington, DC, where she served as the chair of its Communications, Privacy and Internet Law Practice Group. During her tenure at the firm, she counseled clients in all sectors of the communications industry on law matters pertaining to telecommunications, privacy, security, and the Internet. Prior to joining WilmerHale in 1993, Charytan spent two years as in-house counsel to The Washington Post. Earlier in her career, she clerked for Judge Stanley Sporkin on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Charytan earned a BA from Columbia University and a JD from Harvard Law School–graduating from both institutions with honors.
10. Christine DeBiase
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Allstate
Christine DeBiase is the Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Allstate. She leads Allstate's Law & Regulation team and serves on the Operating and Risk and Return Committees. It is worthy to note that Allstate Corporation is one of the largest publicly held personal lines insurers in the United States. With a legacy spanning over 80 years, Allstate has been dedicated to helping customers fulfill their hopes and dreams.
DeBiase previously led legal, compliance, corporate governance, and sustainability at Brighthouse Financial. She spent 20 years at MetLife and was lead attorney for the spinoff of Brighthouse Financial. Her positions at MetLife included corporate counsel, head of regulatory affairs and Senior Vice President, General Counsel of Americas Legal. She earned a JD from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. She also holds a bachelor's in communications from State University of New York at New Paltz. On top of her duties at Allstate, DeBiase is a member of the board for PowerPlay NYC and is a member of the Foundation Board for the National Junior College Athletic Association.
11. Adam Deckinger
General Counsel and Secretary, Tyson Foods
Adam Deckinger serves as General Counsel and Secretary for Tyson Foods. In these roles, he leads Tyson’s global Law & Compliance, Government Affairs, and internal Audit services teams. Deckinger’s responsibilities include overseeing all legal matters globally, corporate governance, regulatory, federal and state government relations and policy, internal audit, and risk management. Before being promoted to his current position, he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Head of Law and Compliance at Tyson. Additionally, Deckinger is a member of Tyson Foods’ enterprise leadership team and reports to President & CEO Donnie King.
Prior to joining Tyson, Deckinger served as an attorney at The Boeing Company. He was also an attorney with the law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner. Early on, Deckinger clerked for two federal judges — the Hon. Andrew J. Kleinfeld, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Hon. Paul C. Huck, Southern District of Florida. Prior to his law school days, Deckinger worked as a software engineer at Ciena Corp., a company that pioneered high-speed fiber optic switching. He holds a JD from the University of Michigan School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Florida State University.
12. James Wright
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, Energy Transfer
Jim Wright is Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer for Energy Transfer, one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in the United States. Wright has been with Energy Transfer since 2005. During his tenure, he has held a number of increasingly senior leadership roles within its legal organization. Appointed as General Counsel in 2023, Wright leads an expansive team of professionals at Energy Transfer, overseeing all legal matters including, litigation, compliance and ethics, M&A, government affairs and regulatory issues, among others.
Prior to joining Energy Transfer, Wright worked for Enterprise Products Partners, L.P., El Paso Corp., SONAT Exploration Company, and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. Wright holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University and a JD from South Texas College of Law.
13. Sarah Dodds-Brown
EVP & Deputy General Counsel, American Express
Sarah Dodds-Brown currently serves as Executive Vice President & Deputy General Counsel of American Express. She has held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility before being named Deputy General Counsel in 2022. In her current role, she leads the Global Enterprise Services & U.S. Market legal teams, focusing on ways to enhance the operation of the legal department and management of legal risk, and serves as a member of the Company's Enterprise Risk Management Committee. Her team leads the support for many strategic, cross-functional initiatives and provides legal expertise and advice across a range of subject matter and regulatory areas, including digital transactions, technology, cybersecurity, intellectual property, antitrust, bank regulatory, advertising and marketing, and privacy and data law.
