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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Jennifer Sadoff

Deputy General Counsel, AvidXchange, Inc.

Happy Summer, ACC Charlotte Members!

I sincerely hope the school year wrapped up nicely for everyone and you are all busy making your summer plans. I also hope that you get to spend some quality time with your friends and families this summer, away from the office, the screens, and the emails!

We have had a very busy second quarter and have enjoyed some fantastic events like the “Back to School” Community Service Event, showing off our amazing cooking skills at Chef Alyssa’s kitchen, whipping up Old Fashioneds at the Whiskey Warehouse, exploring art at the Mint Museum, and enjoying wonderful wine and charcuterie along the way. We have also received some fantastic legal education over the past few months, thanks to our wonderful sponsors, and we thank you for such a great turnout at our monthly CLE luncheons!

For those of you who don’t already know, our chapter is more than 750 members strong, and we continue to grow. Not only is this a sign of more in-house lawyers in the Charlotte metropolitan area, but also a reflection of our increasing need as in-house counsel to cultivate an active network of like-minded colleagues for knowledge-sharing, advice, friendships, and perhaps future career opportunities.

You will not want to miss our annual Casino Night coming up on September 9^th at The Big Chill! We are very excited about this event, and I have a strong suspicion that this event will fill up quickly once we formally announce it, so please be on the lookout for that invitation via email!

As a quick reminder, if you haven’t done so yet please take a moment to follow and like our LinkedIn page: ACC Charlotte – Association of Corporate Counsel.  

I look forward to connecting with you at the upcoming CLEs and events. In the meantime, I hope you all have a safe and wonderful summer!



Welcome ACC Charlotte New Members!

March 2023 - Present

Jennifer Ashburn, Counsel, Wells Fargo Law Department

Elizabeth A. Baker, Corporate Counsel, Compass Group USA, Inc

Mary Bennett, Managing Counsel Corporate, RAI Services Company.

Sarah Blackwell, Senior Counsel, Wells Fargo Law Department

Nick Bliablias, Senior Manager – Legal Operations, Credit Karma, LLC

Derek Chouinard, Associate Counsel, Compass Group USA, Inc.

Chip Dickerson, Lead Counsel, Wells Fargo Law Department

Bill Doyle, Assistant General Counsel, Barings

Stacie Earwood, Director & Assistant General Counsel – Internal Business, Omnicell, Inc.

Brad Glaza, Assistant General Counsel, Honeywell International Inc.

Elizabeth Grymes, Senior Counsel, Wells Fargo Law Department

Nicholas Haering, AVP / General Counsel, Trane Technologies

Noah M. (Chip) Hicks II, Assistant General Counsel, EnergySolutions, LLC

Colleen Johnson, Brighthouse Financial

Emily Kasik, Counsel, ACT, Inc.

Su Ping Lu, VP & General Counsel, Honeywell International Inc.

Annie Matonis, Senior Contracts Representative, Honeywell International Inc.

Heather R. McCann, Associate General Counsel & Managing Director, Bank of America Corporation

Dreshawn McFadden, In-House Counsel, CaroMont Health

Fern Ann Paterson, Associate General Counsel – EHS, Pactiv Evergreen Inc.

Juliette Pryor, Executive Vice President, CLO and Corporate Secretary, Lowe's Companies, Inc.

Samantha Rawleigh, Corporate Counsel, Brighthouse Financial

Belinda Smith, Claims and Litigation Manager, SPX Technologies, Inc.

Brittany Studevent, Mgr Info. Governance & Data Privacy Compliance – Global, Hanesbrands Inc.

Alan Warfield, Associate General Counsel, Flagstar Bank, FSB

Thomas Watterson, Managing Corporate Counsel, Brighthouse Financial

Ryan Woodall, Director of Legal Operations, Albemarle Corporation

Erin Young, Senior Litigation Counsel, Extended Stay America, Inc.

