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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Heyward Bouknight
Deputy General Counsel, National Gypsum
Dear ACC Charlotte Members,
As 2025 comes to a close, so does my term as President of ACC Charlotte. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve in this role. My mission for this year was to strengthen the community that makes our chapter so impactful. Thanks to your support, we delivered.
Our membership grew by nearly 50 new members, reaching 825 strong - a testament to the power of our network and your commitment to recommending ACC Charlotte to colleagues. Thank you for helping us expand and elevate our chapter.
This year was exceptional for programming. We hosted 56 events, including 27 CLE sessions, six social gatherings, four Women’s Group events, and four Affinity Group programs. Highlights included the Corporate Counsel Awards with the Charlotte Business Journal, our Annual Casino Night - which raised over $6,500 for Nourish Up - and our first volunteer event with Nourish Up Food Pantry. These events reflect our dedication to learning, networking, and giving back.
Participation tells the real story: 342 members attended at least one in-person event, far surpassing ACC Global’s 25% benchmark with a 41% engagement rate. That’s more than a statistic - it’s proof of a thriving community where counsel connect, mentor, and share ideas.
None of this happens without incredible support. Thank you to Jane Nohr and Kathleen Smits for their behind-the-scenes work and warm welcomes at every event. We also appreciate our committee chairs and 68 committee members whose leadership keeps our chapter vibrant. And a special thanks to our Board, who attended 240 events this year - true champions of engagement.
Finally, thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve as your President. I’m thrilled to welcome Mary-Karen Bierman as our next President. Her energy and dedication will lead ACC Charlotte to even greater heights in 2026.
Warm regards,
Heyward Bouknight
President, ACC Charlotte Chapter
P.S. For those tracking the Board attendance competition: we finally have a winner. Congratulations to Drew Slabaugh who finished the year with a remarkable 31 events, attending over half of the Chapter’s 56 events. He edged out Mary-Karen Bierman and Megan Scholz, breaking a tie at the very last event for the year.
| | ACC CHARLOTTE MEMBER NEWS | | |
Welcome ACC Charlotte New Members!
October - December 2025
Anson Adams, Legal Counsel, Truliant Federal Credit Union
Logan Anderson, General Counsel, Renuity
Paige Baum, Associate General Counsel, Global Support and Development
Brian Eftink, Associate General Council & VP of Compliance, Renuity
Laura Hamby, Assistant General Counsel, Privacy, Cardinal Health, Inc.
Brittany Holder, Director-Legal & Business Affairs, Atlantic Coast Conference
Victoria Lazar, Senior VP, General Counsel, Trane Technologies
Dreshawn McFadden, Counsel, Wells Fargo Law Department
Christopher McLane, Assistant General Counsel IP, Honeywell International Inc.
Olivia Noland, Attorney, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC
Krista Plotkin, General Assistant Counsel, Office Depot, Inc.
Stuart Russell, General Counsel, Truliant Federal Credit Union
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Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Event
12/3/25
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ACC Charlotte members gathered for our annual end‑of‑year Chapter meeting and Member Appreciation Lunch, where we reflected on the past year and looked ahead to 2026. During the meeting, the slate of 2026 Officers and Board Members was announced and approved, and we recognized our outgoing Board Members and Committee Chairs for their dedicated service. For members interested in getting more involved, the program also offered a helpful overview of committee opportunities and ways to contribute to the Chapter’s continued growth. President Heyward Bouknight shared the state of the Chapter and highlighted key initiatives on the horizon for 2026. We closed the afternoon with our always‑popular raffles, great prizes, and special awards... continuing a tradition that brings energy and celebration to the end of the year! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this gathering a meaningful and memorable close to another successful year.
Congratulations to our 2026 Board of Directors!
