McDara (Dara) Folan is a seasoned legal executive and board advisor with over 40 years of experience guiding corporations through transformative mergers and acquisitions, navigating complex regulatory environments, and building strong governance frameworks. A trusted advisor to boards, executives, and shareholders alike, Dara is known for his balanced leadership style, collaborative mindset, and a deep commitment to ethics and compliance. His ability to bridge legal risk management with strategic business growth has made him an invaluable asset across industries from consumer goods to telecommunications.

Dara most recently served as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), a former NYSE-listed Fortune 500 consumer goods company. Over nearly two decades at RAI and its predecessor company, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, he played a pivotal role in the company’s legal and corporate governance functions. Dara oversaw a legal team and outside counsel providing support for securities law, executive compensation, M&A, intellectual property, and compliance. His role was critical in RAI’s compliance with SEC and NYSE requirements, and he managed the company’s governance framework, Board processes, and annual shareholder meetings.

Throughout his career, Dara has led or advised on numerous high-profile transactions. These include the $27 billion acquisition of Lorillard, the $59 billion merger of RAI with British American Tobacco (BAT), and other major deals such as the acquisition of Conwood Company and the sale of SFRTI to Japan Tobacco. His strategic legal counsel enabled seamless transitions through complex negotiations, diligence, integration, and regulatory review.

Before joining RAI, Dara served as Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at Allen Telecom Inc., where he was part of the executive leadership team. In this role, he advised on all legal matters, including SEC compliance, environmental regulation, labor law, intellectual property, and litigation. He also managed employee benefit plans and served as the company’s Corporate Secretary, fostering strong board governance practices well before it became a top priority for public companies.

Dara began his legal career at the prestigious law firm Jones Day Reavis & Pogue, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and financial institutions. He developed a broad foundation in corporate law, representing both private and publicly held companies across sectors. This early experience laid the groundwork for his lifelong ability to offer insightful, practical, and strategic legal counsel at the highest levels of corporate leadership.

Today, Dara remains actively engaged in both the private and nonprofit sectors. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Cooperstown Distillery, where he applies his expertise in strategic planning, governance, and legal oversight. He is also an investor in 7/25 Capital Partners, a private investment company. These roles reflect his entrepreneurial spirit and ongoing interest in advising high-growth ventures.

In the nonprofit space, Dara has a deep legacy of service. He currently serves as President of the Board of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Foundation and sits on the Board of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership. He previously chaired the Board of Trustees at Salem Academy and College, and held leadership roles with Reynolda House Museum of American Art, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, among others.

Dara holds a JD/MBA from the University of Virginia, where he graduated with numerous honors including Order of the Coif and Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Government and Political and Social Thought at UVA as well, where he was also an Echols Scholar and a leader in student governance. He is admitted to practice law in both North Carolina and Ohio.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Dara enjoys spending time with his family, boating, golfing, and relaxing by the beach. His personal mission—to inspire and motivate others to work together to make the world a better place for future generations—continues to guide both his professional leadership and his civic involvement. His integrity, empathy, and commitment to excellence define his legacy and inform the strategic value he brings to every boardroom.

Character:
Dara is guided by a strong moral compass, demonstrated through a career defined by ethical leadership, community service, and a focus on making a positive impact. His inclusive and collaborative approach fosters trust among colleagues, boards, and stakeholders.

Knowledge:
With four decades of legal and governance experience, Dara brings expert-level insight into corporate law, SEC compliance, M&A, and executive compensation. His knowledge base spans multiple industries and includes both domestic and international exposure.

Strategic:
Dara has successfully led legal strategy for multibillion-dollar transactions and advised CEOs and Boards on risk, opportunity, and long-term value. His strategic mindset ensures alignment between legal compliance and business growth.

Communication:
A gifted communicator, Dara bridges the gap between legal complexity and clear, actionable advice. His calm, thoughtful style has earned him the trust of executives, board members, regulators, and community leaders alike.