New Member Lunch

Sponsored by Bradley - 6/23/23

Thanks to all the new members who joined us for lunch at Noble Smoke. It was a pleasure to meet and get to know so many of you and have a chance to introduce you to ACC Charlotte! We look forward to seeing many of you at events coming up. Thank you to Platinum Sponsor Bradley for helping us to host this event!



We have amped up our social media in 2023!

If you haven't already, please like and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Congratulations to all ACC Charlotte winners!

Presenting Sponsor Parker Poe - 4/19/23

ACC Charlotte was so proud to have been an Event Partner along with Presenting Sponsor, Parker Poe this year and we thrilled so many members were recognized for their outstanding legal achievements!

Congratulations to all the winners:

Outstanding GC Small Company – John Nurkin, SPX Technologies

Outstanding GC Large Company – Brett Denton, Advocate Health

Outstanding GC Individual – John Seymour, MSS Solutions

Rising Star – Alysja Carlisle, Belk Inc.

Pro Bono Service Award – Vincent Doa, Bank of America

In-House Innovator Award – Megan Bushee, Crossroads Treatment Centers

Outstanding Corporate Counsel Small Company – CJ Walsh, Movement Mortgage

Outstanding Corporate Counsel Large Company – Lexi Lutz, Extended Stay America

Outstanding Legal Department Small Category – National Gypsum

Outstanding Legal Department Large Category – Red Ventures

Outstanding Community Service Award – Kristle Lee, Duke Energy

Diversity Champion Award – Miki Kamijyo, Asana Partners

Lifetime Achievement Award – Ken Wittenauer, Husqvarna



GC Roundtable

Sponsored by Parker Poe - 5/18/23

Economists are predicting that a recession is looming, but some businesses may not be feeling the effects yet. Is your organization prepared to weather the potential economic storm? In light of the changing economic conditions, how are you addressing your organization’s workforce demands, technology adoption, along with vendor and supplier relationships in light of the changing economic conditions? 

General Counsel peers and Parker Poe gathered for a discussion of the impact of the current economic conditions and how organizations are addressing these questions and more.

Thank you to the GC Steering Committee who facilitated the discussion: 

• Laura Budzichowski, National Gypsum Company

• Stacy Gray, Carolina Tractor & Equipment Company

• John Grupp, Arrival

Thank you to Parker Poe for sponsoring this event.

Manufacturing Affinity Event: Spring Social

Sponsored by Shumaker - 4/27/23

Shumaker hosted an excellent Manufacturing Affinity Group Spring Social at Mere’s on Park Road. ACC Charlotte members enjoyed the opportunity to connect in a small group setting with the Shumaker attorneys and each other!

Thank you to Shumaker for sponsoring this event.

Bath Bomb Making

Sponsored by Fox Rothschild - 4/25/23

ACC Charlotte and Fox Rothschild women gathered at Brewers at 4001 Yancey for a fun experience with Buff City using all plant-based products to make homemade bath bombs. Guided by one of the Buff City Soap Makers, our group made unique creations. Attendees could choose from 10 of their most popular fragrances and 13 colors, and each got to take home 4 customized delightfully smelling bath bombs! Fox Rothschild also generously gifted attendees a mystery box of travel size products from Buff City which included items like soap, shower scents, and other fun items!

Thank you to Fox Rothschild for sponsoring this event.

Lettering & Libations

Sponsored by Robinson Bradshaw - 5/23/23

The women of ACC Charlotte and Robinson Bradshaw got together at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. for Lettering & Libations. Laura Sawyer of Sawyer Creative Co. led a unique hand-lettering class, and then guided the group in decorating a keepsake that each attendee was able to take home!

Thank you to Robinson Bradshaw for sponsoring this event.

Bloom Silk Artistry

Sponsored by Littler - 6/27/23

ACC Charlotte members and Littler attorneys experienced a unique, fun, and exhilarating experience with the instructors at Bloom Movement Artistry where they learned how to use silks to perform acrobatics and aerial movements. The event was very beginner-friendly as almost none of the attendees had ever done a class like it. So much fun was had by all and everyone enjoyed trying something new and different. Following the lesson, attendees enjoyed food and drinks during a happy hour!