Officers and Executive Committee:
President: Mary-Karen Bierman, Director-Senior Counsel, Wastequip, LLC
President-Elect: Megan Scholz, Senior VP & Associate General Counsel, Bank of America
Secretary: Drew Slabaugh, Senior Legal Counsel, SERC Reliability
Treasurer (2-year term): Kerry-Ann Archer, Senior Counsel, Wells Fargo
VP Sponsorship/Program: Alysja Carlisle, VP, Legal Counsel, Belk (2nd year of 2-year term)
Past President: Heyward Bouknight, Deputy General Counsel, National Gypsum
New At-Large Directors to Serve 3-Year Terms
Courtney Ballard, Senior Corporate Counsel, Trane Technologies
Mandy Schuller, Assistant General Counsel, VP, Wells Fargo
Returning Board Members
Keith Atkinson, Division General Counsel, Nuveen (serving year 2 of 2)
Anna Blackwelder, Head of Legal North America, SGL Carbon (serving year 2 of 3)
Burgin Hardin, Corporate Counsel, National Gypsum (serving year 2 of 3)
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New Member Lunch
Sponsored by Parker Poe - 12/5/25
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ACC Charlotte was delighted to welcome several of our newest 2025 members at an informal New Member Lunch hosted at Noble Smoke with the support of Platinum Sponsor Parker Poe. The gathering offered a warm and relaxed setting for attendees to connect with fellow in‑house counsel, enjoy great conversation, and learn more about the resources, programs, and networking opportunities available through our chapter. The lunch provided an opportunity for new members to ask questions, meet peers, and settle into the ACC Charlotte community. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and look forward to supporting their in‑house practice in the year ahead.
Thank you to Parker Poe for sponsoring this New Member lunch.
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ACC ANNUAL MEETING
Philadelphia, PA • 10/19 - 10/22/25
| | The ACC Charlotte Executive Team including President Heyward Bouknight, President-Elect Mary-Karen Bierman, VP Alysja Carlisle, and Assistant Executive Director Kathleen Smits traveled to Philadelphia, a city rich with history and home to some of the nation’s most enduring legal traditions, to attend the ACC Annual Meeting. Over several days, attendees participated in keynote sessions, CLEs, and intensive all‑day trainings designed to strengthen leadership and bring fresh insights back to our Chapter. The conference offered invaluable opportunities to connect with peers from around the globe who share our roles, challenges, and commitment to excellence. It was wonderful to connect with other ACC Charlotte members who attended as well. If you have never attended an ACC AM before, we'd love you to considering attending next year in Boston, October 4-7, 2026. |
| If you haven't already, please like and follow ACC Charlotte on Facebook and LinkedIn! | | The FTC’s Final Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees Stole the Spotlight: Your Business Can’t Afford to Be Distracted | Online and On Point | | |
On May 12, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect, thereby thrusting the United States’ primary regulator of unfair or deceptive practices once more into the spotlight. But the spotlight given to the FTC rule, which only applies to the short-term lodging and live-event ticketing industries, has obscured the simultaneous expansion of broader reaching state legislation. These state laws, which are either currently in effect or pending in nearly half of all states, pose a far greater liability for the majority of businesses. If you’ve been comforted by the limited scope of the FTC rule and ignored the rise of these state laws, it’s not too late to act.
Under both federal and state law, a business will incur liability from fee legislation when it asks the consumer to pay a fee that was not disclosed prior to expecting final payment from the consumer. But state fee legislation varies, and some states have independent requirements of how and when a fee must be disclosed. Just how severe is the liability incurred by these new state laws? Using its powerful statutory authority, the FTC can seek upwards of $53,000 per violation of its own fee rule. In a similar fashion, many states have passed regulations to expand their preexisting UDAP statutes in lieu of formal fee legislation. This means businesses can expect to incur similar “per violation” penalties from states themselves. The FTC has cautioned its rule only establishes a baseline, and nothing forecloses the ability of a state to bring its own action.
For states that have actually passed formal fee legislation, the inclusion of private rights of action separate from a state’s UDAP statute poses a monumental threat. At least eight states currently have private rights of action in their fee legislation, with multiple states allowing for the recovery of punitive damages as well. Failure to properly comply with these new state laws can therefore lead to a sea of lawsuits with millions of dollars at stake. And given that this fee legislation is typically triggered based on the status of the consumer’s state residency, rather than the residency of the business, one small mistake can mean defending multiple suits across different states — including class action lawsuits.
