Jess Krannich is a nationally acclaimed litigation partner with more than twenty years of experience leading high stakes commercial and intellectual property disputes for some of the most innovative companies in the world. Known for his strategic insight, courtroom excellence, and unwavering dedication to helping businesses thrive through complexity, Jess has secured landmark victories, delivered billions in client savings, and built a reputation as a trusted advisor to executive teams and boards. A former Kirkland and Ellis partner and now a leader at Wilson Sonsini, he serves clients across the Intermountain West and beyond, combining elite litigation skill with deep expertise in competition law, governance, and cross border disputes. A committed educator and civic leader, Jess also teaches trial advocacy and negotiation at the University of Utah and serves on the Board of Governors of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his belief that strong communities and strong businesses rise together.

Vasilios “Bill” T. Nacopoulos, Esquire, is a trusted corporate counsel and strategic legal advisor with more than 25 years of experience guiding organizations through complex transactions, governance challenges, and regulatory landscapes. With a Wharton education and a distinguished legal career spanning M&A, finance, commercial real estate, and municipal bonds, Bill is known for his integrity, sharp legal insight, and ability to align legal frameworks with business goals. He brings exceptional value to boardrooms seeking thoughtful, results-driven guidance rooted in both legal depth and practical business sense.

I’ve spent the past 15 years fighting for justice, protecting consumers, and guiding businesses toward ethical decisions through the law. As I continue to expand my impact beyond the courtroom, I’m seeking opportunities to contribute to forward-thinking boards and mission-driven organizations. Here is my biography.

Gregg Donnenfeld is a seasoned legal executive with nearly 30 years of expertise in corporate law, trademark licensing, brand protection, and intellectual property management. As the chief legal officer and general counsel at WHP Global, he oversees legal operations for a diverse portfolio of globally recognized consumer brands. His career spans leadership roles in major apparel, technology, and entertainment companies, where he has played a pivotal role in structuring high-value transactions, managing corporate governance, and safeguarding brand integrity. With extensive international experience, a strong academic foundation, and a commitment to legal excellence, Gregg is a trusted advisor and strategic thinker who continues to drive business growth and innovation through legal expertise.

Michael Kline is a seasoned corporate attorney and strategic advisor with nearly three decades of experience guiding clients through complex legal landscapes. As a longtime partner at Fox Rothschild LLP, he has led with distinction in roles ranging from Chair of the Corporate Department to Assistant General Counsel, providing high-level counsel on transactional matters, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Michael’s work spans a diverse range of sectors, including nonprofit healthcare, where he serves as Outside General Counsel and Trustee for Deborah Heart and Lung Center. A recognized leader in Corporate Transparency Act compliance, he combines legal insight with a pragmatic approach to help organizations navigate change, reduce risk, and achieve long-term success.

David Lawyer is a veteran attorney and President of Inslee Best Doezie & Ryder, where he has practiced law for over 38 years. Known for his integrity, strategic insight, and deep legal expertise, David specializes in corporate law, mediation, and legal research. His leadership has helped shape the firm’s reputation for excellence and client-centered service throughout the Pacific Northwest. A graduate of Seattle University School of Law and fluent in French, David combines a global perspective with a local commitment, guiding businesses through complex legal landscapes with clarity, precision, and trusted counsel.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey in corporate governance, employee benefits law, and risk management. With 37 years of experience advising organizations on compliance, litigation, and fiduciary responsibility, I remain committed to helping businesses navigate the complexities of today’s regulatory landscape.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey in legal affairs, corporate governance, and strategic leadership. With over 22 years of experience in law, entertainment, and business, I am passionate about efficiency, compliance, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.

Chip Armbruster is a seasoned legal professional specializing in real estate law, estate planning, and trust administration. As the Managing Member of Tomasetti Law, LLC, he brings nearly 15 years of expertise in guiding clients through complex legal transactions with a strategic and client-focused approach. His background includes a decade of legal practice, experience in higher education as an adjunct professor, and early career roles in academic advising and compliance. With a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law and a foundation in kinesiology and exercise science from Indiana University Bloomington, Chip combines legal acumen with a broad perspective on business and compliance matters. His leadership, knowledge, and commitment to client success continue to drive the excellence of his practice.