In her previous role, Sarah led the U.S. Business Legal Group which provided legal and regulatory support for the company’s U.S. consumer, commercial and merchant and network services businesses. In 2019, these business divisions generated over $29B in revenue for American Express. Prior to that, Sarah led the legal team supporting the merchant and network services businesses in the wake of a 2015 District Court ruling against American Express and its merchant business in the Ohio v American Express Co antitrust case. Sarah and her team helped drive decisions that enabled growth and balanced the needs of customers and shareholders while navigating the implementation of a permanent injunction issued by the District Court, as well as its reversal several months later by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2018, the Supreme Court ultimately affirmed the appellate court’s decision in favor of American Express.
14. Anne Madden
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Honeywell International
Anne Madden is Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Honeywell. She is responsible for managing legal affairs, Government Relations, health, safety, environment, product stewardship, sustainability/ESG, and global security. Madden is also responsible for Honeywell’s global M&A and venture capital efforts.
Prior to taking this role in 2017, Madden was Vice President, Corporate Development and Global Head of M&A, leading acquisition and divestiture activities for 16 years. During her tenure, Honeywell made around 100 acquisitions, representing approximately $15 billion in revenues and divested about 70 businesses, representing close to $9 billion of non-core revenues.
Madden joined Honeywell’s predecessor AlliedSignal in 1996 as General Counsel of Fluorine Products. Later that year, she became Vice President and General Counsel of Specialty Chemicals–and then Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Performance Materials and Technologies (PMT). Prior to that, Madden worked at Shearman & Sterling and KPMG Peat Marwick. She holds an AB in English and American literature from Brown University, an MS in accounting, an MBA in finance from the NYU Stern School of Business, and a JD from the Fordham University School of Law, where she was Managing Editor of the Law Review.
15. Vanessa Sutherland
Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Phillips 66
Vanessa Allen Sutherland is Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Phillips 66. Her company manufactures, transports, and markets products that drive the global economy. The diversified energy company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future.
Before assuming her current role in January 2022, Sutherland was Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation, where she held a series of positions. She brings considerable knowledge of the public sector, having served as Chairperson and CEO of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; and as Chief Counsel at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. She also served in senior legal counsel roles for Altria Group and Philip Morris USA. Sutherland earned a bachelor’s from Drew University, as well as a JD and MBA from American University.
Vanessa Sutherland's Insight
“It’s an exciting time to serve as general counsel for Phillips 66. Strategic leadership of the legal function is crucial to the company’s success and comes at a pivotal time for the evolving energy industry.”
16. Cameron Findlay
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Archer Daniels Midland
Cameron Findlay is a Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of ADM and a member of the company’s Executive Council. In this role, Findlay oversees the company’s global legal, compliance, regulatory, government relations, insurance and global security departments. Findlay joined ADM in July 2013. Before that, he served as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for Medtronic, Inc. He also served as executive vice president and general counsel of Aon Corporation. Additionally, he practiced law as a partner in the global law firm now known as Sidley Austin LLP. As a testament to his expertise, he is a two-time winner of Corporate Counsel magazine’s “Best Legal Department” award.
In addition to his time as a lawyer and businessperson, Findlay has had a distinguished career in government service, including: at the White House as deputy assistant to President George H. W. Bush; at the U.S. Department of Labor as the deputy secretary of labor; at the U.S. Supreme Court as a law clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia; and finally at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as a law clerk for Judge Stephen F. Williams.
Findlay is actively involved in civic affairs. He currently serves on the boards of Northwestern University, the Steppenwolf Theatre Co., and the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Previously he served on the boards of the Children’s Home and Aid Society (as Chair), the Minnesota Orchestra, the Economic Club of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Findlay received his BA, summa cum laude, from Northwestern University, graduating first in his class. He also holds a MA, with First Class Honors, from Oxford University, which he attended as a Marshall Scholar. He received his law education from Harvard Law School, earning a JD, magna cum laude.
Insight About Cameron Findlay
“Cam has been a trusted leader over the last decade, and he has done a tremendous job building world-class legal, compliance, regulatory, and government relations functions at ADM since he joined the company in 2013. I personally appreciate his wise counsel throughout the years as he has tirelessly worked to safeguard ADM’s reputation for integrity, to protect ADM against legal threats, and to help transform the company through several strategic transactions.”