To read the full blog post, please visit Bradley’s On Line and On Point blog.
| | 2026 Firm Sponsorships Announced | | |
ACC Charlotte is proud to share that all 16 of our 2025 law firm sponsors have renewed their support for 2026! Their continued partnership fuels our programming, professional development, and member community throughout the year, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to our Chapter. Thank you to all our members for continuing to foster your relationships with these firms at our events.
Platinum Sponsors: Bradley, Parker Poe
Gold Sponsors: Baker Donelson, Fox Rothschild, Littler, Moore & Van Allen, Ogletree Deakins, Robinson Bradshaw, Shumaker, Troutman Pepper Locke, Womble Bond Dickinson
Silver Sponsors: Alston & Bird, Kilpatrick, McGuireWoods, Poyner Spruill, Winston & Strawn
In 2026, we’re also introducing new Business Development sponsorship opportunities focused on career development and technology, expanding the ways firms can support and engage with our Chapter. More details coming soon!
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2025 Sponsorship Appreciation Reception
11/9/25
| | ACC Charlotte gathered at The Studio at Southbound for our 2025 Sponsorship Appreciation Reception, an evening dedicated to celebrating the law firm sponsors whose support fuels our programming and community throughout the year. Members enjoyed great company, a festive taco bar, and margaritas as we raised a glass to the firms whose partnership enables us to deliver high‑quality education, networking, and meaningful engagement for our chapter. It was a warm and lively night of connection and gratitude, and we were thrilled to recognize the generous contributions of our 2025 Law Firm Sponsors. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this celebration such a memorable way to kick off the year. |
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GC Roundtable: Navigating Business Challenges and Legal Implications During Economic Downturn
Sponsored by Bradley - 11/6/25
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ACC Charlotte GC and CLO members gathered at Myers Park Country Club for an insightful roundtable discussion hosted by Bradley, focused on the evolving role of legal leadership amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The conversation explored how in‑house leaders navigate internal business distress, manage challenges with suppliers and vendors, including bankruptcies, and continue demonstrating value while maintaining strong, resilient legal teams. Attendees also examined creative approaches to litigation management and shared perspectives on keeping their organizations agile during periods of rapid change. The evening combined thoughtful dialogue with time for connection over happy hour, dinner, and dessert, creating a meaningful forum for peer‑to‑peer learning. We extend our appreciation to Bradley for hosting and to our GC Steering Committee: Anna Blackwelder (SGL Carbon), John Grupp (Prevalon Energy), Nicole Ramsdell (Belk), and Hunter Stamey (Indorama) for their leadership and support of this valuable program.
Thank you to Bradley for sponsoring this GC event.
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Social Event | Legal Speed: Go Kart Showdown!
Sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson - 10/28/25
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ACC Charlotte revved things up with a high‑energy social at Victory Lane Go Kart Racing, generously sponsored by Womble. Members embraced the spirit of friendly competition as they hit the track for an evening filled with speed, strategy, and plenty of laughter. After several exciting heats, attendees enjoyed great food, drinks, and camaraderie off the track. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and extend special congratulations to our top racers who took home bragging rights for the night.
Thank you to Womble Bond Dickinson for sponsoring this social event.
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Community Service | Paws & Poses with Poyner Spruill LLP 🐾
Sponsored by Poyner Spruill - 11/18/25
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This event kicked off with light bites, drinks, and plenty of conversation. Members enjoyed getting creative at our Bandana Decorating Station, designing colorful bandanas for the Humane Society of Charlotte's adoptable cats to wear in their photos and around the shelter to help them stand out to potential families. In addition, we hosted a donation drive to support the Humane Society, and attendees reviewed HSC’s Wish List in advance to bring the supplies most needed. These thoughtful contributions made a meaningful impact on the animals in the shelter’s care. After happy hour, members rolled out their mats for an hour of yoga alongside several adoptable feline friends. The combination of movement, community, and a few curious cats made for a memorable and heartwarming experience for everyone who attended.
Thank you to Poyner Spruill for sponsoring this community service event.
