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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Mary-Karen Bierman
Director - Senior Counsel, Wastequip
I’ve been genuinely excited to step into the role of ACC Charlotte President this year —made even more memorable by kicking things off while surviving Charlotte’s brief but ambitious attempt at winter, spring, and summer, often in the same week. It felt like a fitting start for our in‑house community, where no two days look the same and adaptability isn’t just a skill, it’s a job requirement.
That same need to stay flexible and responsive is guiding one of our main goals for 2026: helping members get even more practical, ready‑to‑use value from their ACC membership. ACC Global and our Charlotte chapter offer an incredible depth of resources, but with busy in‑house schedules, those tools aren’t always top of mind. To help bridge that gap, we’re highlighting a specific ACC resource each month at our Hamilton Chapter Meetings and reinforcing those tools weekly in our newsletters with short, practical reminders — so when an issue lands on your desk, you’ll immediately know ACC already has something that can help.
The first quarter of 2026 was a fantastic start to the year for ACC Charlotte, filled with opportunities for members to learn, connect, and engage. Our highly successful Mentorship program kicked off in January with a record 23 pairings offering an opportunity for members to build meaningful relationships, gain perspective, and learn from one another. Through our monthly Chapter Meetings at the Hamilton, firm‑sponsored programming, affinity group events, and a community service opportunity, members came together to share insights, build strong relationships, and support one another — setting an energetic and collaborative tone for the year ahead.
What stands out most to me from this first quarter isn’t just how many events we’ve had, but how engaged our members have been. The thoughtful questions during CLEs, the strong attendance both in person and online at events, and the willingness of members to get involved all speak to the strength of our Charlotte chapter. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our board, committee and affinity group leaders and members, and law firm sponsors. I am deeply grateful for their continued commitment.
Looking ahead to the second quarter, there is a lot to be excited about — more Chapter Meetings, community service projects, professional development programming, and social and women’s events. I encourage you to join us, try something new, and consider getting involved if you’re looking for a deeper connection to the chapter.
Thank you again for such a strong start to 2026. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event and help make sure you’re getting everything you signed up for when you joined ACC (and then some).
Warm regards,
Mary‑Karen Bierman
President, ACC Charlotte
| | ACC CHARLOTTE MEMBER NEWS | | |
Welcome ACC Charlotte New Members!
January 2026 - March 2026
Kristan Blanding, In House Counsel, Midrex Technologies, Inc.
Vanessa Clark, Senior VP/Senior Associate General Counsel, U.S. Bank
Donald Ennis, Assistant General Counsel, VP, Wells Fargo Law Departmentz
Jeffrey Johnson, Senior Corporate Counsel, Terrestrial Energy Inc.
Ryan Kaplan, Senior Counsel, Energy Systems Group LLC
Emma Kerr, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Albemarle Corporation
Michael Lutgring, General Counsel, Standard Lithium Ltd
Michelle Manha, Assistant General Counsel, Wells Fargo Law Department
Anna Marciano, Senior VP, Head of Legal, Belk
Ethan Meredith, Director of Compliance & Corporate Counsel, 24M Technologies
Gabi Parish, Attorney, Compass Group USA, Inc.
Carly Robertson, Senior Commercial Counsel, Concentrix Solutions
Rachel Semanchik, General Counsel, Honeywell International Inc.
Fabio Solimene, Assistant General Counsel, Honeywell International Inc.
Dan Whitman, VP, General Counsel & Secretary, SPX Technologies, Inc.
Joanne Wu-White, Senior Corporate Counsel, U.S. Bank
| | RECENT CHAPTER NEWS & EVENTS | | 2026 ACC Charlotte Board of Directors | |
ACC Charlotte is thrilled to acknowledge our 2026 Executive Board of Directors, who bring exceptional leadership and expertise to our chapter. Below find the list of our 2026 board members:
PRESIDENT
Mary-Karen Bierman, Director - Senior Counsel, Wastequip, LLC
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Megan Scholz, Senior VP & Associate General Counsel, Bank of America Corporation
VP - SPONSORSHIP & PROGRAMMING
Alysja Carlisle, VP & Legal Counsel, Belk, Inc.
SECRETARY
Drew Slabaugh, Senior Legal Counsel, SERC Reliability Corp.
