Title: Chief Marketing Officer
Firm: Thompson Hine
Education: MBA Weatherhead School of Management, BS Pennsylvania State University
Where did you grow up? Boston, MA and Reston, VA
What was your first job? I worked at a roller skating rink. My accomplishments included serving as a skate guard, handing out roller skates to enthusiastic kids ready to take the floor, and occasional DJ.
What would you be doing if you weren't in your current job? Touring the world in a rock band.
What is currently on your iPod? An eclectic mix of up-tempo tunes to keep me moving while I workout.
Where is your favorite place to go to relax? Relax?
What is your favorite TV show? Favorite movie? I don’t watch a lot of TV. Some favorite movies include West Side Story, Forest Gump and Reservoir Dogs … in summary: hum, a little dumb and scum.
What is your favorite cuisine? Dessert!
If you were stranded on a desert island, who or what would you want to have with you? My family, a never ending supply of treats, iPhone and laptop (with connectivity of course), radio … and a jet ready to fly us all home when we are ready to go.
Who are the most important people in your life? My son and my family.
What is the first thing you read in the morning? Email — generally before I get up for the day and frequently in the middle of the night.
How did you get into legal marketing? Complete unexpected turn in my career. I spent most of my career in general industry. A former executive for whom I worked at GE was heading the Heidrick & Struggles office in Cleveland. She was engaged to hire Squire Sanders’ first CMO and they were looking for someone from general industry. When Judy called me I couldn’t fathom what a CMO would do in a law firm or why it would be the right path for me. My company was in the midst of an acquisition and while my new role would have been great, upward mobility in the new company meant an eventual move to France. As much as I like France, I wasn’t sure that would be viable. I considered the move to legal vs. other opportunities in general industry and decided to take the leap. This field offers the opportunity to work with some brilliant people who come from a very different area of training. It is intellectually stimulating and also affords many avenues to make an impact.
What is the best thing about your job? Two things: Working with incredibly smart people who value the experience and perspective brought by someone outside their field, and working with the fantastic team I have the privilege to lead.
What advice would you offer a new entrant to the world of legal marketing? Take care in understanding your internal and external audience, seek input, trust your judgment and be flexible. Take time to hum, try not to act dumb and avoid the scum.☺