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Community Service | Nourish Up
11/21/25
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As a new ongoing community service initiative, ACC Charlotte partnered with Nourish Up to support families facing food insecurity in our community. Members gathered in Nourish Up’s warehouse for a hands‑on volunteer shift, working together to sort donations, pack boxes, and assemble essential supplies for neighbors in need. Every task - big or small - directly contributed to Nourish Up’s mission of nourishing Charlotte with care and compassion. We’re grateful to the members who volunteered their time and energy to make this effort possible. Your commitment helped ensure that vital food resources reached families who need them most, and your service continues to make a meaningful impact across our community.
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New to In-House Event | Communicate to Win: Mastering the Art of In-House Negotiation
Sponsored by Parker Poe - 10/16/25
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ACC Charlotte’s New to In‑House Committee partnered with Parker Poe for an energizing evening at Lenny Boy Taproom focused on one of the most essential in‑house skills: effective communication. The program opened with dynamic insights from litigators Brian Cromwell, Sarah Hutchins, and Dena King, who explored how non‑verbal cues, emotional intelligence, and intentional messaging shape negotiations and influence outcomes. Members then put those concepts into practice through interactive team challenges that highlighted the power of clear communication and quick, strategic thinking. From compliance‑themed charades to a spirited round of Legal Jeopardy, the event blended learning, laughter, and friendly competition, giving attendees a memorable way to strengthen their communication instincts. Participants left with practical takeaways, new connections, and a renewed appreciation for how reading the room and responding with clarity can make all the difference in the in‑house role.
Thank you to Parker Poe for sponsoring this New to In-House event.
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Manufacturing Affinity Event | Whisked Away: Compass Group’s Commercial Kitchen Facility
Sponsored by Shumaker - 10/30/25
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ACC Charlotte’s Manufacturing Affinity Group enjoyed a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes tour of Compass Group’s state‑of‑the‑art, commercial‑scale kitchen facility in Charlotte, generously sponsored by Shumaker. Members bundled up for the refrigerated walk‑through and got an insider’s look at how the grab‑and‑go items served daily at CLT airport (and countless other products for corporate, healthcare, education, and entertainment clients) are prepared with precision, innovation, and rigorous food‑safety standards. The scale and sophistication of the operation made for an eye‑opening and memorable experience. Following the tour, attendees continued the evening just down the road at Piedmont Social House, where warm conversations, cold drinks, and great networking rounded out the event. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this unique opportunity to explore up close one of the world’s leading foodservice providers up close.
Thank you to Shumaker for sponsoring this Manufacturing Affinity Group event.
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From Here to Eternity: Managing Extended Leaves, Disability Accommodations and WFH Requests
Sponsored by Littler - 10/1/25
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Following our monthly Chapter update, this CLE focused on one of the most challenging issues facing HR and in‑house counsel today: extended leave and work‑from‑home accommodation requests. Jennie Staples of Littler provided a clear and practical framework for navigating these increasingly common situations, offering guidance on how to engage in the interactive process, assess whether an employee remains qualified for their role, and determine when a leave or remote‑work arrangement has become open‑ended. The discussion also addressed the rise in accommodation requests as employers return to in‑office expectations and mental health concerns continue to grow in the workplace. Members gained valuable insights into asking the right early questions, evaluating whether a leave will truly support an employee’s ability to return to work, and managing denials in a way that reduces organizational risk. It was an informative and timely session, and we appreciate everyone who joined us for this important conversation.
Thank you to Littler for sponsoring this CLE.
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Annual Charlotte Ethics Program
Sponsored by McGuireWoods - 10/9/25
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Speaker:
Thomas E. Spahn, Counsel, McGuireWoods
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ACC Charlotte members gathered for Tom Spahn’s annual Charlotte ethics program, hosted in partnership with McGuireWoods. This always‑popular session delivered an engaging and interactive exploration of real‑world ethics issues that lawyers encounter in practice... made even more memorable through Tom’s ability to bring complex topics to life. The program covered a wide range of issues, including unauthorized and multijurisdictional practice, law firm creation and hiring considerations, operational challenges such as trust accounts and fee sharing, and the evolving landscape of legal marketing. Attendees appreciated Tom’s clarity, wit, and practical insights, which made even the most nuanced ethics questions accessible and energizing. The evening concluded with a wonderful reception at the Ritz‑Carlton, offering time for conversation and connection. We extend our thanks to McGuireWoods for sponsoring this thoughtful and highly engaging program.
Thank you to McGuireWoods for sponsoring this CLE.
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Preview of the New U.S. Supreme Court Term
Sponsored by Robinson Bradshaw - 10/14/25
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ACC Charlotte members gathered at Legion Brewing for an engaging and insightful review of this year’s U.S. Supreme Court term, led by former Supreme Court clerks Mark Hiller and Erik Zimmerman of Robinson Bradshaw. The discussion covered some of the most consequential and closely watched cases before the Court, highlighting the potential impact on the business community and offering practical lessons for both appellate and non‑appellate litigation strategy. Members appreciated the clarity and depth Mark and Erik brought to an always evolving and complex term. The evening wrapped up on a memorable note with a lighthearted musical finale... Mark and Erik performed a clever, SCOTUS‑themed song set to the tune of “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes, much to the crowd’s delight. If you missed it, you can catch the video on our Facebook page here. It was a perfect blend of substance, camaraderie, and creativity! We extend our thanks to Robinson Bradshaw for sponsoring this popular program and to all who joined us for an informative and entertaining night.
Thank you to Robinson Bradshaw for sponsoring this CLE.
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Customer on the Brink: A Bankruptcy Survival Guide for In-House Lawyers
Sponsored by Fox Rothschild - 11/5/25
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In November, ACC Charlotte members gathered at The Hamilton for a timely and practical CLE on navigating customer insolvency, sponsored by Fox Rothschild. In an interview‑style program, Fox bankruptcy partner Gordon Gouveia and restructuring consultant and former C‑Suite executive Conrad Ragan offered a clear roadmap for in‑house counsel facing the financial distress of key customers. Their discussion blended legal guidance with real‑world business strategy, helping attendees recognize early red flags, minimize financial exposure, and understand the critical do’s and don’ts that arise when a customer edges toward (or enters) bankruptcy. Members walked away with actionable insights on assessing risk, managing ongoing relationships, and developing recovery strategies that protect the business from becoming collateral damage. It was an informative and engaging session, and we appreciate everyone who joined us for this valuable CLE and lunch.
Thank you to Fox Rothschild for sponsoring this CLE.
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WELL-BEING WEBINAR | Order in the Court… and in Your Mind: Managing Stress, Burnout, and Mental Health in the Legal Profession
Sponsored by Bradley - 12/9/25
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Speaker:
Juliet Lam Kuehnle, Sun Counseling & Wellness
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ACC Charlotte members joined a powerful and eye‑opening webinar focused on the mental health challenges facing today’s legal professionals. The session explored the realities of burnout, chronic stress, and the unique pressures that come with high‑stakes legal work, highlighting how the very qualities that make great lawyers like critical thinking, problem‑solving, and relentless advocacy can also contribute to anxiety and emotional exhaustion when not balanced with intentional well‑being practices. Through candid discussion, humor, and practical strategies, the keynote offered tools for recognizing early warning signs, managing stress more effectively, and building long‑term resilience without sacrificing professional success. Attendees left with a renewed perspective on what it means to thrive in the legal profession and a reminder that strong lawyering doesn’t require running on empty.
Thank you to Bradley for sponsoring this CLE webinar.
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ETHICS CLE | Ethical Use of Generative AI
Sponsored by Ogletree Deakins - 12/11/25
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Speakers:
Maggie Santen, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
Abby Littrell, Associate, Ogletree Deakins
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ACC Charlotte members gathered at the NASCAR Hall of Fame for our final event of 2025—an engaging Ethics CLE on the rapidly evolving world of generative AI, led by Maggie Santen and Abby Littrell of Ogletree Deakins. The program explored the high‑speed developments in AI ethics, including recent ABA guidance and state‑level opinions addressing the professional responsibilities tied to AI use in legal practice. Attendees gained practical insights into navigating emerging risks, understanding ethical boundaries, and ensuring responsible use of AI tools as counsel and advocates.
Thank you to Ogletree Deakins for sponsoring this CLE.
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