17. Stergios Theologides
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Fannie Mae
Stergios Theologides is Fannie Mae's Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. He oversees the Legal Department and Government and Industry Relations. He also serves as a senior advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors.
Theologides joined Fannie Mae in March 2019, bringing more than 20 years of legal and business experience–specifically in financial services and regulatory environments. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at CoreLogic. In this capacity, Theologides was a member of the management committee, helped guide the company's strategic and innovation initiatives, and advised the company on various priorities, including compliance, information security, internal audit, and enterprise risk.
Before joining CoreLogic, Theologides was Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Morgan Stanley's U.S. residential mortgage business, where he provided legal advice on sensitive state regulatory issues during the economic crisis; and was a member of the Federal Reserve Board's Consumer Advisory Council. Theologides has a JD from Columbia Law School, and a BA in public and international affairs from Princeton University.
Stergios Theologides Insight
“As Fannie Mae's General Counsel, I lead an incredibly talented team of legal professionals tasked with supporting and protecting Fannie Mae's critical mission to facilitate equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality affordable rental housing across America.”
18. Sandra Leung
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Bristol-Myers Squibb
Sandy Leung is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel. She not only serves as legal advisor to the Board of Directors and company executives, but she is also responsible for shaping the company’s legal strategy. Furthermore, Leung is responsible for Environment, Health & Safety & Sustainability, Corporate Security, and Philanthropy. In addition, she currently serves as the executive sponsor of the Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD) People and Business Resource Group.
Leung joined Bristol Myers Squibb in 1992 as a staff attorney in the litigation department. In 1996, she became assistant counsel–and one year later was named associate counsel. In 1999, Leung was appointed to the position of counsel and corporate secretary. In 2006, she was appointed acting general counsel; and in 2007 was named general counsel. In 2014, Leung was named executive vice president. Prior to joining the company, Leung was a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. She earned her JD from Boston College of Law and her bachelor’s from Tufts University.
19. Eric Braun
Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Caterpillar
Eric Braun serves as the Vice President & Deputy General Counsel of Caterpillar. He joined the company in 2004 as an attorney specializing in environmental, health & safety, and product regulatory matters. Notably, Caterpillar was established in 1925 and is now a global leader in manufacturing construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. With 2020 sales and revenues of $51.0 billion, Caterpillar operates on every continent through its Construction Industries, Resource Industries, Energy & Transportation, and Financial Products segments.
Before joining Caterpillar, Braun worked as an associate attorney at Greenebaum Doll & McDonald. Braun holds a JD from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law and an undergraduate degree in economics and government from Centre College.
20. Brent McIntosh
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Citigroup
Brent McIntosh is Citi's General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In this role, he leads Citi's Global Legal Affairs & Compliance organization, which includes the Legal Department, Independent Compliance Risk Management, Citi Security and Investigative Services, and Citi's Regulatory Strategy and Policy function.
Previously, McIntosh served as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. He led the Treasury Department’s engagement in the G7 and G20, represented the United States on the Financial Stability Board, and managed U.S. participation at the IMF and World Bank. He also served as Treasury’s General Counsel, leading the department’s approximately 2,000 lawyers and spearheading its regulatory reform efforts. Prior to that, he was a partner in the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell, where his practice focused on complex disputes involving financial institutions and multinational corporations. McIntosh served in the White House as Associate Counsel to the President and then as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Staff Secretary. Before that, he was a Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the Justice Department, where his work focused on national security matters.
McIntosh holds an AB in economics and political science from the University of Michigan and a JD from Yale Law School. Away from Citigroup, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Alexander Hamilton Society, the Board of Advisors for the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, and the Advisory Council of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum. Additionally, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, where he previously served as an Adjunct Senior Fellow for International Economics and Finance–as well as the Bretton Woods Committee and the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
21. Eve McFadden
Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Sysco
Eve McFadden is the Senior Vice President, Legal and Compliance and serves as Corporate Secretary of Sysco. Her company is the global leader in selling, marketing, and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments, and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Sysco’s robust portfolio also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 71,000 colleagues, the company operates 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 700,000 customer locations.