Danielle Blackhall is a distinguished legal executive and trusted advisor with extensive expertise in employment law, litigation management, and human resources strategy. As Chief Employment Counsel at The Scripps Research Institute, she leads the organization’s legal strategy on labor and employment matters, partnering with executive leadership to mitigate risk, drive compliance, and foster an inclusive workplace culture. With a proven track record in resolving complex disputes, implementing forward-thinking policies, and shaping employee engagement initiatives, Danielle blends legal acumen with strategic vision to support organizational success. Her background as a seasoned litigator, corporate trainer, and HR leader positions her as a key architect of workplace policies that align with both business objectives and legal best practices.

I am excited to share my professional journey, which spans over three decades of experience in law, government affairs, and strategic advisory roles. From leading major policy initiatives to serving on nonprofit boards and regulatory bodies, I remain committed to driving impactful change in both the public and private sectors. Here is my biography.

I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my experience in higher education leadership, governance, legal strategy, and conflict resolution. With over 30 years of experience in academia, consulting, and public policy, I am committed to helping organizations achieve operational excellence, strategic growth, and sustainable impact.

Peter L. Watson is an accomplished legal executive with extensive expertise in corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. As General Counsel for a leading industrial distributor and manufacturer, he plays a critical role in shaping corporate strategy, mitigating risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance across global operations. With over two decades of experience spanning industries such as energy, manufacturing, and finance, he has successfully led complex transactions, developed comprehensive compliance frameworks, and advised executive leadership on high-stakes legal and business matters. His strategic mindset, strong negotiation skills, and ability to align legal functions with corporate objectives have made him a trusted advisor to boards and management teams, driving business growth and operational excellence.

Elena Jacque is an accomplished corporate attorney with deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate governance. As Counsel in the Technology Companies Group at Goodwin Procter LLP, she advises high-growth companies, private equity sponsors, and boards on complex transactions, including venture financing, public and private M&A, and de-SPAC deals. With a career spanning top law firms and an investment banking legal secondee role at Goldman Sachs, she brings a strategic and global perspective to corporate law. Fluent in multiple languages and recognized in *Best Lawyers in America©* for her excellence in corporate law and M&A, Elena is a trusted advisor known for her precision, integrity, and ability to navigate sophisticated legal and financial landscapes.

Paul Gugel is a seasoned attorney and corporate advisor with over 25 years of experience specializing in corporate, employment, and software law. He has a strong track record of guiding businesses through complex legal landscapes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and mitigating risk through strategic governance and contract negotiation. Throughout his career, Gugel has played a critical role in shaping corporate policies, overseeing litigation, and advising on mergers, acquisitions, and entity formation. His expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, construction, real estate, and technology, where he has consistently delivered sound legal counsel to drive business growth and operational efficiency.

Cyndy Malone is a seasoned attorney with over 40 years of experience, offering a proven track record of success in litigation, regulatory matters, business development, and strategic leadership. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held key roles at AT&T Services, Inc., where she gained extensive expertise in negotiating complex contracts, overseeing litigation teams, and providing strategic guidance across diverse business units. Cyndy’s leadership was especially evident when she served as General Counsel for AT&T Alaska, where she handled a broad range of legal, personnel, and business issues for the company’s Alaska operations. She also has a deep background in regulatory affairs, having worked in AT&T's regulatory office in Austin, Texas, to address key governmental and regulatory challenges. A passionate community advocate, Cyndy has dedicated much of her time to nonprofit organizations and local boards, including serving as the Chair of the Medina County Central Appraisal District Board and as a board member for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. Her approach to leadership is grounded in a logical, rational framework, with a focus on ethical decision-making, effective communication, and long-term strategic planning. Cyndy’s expertise and dedication extend beyond the courtroom, as she seeks to contribute her legal insights and business acumen to the boards of organizations that align with her values of service, leadership, and community improvement.