TREASURER
Kerry-ann Archer, Senior Counsel, Wells Fargo Legal Dept.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Heyward Bouknight, Deputy General Counsel, National Gypsum Company
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Keith Atkinson, Division General Counsel, Nuveen
Courtney Ballard, Senior Corporate Counsel, Energy Services, Trane Technologies
Anna Blackwelder, Head of Legal North America, SGL Carbon, LLC
Burgin Hardin, Corporate Counsel, National Gypsum Company
Mandy Schuller, Assistant General Counsel, VP, Wells Fargo
We look forward to an exciting year ahead under their guidance!
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GC Roundtable | Navigating the Evolving Role of General Counsel: Strategic Leadership, Compliance, and Reputational Risk
Sponsored by Parker Poe - 3/5/26
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ACC Charlotte’s GC and CLO members met with Parker Poe at Quail Hollow Club for a relaxed, thoughtful conversation about how the role of today’s legal leaders is changing. The group talked about how GCs are now expected to do far more than traditional legal work, taking on responsibilities tied to business strategy, compliance, and overall organizational reputation as regulations and stakeholder expectations keep shifting.
The discussion touched on the line between legal and compliance, how to stay ahead of regulatory changes, and why cross‑functional teamwork matters more than ever. After cocktails overlooking the course, members gathered for dinner and an open conversation led by the GC Steering Committee and Parker Poe attorneys Morgan Rogers and Keith Weddington, offering fresh perspective on what it takes to lead a modern legal team.
Special thanks to our GC Steering Committee:
Keith Atkinson, Senior Managing Director and Division General Counsel, Nuveen
Anna Blackwelder, Head of Legal North America, SGL Carbon
John Grupp, Chief Legal Officer, Prevalon Energy
Victoria Lazar, Senior VP, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Trane Technologies
Tammy Fanning, Head of Law the Americas, Continental
Thank you to Parker Poe for sponsoring this GC event.
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Manufacturing Affinity Event | MakerSpace Tour & Happy Hour
Sponsored by Shumaker - 3/17/26
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ACC Charlotte’s Manufacturing Affinity Group and Shumaker attorneys enjoyed a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes evening at MakerSpace Charlotte. Members gathered for food, drinks, and conversation before embarking on an in‑depth guided tour of this vibrant community workshop. MakerSpace is home to an impressive range of tools and technology from woodworking and metalworking equipment to pottery wheels, 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics stations. Touring this space offered a glimpse into how Charlotte’s makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and inventors bring ideas to life. Attendees spent the majority of the evening exploring the space, asking questions, and learning about the collaborative environment that supports creators of all skill levels.
Thank you to Shumaker for sponsoring this Manufacturing Affinity Group event.
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Social Event | Sweep to Victory: An Olympic Curling Experience
Sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson - 1/21/26
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ACC Charlotte members embraced the Winter Olympic spirit at our curling social with Womble Bond Dickinson, turning an ordinary weeknight into a memorable experience on the ice. The evening began with food, drinks, and time to gear up before participants stepped onto the chilly 40‑degree rink to learn the fundamentals of curling. Instructors walked the group through strategy, sweeping techniques, and the mechanics behind this deceptively challenging sport, giving everyone the confidence to glide, sweep, and aim like seasoned competitors. Members put their new skills to the test in friendly competition and the enthusiasm was contagious! Teams strategized, cheered each other on, and discovered how much hard work curling requires. Many left saying they’d be back with family and friends, and all agreed they would watch the next Olympics with a whole new appreciation for the sport.
Thank you to Womble Bond Dickinson for sponsoring this social event.
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Women's Event | Note & Accord Perfume Making
Sponsored by Bradley - 3/24/26
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ACC Charlotte women gathered with the women of Bradley for a uniquely memorable evening: a custom perfume‑making class led by Note & Accord. Hosted inside Bradley’s future office space at 110 East, the event offered members a creative, sensory experience as they learned the art and science behind fragrance design. Guests enjoyed food from RiRa’s and delicious cocktails and wine while diving into the workshop. With guidance from Note & Accord’s perfumers, attendees blended their own signature scents, choosing from a curated selection of notes to craft a custom fragrance to take home. The atmosphere was relaxed, hands‑on, and full of great conversation as members compared scent profiles, experimented with combinations, and discovered new favorites! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, unwind, and explore something completely different together.