McFadden joined Sysco in 2008 as Corporate Counsel, Employment. In 2012 she was named Assistant General Counsel, Employment & Litigation. Two years later, she was promoted to Vice President & Associate General Counsel, Employment & Litigation. Then in 2018 she was named Sysco’s Ethics & Compliance Officer, with responsibility for the management and continuous improvement of the company’s enterprise Ethics & Compliance program. Prior to joining Sysco, McFadden worked in private practice at the nation’s largest Labor & Employment law firm, Littler Mendelson.
22. Monica Douglas
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Coca-Cola
Monica Howard Douglas is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of The Coca-Cola Company. In this role, she oversees the company’s global legal function, reporting to Chairman and CEO James Quincey. Douglas was appointed to her role in April 2021.
Previously, at Coca-Cola, Douglas served as chief compliance officer and associate general counsel for the North America operating unit. She joined the soda giant in 2004 as senior managing counsel. Douglas went on to hold roles of increasing responsibility, including as legal director for Coca-Cola Southern and East Africa, before being named general counsel for Coca-Cola North America in 2018.
Prior to Coca-Cola, Douglas was an attorney with Equifax and an associate at Troutman Sanders LLP, now known as Troutman Pepper LLP. She currently balances her time as a member of the board of directors for VICI Properties Inc., Junior Achievement USA, and Cool Girls Inc. Douglas earned a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and a JD from Stanford University.
23. Brandon Ehrhart
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Tesla
Brandon Ehrhart, the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Tesla, started his career 23 years ago. Tesla, driven by its mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy, aims to free the planet from reliance on fossil fuels and achieve a zero-emission future. The iconic car company strives to create not only exceptional electric vehicles, but also infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage solutions–empowering customers to reduce their environmental impact.
Ehrhart's career began in 2000 as an associate in the corporate and securities group at DLA Piper. He then moved on to EchoStar Corporation and eventually held positions of increasing responsibility, including General Counsel, DISH Wireless, Executive Vice President, and Corporate Secretary at DISH Network before joining Tesla. Ehrhart holds a JD from Vanderbilt University Law School and an undergraduate degree in economics and public policy studies from Duke University.
24. Alicia Evans
VP, Associate General Counsel, AmerisourceBergen
Alicia Evans is the Vice President and Associate General Counsel at AmerisourceBergen. With over 30 years of experience in the legal profession–and over 20 years in the healthcare industry–she provides legal support to the Lash Group business. Evans's legal expertise spans multiple areas, including contracts, specialty pharmacy, and wholesale regulatory practice and litigation support. She also supports the Lash Group Compliance team, working to ensure that state and federal regulatory compliance standards are implemented throughout the business.
Before joining AmerisourceBergen, she was a member of the CVS Caremark law department, where she specialized in PBM operations, PBM formulary, P&T committee, clinical programs, utilization management, specialty pharmacy, and pharmaceutical trade contracting. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas and a JD from the University of Houston Law Center.
25. Amy Wilson
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Dow
Amy Wilson serves as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Dow, which is among the three largest chemical producers in the world. Wilson began her legal career in 1995 as an attorney with the law firm of Currie Kendall, PLC. She later joined Dow’s Legal Department in 2000, providing legal counsel to Purchasing and Human Resources. In 2002, she transferred to the Corporate and Financial Law section. In 2006, she moved to Dow’s Europe operations in Horgen, Switzerland–where she provided legal counsel to the Performance Plastics and Chemicals businesses; and to the European Finance function. She joined the Office of the Corporate Secretary and was elected Assistant Secretary by the Board of Directors in 2008. This was followed by Wilson being named Director of the Office of the Corporate Secretary in 2013. More recently, she was elected Corporate Secretary by the Board of Directors in February 2015. She’s held her current role with Dow since October 1, 2018.
Additionally, Wilson serves on the Board of Directors for the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, MyMichigan Health, and the Board of Trustees for the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation. She is also a member of the Society for Corporate Governance and the Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a JD from the University of Michigan Law School.