Thank you to Littler for sponsoring this event.



Picasso Landscapes

Sponsored by Bradley - 4/20/23

ACC Charlotte members enjoyed a curated art and wine experience celebrating the exclusive Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds exhibit at the Mint Museum Uptown. The event began with a self-guided tour where attendees were transported to Barcelona and the Côte d’Azur through the artist’s landscapes of Spain and France. Following the tour, Bradley hosted a private wine tasting at Mariposa with Edward Kuehnle of Somm for the Day. Inspired by the regions of Picasso’s birth and life, Edward guided everyone through selected wines from Spain and France.

Thank you to Bradley for sponsoring this event.

Whiskey Warehouse Interactive

Sponsored by Womble - 5/25/23

ACC Charlotte members and Womble attorneys kicked off the Memorial Day Weekend on the rooftop of Whiskey Warehouse for an unforgettable evening of networking, stunning views of the Charlotte Skyline, and an interactive Old Fashioned making experience. With this experience members learned the history of the Old Fashioned and were guided through the process of creating their own custom Old Fashioned while they mingled.

Thank you to Womble for sponsoring this event.

Chopped Challenge

Sponsored by Fox Rothschild - 6/13/23

Fox Rothschild brought it back this year - the ultimate team-building adventure! The team at Chef Alyssa's Kitchen split our group up into teams of 7 teams; each group competed for two rounds (appetizer and entree). Similar to the TV show "Chopped," each team received a basket of ingredients and had 3 minutes to plan their dish with 30 minutes to execute. Teams were judged on taste, use of ingredients and presentation. Between each round, dinner was prepared and served by Chef Alyssa herself!

Thank you to Fox Rothschild for sponsoring this event.

Back to School Supply Boxes

Sponsored by Alston & Bird - 6/15/23

ACC Charlotte members and Alston & Bird attorneys worked together to assemble boxes of schools supplies for the Council for Children’s Rights – a Charlotte-Mecklenburg organization that aims to protect and advance the legal rights of children and stand up for every child’s right to be safe, healthy, and well-educated. Boxes were created for elementary students and older students. Attendees enjoyed a happy hour after they filled 75 boxes!

Thank you to Alston & Bird for sponsoring this event.

AI in the Workplace: The New Frontier

Sponsored by Ogletree Deakins - 4/5/23

Speakers:

Kelly Hughes, Virginia Wooten, and Meredith Hamilton

Ogletree Deakins

More than 80% of employers are using AI in some form of their work and employment decision-making. In May 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) published guidance aimed to help U.S. employers navigate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while using AI in the workplace. The same day, the Department of Justice posted its own guidance regarding AI-related disability discrimination. Similarly, at least sixteen states have introduced bills or resolutions relating to artificial intelligence in the workplace—all at different stages of the legislative process and paving a path for others.

This presentation examined potential pitfalls with the use of AI in employment decision making and guideposts employers can use to ensure that their workplace practices are consistent with federal and state law.

Thank you to Ogletree Deakins for sponsoring this event.

Reduction In Force (RIF) & WARN Act in Today’s Economic Climate:

How to Decrease Headcount While Avoiding an Increase in Litigation Risk

Sponsored by Jackson Lewis - 4/18/23

Presenters:

Melissa Woods and Kelly Walker

Jackson Lewis

This program provided best practices and practical tips to consider when engaging in any type of downsizing or restructuring initiative. WARN and RIFs are topics already ripe for litigation — both individual and class action — and this litigation carries with it significant exposure. A brief review of alternatives to engaging in a RIF was provided, followed by a step-by-step detailed review of each consideration point up through the date of actual notification to the impacted employees.

Thank you to Jackson Lewis for sponsoring this webinar.

Courts are not a fan, the FTC proposes a ban: What is the future of non-competes?

Sponsored by Bradley - 5/3/23

Presenters:

Matt DeAntonio, Leah Campbell, Najla Long

Bradley

During this lunch, CLE, and Chapter meeting Bradley’s lawyers addressed the current enforcement environment for non-compete covenants in North Carolina, discussed the current status of the FTC’s proposed rule that would implement a nationwide ban on employment non-competes, forecasted challenges to the FTC’s ultimate final rule, and provided practical suggestions for how to prepare for and respond to the FTC’s rule.

Thank you to Bradley for sponsoring this event. 

The Risks and Benefits of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence:

What Lawyers Should Know

Sponsored by Fox Rothschild - 5/11/23

Speaker:

Mark G. McCreary

Fox Rothschild

We all see multiple stories about the rapid growth and entry into our daily lives of artificial tools. They seem to be everywhere. It is difficult to overstate how much things will change with the rise of these new technologies, or how important it is that companies embrace the opportunity to execute it correctly. Having conversations regarding the proper embrace of these technologies and these tools is a crucial first step, including drafting policies to assist companies with their beneficial and thoughtful adoption and use of these technologies, which are unique to each company and industry.

This presentation defined the state of artificial intelligence tools, what benefits and risks exist, and finally steps to begin embracing these technologies with appropriate guardrails, policies, and training. It is less likely that artificial intelligence will destroy industries, and much more likely that companies that embrace artificial intelligence will overtake those companies that do not embrace artificial intelligence.

Thank you to Fox Rothschild for sponsoring this webinar. 

Show and Tell: Pay Transparency and Disclosure Requirements Go Primetime

Sponsored by Littler - 5/16/23

Presenters:

Steve Dellinger, Jill Evert, Jasmine Little

Littler

Pay transparency laws are building momentum across the country. California, Colorado, New York, and Washington have some of the most stringent and detailed requirements for job postings and pay disclosures for applicants and employees. Whether your company is based in only one state or many, with an increasingly remote workforce, pay transparency laws likely apply to you. Presenters provided practical advice for multi-state compliant job postings, including pay bands, commissions, and benefits information. They also discussed how these new laws affect recruiting, including executive-level recruiters, pay equity lawsuits, and classification of employees and labor contractors.

Thank you to Littler for sponsoring this webinar.

2023 Employment Law Update

Sponsored by Parker Poe - 6/7/23

Presenters:

Keith M. Weddington and Tory I. Summey

Parker Poe

In 2022, employers faced an unprecedented labor market marked by falling unemployment, rising compensation, and the Great Resignation. Those hoping for a reprieve in 2023 have been sorely disappointed. Workers and management continue to battle over the permanence and feasibility of remote work. Economic storm clouds have led to staffing reductions in some sectors. Congress has stepped in to address issues relating to pregnancy, childbirth, and sexual harassment. Accommodation requests relating to employee religious beliefs, disabilities, and pregnancy are garnering more attention and legal scrutiny. Ultimately, employers need a diverse toolkit to address the important employment issues of 2023. 

Keith and Tory provided an update on current legal landscape facing employers. They reviewed recent case law developments from the Supreme Court, Fourth Circuit and North Carolina state courts and addressed new federal legislation providing additional protections to workers. They also covered new guidance, regulations, and enforcement priorities at the agency level, including the EEOC, FTC, and DOJ. 

Thank you to Parker Poe for sponsoring this event.

Analyzing ESG Legal Risks - Corporate Voluntary Disclosures

Sponsored by Kilpatrick Townsend - 6/22/23

Adria Perez, Scott Marrah, Laura Miller, and Todd Roessler

Kilpatrick Townsend

Many companies and organizations are committed to ESG efforts as part of their corporate directives and overall culture. Information and metrics on these programs included in reports, websites, and presentations is typically well-intentioned but could pose legal exposure and risk. In this CLE, Kilpatrick Townsend attorneys explained the myriad of ESG legal considerations and discussed trends they have observed in researching many companies' voluntary disclosures.

Thank you to Kilpatrick Townsend for sponsoring this event.

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