Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Heyward Bouknight

Deputy General Counsel, National Gypsum

Dear ACC Charlotte Members,

Where did the summer go? With kids back in school, cooler air on the horizon (we hope!), and leaves soon to fall, our ACC Charlotte fall programming is already in full swing. We’re kicking off the fourth quarter with lunch and CLE programming by Littler at The Hamilton on October 1st. We look forward to seeing you there!

We hope you enjoyed our summer lineup, which included five hours of CLE credit, the Chapter’s signature Casino Night event, a women’s spa event, a social outing to a glassblowing studio, a professional development opportunity, and a community service event. We wrapped up the third quarter participating in the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership and celebrating Oktoberfest at Gilde, Charlotte’s own German Brauhaus.

A special thank you to John Seymour, past Board member and Treasurer, and his wife Kellen, for hosting our annual Casino Night fundraiser at Quail Hollow. Their support made this signature event possible. 

This year, the Board focused on fundraising efforts for our new community partner, Nourish Up, setting a Chapter goal of raising $5,000. I’m thrilled to share that we exceeded that goal, raising $6,555.30. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this impactful cause and helped advance Nourish Up’s vision: A community that accepts no excuses for our neighbors going hungry.

And we’re not stopping at fundraising, the Chapter will begin hosting quarterly volunteer events at the Nourish Up warehouse.  These new service opportunities will be promoted in our weekly newsletter and open to the first 20 members who sign up. The first event is scheduled for Friday, November 21st, just before Thanksgiving. These volunteer opportunities will complement our existing law firm-sponsored community service events.

It’s also time to consider committee service for 2026. The strength of our Chapter begins with our committees. If you’ve enjoyed our programming, we encourage you to give back to the Chapter by joining one of our seven committees:

• Membership
• Sponsorship & Programming
• Social
• Community Matters
• Women’s
• Manufacturing
• New to In-House

Feel free to reach out to me or any Board member with questions about committee involvement.

I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!

Warm regards,

Heyward Bouknight

President, ACC Charlotte Chapter

P.S. For those tracking the Board attendance competition: Drew Slabaugh slipped from first to third over the summer. President-elect Mary Karen Bierman now leads, with Secretary Megan Scholz close behind in second. Stay tuned - it’s still way too close to call! 



Welcome ACC Charlotte New Members!

July - September 2025

Houston Armstrong, Sr. Attorney, Honeywell International Inc.

Christian Beltz, Assistant General Counsel – VP, Wells Fargo Law Department

Kandas Burnett, Senior Counsel – Senior AVP, Wells Fargo Law Department

Jessica Causey, Vice President, Legal, Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

Samantha Clancy, VP, Legal, Hayward Holdings, Inc.

Tamika Crawl-Bey, Counsel, IP          

Alli Davidson, Lead Attorney, Honeywell International Inc.

Forrest J. Deegan, Chief Compliance Officer, Albemarle Corporation

Monica Falber, Attorney, Honeywell International Inc.

Nicole Gardner, Corporate Counsel, Cision

Andrew Henkle, Associate Counsel, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Erica Henson, Corporate Counsel, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC

Mike Hierholzer, Corporate Counsel, Hayward Holdings, Inc.

Matt Hoefling, Associate GC, Wells Fargo Law Department

Brian Hokamp, Ahold Delhaize USA

Sachin Kapoor, ED, Legal Operations, USAA

Iram Khan, Senior Associate Counsel, America’s Commercial, Omnissa, LLC

Jennifer Mathews, Assistant General Counsel, Constellation Energy Generation, LLC.

Jasmine Michel, Counsel – AVP, Wells Fargo Law Department

Ann Modlin, Senior Counsel, Ahold Delhaize USA

Chelsea Evans Okeagu, M&A and Corporate Counsel, SPX Technologies, Inc.

Sean Phillips, Principal Attorney, Honeywell International Inc.

Katie Rheault, Senior Counsel - Senior AVP, Wells Fargo Law Department

Ryan Rich, Litigation Counsel, Clear Blue Insurance Group

Adwoa Ghartey-Tagoe Seymour, VP Litigation & Risk Management, Lowe's Companies, Inc.

Chris Sherrill, Counsel, Wells Fargo Law Department

Taylor Simmons, Senior Legal Counsel, Circle K

Michael Sprenger, Chief Legal Officer          

Joseph Tarantelli, Chief Litigation Counsel, Honeywell International Inc.

Frank Vasquez, Counsel, Hanesbrands Inc.

Brittany Verner, Counsel, Ahold Delhaize USA

If you haven't already, please like and follow ACC Charlotte on Facebook and LinkedIn!

ACC Charlotte’s Casino Night was a full house of fun, flair, and philanthropy! From blackjack tables to roulette wheels, guests enjoyed an evening of lively games, festive bites, and spirited networking... all in support of a meaningful mission. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our attendees and sponsors, we raised over $6,000 for Nourish Up, helping combat food insecurity in our local community. Whether you rolled the dice or simply came to connect, your presence made the night unforgettable. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped turn a night of play into real-world impact.