Thank you to Bradley for sponsoring this women's event.
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Community Service | Nourish Our Neighbors
ACC Charlotte 2026 Service Initiative - 3/20/26
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As a part of our 2026 Service Initiative, ACC Charlotte partnered with Nourish Up on March 20 for a meaningful volunteer shift supporting families facing food insecurity in our community. This event marked the first of three volunteer engagements planned for 2026 as ACC Charlotte continues its ongoing partnership with this important organization. Members gathered at the Nourish Up warehouse to sort donations, pack boxes, and prepare essential supplies for neighbors in need. The hands‑on work directly supported Nourish Up’s mission of nourishing Charlotte with care, dignity, and compassion.
We are grateful to our members who dedicated their time and energy to this effort, and we extend our sincere thanks to Nourish Up for welcoming us into their space and allowing us to contribute to the important work they do every day. We look forward to returning later this year as we continue our shared commitment to supporting families across Charlotte.
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TECHNOLOGY CLE | Beyond IT: In-House Counsel’s Role in Data Breach Response
Sponsored by Robinson Bradshaw - 1/14/26
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ACC Charlotte members gathered for our first Chapter Meeting and CLE of the year at The Hamilton. This high‑impact presentation from knowledgeable Robinson Bradshaw attorneys, focused on the realities of managing a data breach from a legal perspective. The program emphasized that a breach is never just an IT issue but a potential legal crisis requiring swift, coordinated action. Speakers walked attendees through the full lifecycle of breach response from pre‑incident planning to discovery, notification, and remediation, while addressing legal obligations, privilege considerations, communication strategies, and the importance of close collaboration with IT and incident‑response teams.
The discussion drew on real‑world scenarios, including insights informed by federal investigative experience, to help in‑house counsel anticipate challenges and respond with confidence. Members left with a clearer roadmap for navigating regulatory expectations, preparing for potential litigation or enforcement actions, and leading their organizations through moments of uncertainty.
Thank you to Robinson Bradshaw for sponsoring this CLE.
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Corporate Immigration Programs, I-9 Compliance, and Navigating Today’s Shifting Immigration Landscape
Sponsored by Shumaker - 2/4/26
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Speakers:
Olivia Johnson, Partner, Shumaker
Jourdan Ball, VP of Compliance, Compass Group USA
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ACC Charlotte members gathered at The Hamilton for an insightful Chapter Meeting and CLE with Shumaker on how corporate immigration programs support the hiring and retention of international talent amid shifting US policies. The presentation covered the impact of recent federal mandates, current visa trends, and evolving enforcement priorities, giving in‑house counsel a clear view of how these developments shape workforce planning and compliance. Speakers also highlighted best practices for I‑9 compliance and the importance of proactive coordination across legal, HR, and business teams as organizations navigate an increasingly complex immigration landscape. Our speakers’ expertise and real‑world perspectives helped members navigate a complex and rapidly changing landscape with clarity and confidence.
Thank you to Shumaker for sponsoring this CLE.
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WEBINAR | Addressing AI in Contracts: Due Diligence & Negotiating Provisions
Sponsored by Moore & Van Allen - 2/12/26
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Speaker:
Suzanne Gainey, Co-head of Privacy & Data Security, Moore & Van Allen
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Members joined a timely and practical webinar focused on the growing use of AI tools in everyday business operations and the legal considerations that come with them. As organizations increasingly rely on third‑party AI solutions to drive efficiency and leverage data, the session highlighted the importance of thoughtful pre‑contract due diligence and well‑crafted contractual protections. Suzanne Gainey walked attendees through the real‑world risks associated with AI tools and outlined the questions in‑house counsel should be asking before entering into any agreement. The discussion covered vendor transparency, data practices, model behavior, and security expectations, as well as the contractual provisions that help mitigate exposure once an AI tool is deployed. By grounding the conversation in practical examples, the program equipped members with a clearer framework for evaluating AI vendors and negotiating agreements that safeguard their organizations in an evolving technological landscape.
Thank you to MVA for sponsoring this CLE webinar.
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WEBINAR | Rule 30(b)(6) Depositions: Strategies to Protect the Organization
Sponsored by Poyner Spruill - 2/19/26
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This focused webinar examined how to effectively defend Rule 30(b)(6) depositions, where corporate testimony can bind the organization and significantly influence litigation outcomes. The program explored what is at stake for companies facing these depositions and offered practical guidance on selecting and preparing the right corporate designee, managing internal information gathering, and ensuring the organization presents a clear, consistent position. Speakers highlighted common pitfalls that can create unnecessary risk and shared strategies to help in‑house counsel meet Rule 30(b)(6) obligations while protecting the company’s interests. Grounded in real‑world experience, the session equipped attendees with actionable tools to navigate these high‑impact depositions with greater confidence and control.
Thank you to Poyner Spruill for sponsoring this CLE webinar.
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Drafting to Win: Contract Tips from a Litigation Pro
Sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson - 3/4/26
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ACC Charlotte members gathered at The Hamilton for a delicious lunch and a clear and practical CLE focused on drafting stronger contracts and reducing the risk of disputes. The session, led by Womble Bond Dickinson, offered litigation‑informed guidance on essential drafting considerations, how to respond effectively to breach allegations, and the dispute‑resolution terms that help agreements withstand scrutiny when challenged. The discussion emphasized how thoughtful drafting on the front end can prevent costly conflicts and strengthen an organization’s position should litigation arise. Members appreciated the straightforward, real‑world approach to contract strategy, leaving with tools they can apply immediately in their day‑to‑day work.
Thank you to Womble Bond Dickinson for sponsoring this CLE.
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Navigating RIFs with Care: A Lawful and Humane Approach to Workforce Reductions
Sponsored by Littler - 3/10/26
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ACC Charlotte members gathered at Culinary Dropout for a substantive CLE with Littler on how organizations can plan and implement reductions in force with both legal precision and humanity. The program walked attendees through the full lifecycle of a RIF, offering a practical roadmap for structuring, executing, and communicating workforce reductions in a way that aligns with business priorities while mitigating litigation and risk. Speakers provided clear guidance on employer obligations under federal and state laws and shared best practices for drafting and implementing compliant releases. This discussion really underscored the importance of strategic planning, consistent documentation, and transparent communication as organizations navigate shifting workplace models and evolving business needs. Members left with real‑world insights they can apply immediately within their teams.
Thank you to Littler for sponsoring this CLE.
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Government Investigations: Emerging Enforcement Trends and Effective Defense Strategies
Sponsored by Baker Donelson - 3/12/26
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Speakers:
Robert J. Higdon Jr., Shareholder, Baker Donelson
Special Agent Jessica Nye, Cyber Division, FBI - Raleigh Field Office
Special Agent James Kaylor, White Collar Division, FBI - Raleigh Field Office
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ACC Charlotte members gathered for a high‑level CLE examining emerging enforcement trends and effective defense strategies in government investigations. The panel explored the latest federal and state enforcement priorities and the rapidly expanding role of cybersecurity in investigative work, offering in‑house counsel a grounded understanding of how agencies are approaching today’s most pressing issues. Drawing on deep experience navigating regulatory inquiries, enforcement actions, internal investigations, and parallel civil and criminal matters, the speakers provided real‑world insight into managing risk and responding strategically when government scrutiny arises. Leaving the CLE, attendees were equipped with practical strategies for anticipating investigative focus areas, coordinating internal responses, and staying ahead of evolving enforcement expectations. It was an engaging and highly relevant program, followed by a relaxed happy hour at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
Thank you to Baker Donelson for sponsoring this CLE.
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WEBINAR | Compliance and Enforcement in Consumer Financial Services: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Federal and State Oversight
Sponsored by Troutman Pepper Locke - 3/26/26
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This webinar CLE focused on the evolving enforcement landscape in consumer financial services, as federal agencies like the CFPB and state attorneys general continue to redefine their roles and priorities. The conversation explored how shifting regulatory authority and recent developments are shaping oversight, compliance expectations, and organizational risk. Speakers offered practical insights and strategies to help in‑house counsel navigate this increasingly complex environment, highlighting what companies should be watching and how to stay prepared as enforcement trends continue to evolve.
Thank you to Troutman Pepper Locke for sponsoring this CLE webinar.
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