For more photos of our fun evening - check out our Facebook post!

Women's Event | Spa Day

Sponsored by Ogletree Deakins - 7/17/25

What a treat! Ogletree Deakins spoiled our women members with an amazing massage and delicious brunch at The Spa at Ballantyne. In a profession that demands strength and resilience, taking time to recharge isn’t just self-care... it’s a power move. Thanks to all who attended this fun event!

Thank you to Ogletree for sponsoring this women's event.



SOCIAL EVENTS

Social Event | Shaping Glass, Forming Connections

Sponsored by Kilpatrick - 7/30/25

Thanks to everyone who joined ACC Charlotte and Kilpatrick for a truly unforgettable evening of creativity, connection, and molten magic at Hot Glass Alley! The night kicked off with light fare and lively networking before stepping into the studio for a hands-on glassblowing experience led by talented local artists. Whether shaping their own ornaments or watching the mesmerizing process from the bleachers, attendees got an up-close look at the artistry behind this fascinating craft!

Thank you to Kilpatrick for sponsoring this social event.

Social Event | From Munich to Mecklenburg: Oktoberfest in the Queen City

Sponsored by Parker Poe- 9/25/25

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a festive evening at Gilde Brewery, where we celebrated the spirit of Oktoberfest with authentic German fare, traditional Bier, and lively entertainment. Guests enjoyed happy hour and snacks in great company, raising a glass to Charlotte’s rich cultural ties to Europe. From casual mingling to spirited toasts, the evening was filled with warmth, connection, and a touch of Bavarian flair! Prost to all who made it a night to remember!

Thank you to Parker Poe for sponsoring this social event.



Community Service | Classroom Supply Bins

Sponsored by Alston & Bird - 6/12/25

ACC Charlotte and Alston & Bird teamed up for a meaningful evening of service, assembling classroom supply bins to support the teachers and classrooms of Long Creek Elementary School in Huntersville. Thanks to the generosity and teamwork of our attendees, all 26 classrooms at Long Creek are now equipped with essential supplies ahead of the 2025–2026 school year. The school’s commitment to nurturing character, integrity, and academic excellence made this initiative especially rewarding. We wrapped up the night with a cheerful happy hour at Alston & Bird’s beautiful SouthEnd office, celebrating collaboration, community spirit, and the difference we can make together. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped kick off the school year with heart!

Thank you to Alston & Bird for sponsoring this community service event.

Professional Development | No Connections? No Problem!

Sponsored by Bradley - 9/16/25

Speakers:

Heather McCullough, Co-Founder, Society 54

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an enriching evening with Heather McCullough, Co-Founder of Society 54. Heather guided us through practical strategies for navigating networking events with ease, even when walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces. Society 54’s mission to foster positive outcomes and enduring relationships resonated throughout the session, as attendees gained actionable insights tailored to professional services environments. After the presentation, we put our new skills into practice during a lively cocktail hour, where meaningful connections and great conversations flowed effortlessly. We’re grateful to all who attended and helped make the evening a success!

Thank you to Bradley for sponsoring this professional development event.

Crossing the Line: Legal Insights Into Customs Fraud and Tariff Evasion

Sponsored by Troutman Pepper Locke - 8/6/25

Speakers:

Lawrence J. Cameron, Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke

Amy Williams, Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke

Ryan Last, Associate, Troutman Pepper Locke

Thank you to everyone who joined ACC Charlotte at The Hamilton for our monthly Chapter Meeting and CLE. Despite the rainy weather, we had a strong turnout for an engaging presentation by Troutman Pepper Locke on the complexities of customs laws and tariffs. The session offered a deep dive into how these regulations shape international trade, from enforcing compliance with national policies to protecting domestic industries and generating government revenue. Attendees explored the evolving landscape of enforcement, signals from the current administration, and real-world examples that brought the topic to life. After the presentation, a thoughtful Q&A rounded out the afternoon, giving participants the chance to ask questions and connect over shared insights. We’re grateful to everyone who made time to attend and contribute to such a dynamic discussion.

Thank you to Troutman Pepper Locke for sponsoring this CLE.

From Policy to Practice: Building Corporate AI Playbooks and Workflows

Sponsored by Winston & Strawn - 8/14/25

Moderator:

Elizabeth Ireland, Partner, Winston & Strawn

Speakers: 

Bobby Malhotra, Partner, Chair - eDiscovery and Information Governance Practice, Winston & Strawn

Jerry Bui, CEO, Right Forensics

ACC Charlotte members gathered for a timely and thought-provoking lunch and learn CLE hosted by Winston & Strawn, where we explored the legal implications and strategic considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. The session provided practical insights for legal teams working to stay ahead of AI’s rapid evolution. Topics included establishing internal governance frameworks, crafting clear and enforceable acceptable use policies, conducting vendor due diligence, particularly with SaaS providers, and evaluating transcription and recording tools for responsible onboarding. Attendees also discussed training strategies and change management approaches to foster adoption and support cultural shifts within their organizations. We’re grateful to all our members who joined us for this engaging and forward-looking conversation.

Thank you to Winston & Strawn for sponsoring this CLE. 

The Litigation Funding Landscape: Navigating the New Frontier

Sponsored by Baker Donelson - 8/28/25

Moderator:

Fred Wood, Office Managing Shareholder, Baker Donelson

Panelists: 

Pam Mims, Deputy GC, Head of Litigation, AmWINS 

Evan Sauda, Shareholder, Baker Donelson

ACC Charlotte members gathered at Legion Brewing for an engaging CLE presentation on litigation funding, a rapidly evolving tool that’s reshaping the legal landscape. Fred Wood and Evan Sauda of Baker Donelson, along with Pam Mims of AmWINS Group, delivered a compelling overview of how third-party financing is influencing both consumer and commercial litigation. Attendees explored how litigation funding can shift case dynamics - impacting settlement strategies, discovery scope, and risk assessment - and learned about current regulatory efforts and ethical considerations that may benefit corporate defendants. The discussion also highlighted how corporations are increasingly leveraging litigation funding to pursue complex claims, such as patent infringement and antitrust violations, that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive. We’re grateful to all who joined us for this thought-provoking session and to our speakers for sharing their expertise. Great food, drinks, and conversation made the evening even more memorable!



Thank you to Baker Donelson for sponsoring this CLE. 

Trap and Trace: What You Need To Know

Sponsored by Moore & Van Allen - 9/3/25

Speakers:

Karin McGinnis, Co-head of Privacy & Data Security; Member, Employment & Labor, and Litigation, Moore & Van Allen

Bill Butler, Member, Litigation, Moore & Van Allen

Our September Chapter Meeting featured a timely and insightful CLE presentation on “Trap & Trace” actions which is one of the fastest-emerging areas in class action litigation. Karin McGinnis and Bill Butler of Moore & Van Allen guided attendees through the legal landscape surrounding common tracking tools like web pixels, beacons, and cookies. Their presentation unpacked the origins of these claims, the evolving legal theories behind them, and the growing likelihood of demand letters targeting organizations for their use of digital tracking technologies. Attendees gained practical strategies for responding to these claims and mitigating risk, making this session especially valuable for legal teams navigating the complexities of data privacy and compliance. We’re grateful to all who joined us for this engaging discussion and to our speakers for sharing their expertise during a dynamic and thought-provoking lunch presentation.

Thank you to Moore & Van Allen for sponsoring this CLE.

WEBINAR | The Pitfalls of Agentic AI:

The Privacy, Security, and IP Risks of 2025’s Buzziest Technology

Sponsored by Shumaker - 9/9/25

Speakers:

Brian Focht, Senior Counsel, Shumaker

Nick Carr, Partner, Shumaker

Stacy Gray, SVP, General Counsel & Secretary, Weisiger Group

Megan Scholz, Associate General Counsel & Senior VP, Bank of America

Thanks to all our members who joined this thought-provoking webinar exploring the rapidly advancing world of Agentic AI. This new technology that doesn’t just respond to prompts, but autonomously hears, plans, browses, calls, writes, and executes tasks, often without human intervention. The panel unpacked the unique risks this new class of AI presents, including expanded attack surfaces and shifting risk profiles across privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Attendees gained valuable insights into the types of threats Agentic AI introduces and the controls and protections that have proven effective in mitigating them. This very relevant session offered attendees a deeper understanding of how Agentic AI is transforming operational landscapes and, even more importantly, what proactive steps organizations can take to stay ahead of the curve.

Thank you to Shumaker for sponsoring this CLE webinar.

8th Annual Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership

Sponsored by McGuireWoods - 9/18/25

The eighth annual Charlotte Triage fall program brought together members of the legal and business community for a powerful day of service and learning. This year's event was hosted once again at local law firms followed by a beautiful reception at the Grand Bohemian. This signature event offered CLE training across key areas of need, equipping volunteers with the tools to support Charlotte’s most vulnerable populations. Law firm and corporate legal department leaders joined forces to tackle pressing legal challenges through pro bono service. Following the trainings, attendees gathered on the rooftop for a vibrant networking reception for a celebration of the dedication and leadership of our volunteers. The evening included the announcement of this year’s Charlotte Triage Champion of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, honors that spotlight the heart and drive behind this initiative. Eight years strong, Charlotte Triage continues to grow in reach, impact, and community commitment. Thank you to all who made this year’s program a success!

Congratulations to our members involved in the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership:

Glenn Huether, Wells Fargo - Triage Domestic Violence Champion

Mandy Schuller, Wells Fargo - Criminal Expunctions Program Champion

Anna O’Neal, Wells Fargo - Immigrations/SJIS Champion (Year 2)

Thank you to McGuireWoods for sponsoring this pro bono event.

Did you miss an event?

Past presentation materials are available on our website to members only.

Please log in as a member HERE.

The contents of this newsletter are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The contents of this newsletter should not be relied upon for legal or tax advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. The information presented may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.

STAY CONNECTED: 

Check out our recent and upcoming events and CLE opportunities: