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Northern California Chapter Leadership Council
Catherine Zinn
Baker Botts
Catherine Zinn is Baker Botts' first-ever Chief Client Officer. She oversees various aspects of growth and strategy along with the firm's sector-focused client development, marketing and communications functions globally. Catherine works closely with the firm's leaders, serves as an ambassador to the market, and is a core member of the firm's leadership team.
In her market-facing role, she regularly meets with clients to obtain feedback and to ensure the firm is being the best possible steward of our clients' businesses. Catherine also commits a significant portion of her time connecting high-profile executives, alumni and other friends of the firm to jobs and to public company board seats, with an emphasis on diversity. Additionally, Catherine serves as a board member and advisor to various for-profit and non-profit companies and investors focused on diverse founders.
Previously, Catherine was a member of the executive staff at Orrick and held senior client relations roles at DLA Piper and JAMS. With more than 20 years of experience in professional services sales, Catherine has built a reputation as a "super-connector" throughout the legal, tech and financial services industries.
Catherine was recognized as a "Woman of Influence" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, as a "Woman of Achievement" by Legal Momentum and a "Top 100 Woman in Law" by Women Who Lead in 2021. In January 2015, she was inducted into the International Women's Forum and in 2016 joined American Leadership Forum's roster of senior fellows along with other top C-level executives and community leaders.
Catherine Zinn is Baker Botts' first-ever Chief Client Officer. She oversees various aspects of growth and strategy along with the firm's sector-focused client development, marketing and communications functions globally. Catherine works closely with the firm's leaders, serves as an ambassador to the market, and is a core member of the firm's leadership team.
In her market-facing role, she regularly meets with clients to obtain feedback and to ensure the firm is being the best possible steward of our clients' businesses. Catherine also commits a significant portion of her time connecting high-profile executives, alumni and other friends of the firm to jobs and to public company board seats, with an emphasis on diversity. Additionally, Catherine serves as a board member and advisor to various for-profit and non-profit companies and investors focused on diverse founders.
Previously, Catherine was a member of the executive staff at Orrick and held senior client relations roles at DLA Piper and JAMS. With more than 20 years of experience in professional services sales, Catherine has built a reputation as a "super-connector" throughout the legal, tech and financial services industries.
Catherine was recognized as a "Woman of Influence" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, as a "Woman of Achievement" by Legal Momentum and a "Top 100 Woman in Law" by Women Who Lead in 2021. In January 2015, she was inducted into the International Women's Forum and in 2016 joined American Leadership Forum's roster of senior fellows along with other top C-level executives and community leaders.
Keith Dorsey
Boyden
Keith Dorsey is an accomplished human capital expert, adept at driving growth through talent-based solutions. Over the course of more than 25 years as an executive, board member and advisor, he has helped numerous businesses enhance their bottom line and shareholder value. Beginning with diagnostics, he focuses on recruitment, leadership effectiveness, governance and other strategic touchpoints.
Keith Dorsey is an accomplished human capital expert, adept at driving growth through talent-based solutions. Over the course of more than 25 years as an executive, board member and advisor, he has helped numerous businesses enhance their bottom line and shareholder value. Beginning with diagnostics, he focuses on recruitment, leadership effectiveness, governance and other strategic touchpoints.
Mary Francis
Chevron
Mary A. Francis is corporate secretary and chief governance officer for Chevron Corporation, a position she has held since 2015. She provides advice and counsel to the Board of Directors and senior management on corporate governance matters, manages the company's corporate governance function and serves on the Law Function Executive Committee. She also serves as secretary to the Board, the Executive Committee, and the Board Nominating and Governance Committee.
Previously Francis served as Chevron's deputy corporate secretary since 2014. Prior positions include: 2012, chief corporate counsel, Corporation Law Department; 2009, general counsel, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company; 2007, managing counsel, Chevron Pipe Line Company and Chevron Shipping Company; 2005, lead senior counsel, Chevron Shipping Company.
Francis is chair of the board of directors of the Chevron Employees Political Action Committee. She serves on the advisory board of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance and on the Corporate Laws Committee of the American Bar Association, and is a Fellow of the American College of Governance Counsel. She also serves on the board of directors of the American Heart Association, Greater Bay Area, and on the governing board of the San Francisco Symphony.
Francis joined Chevron in 2002 as senior trademark counsel in the Corporation Law Department. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Mount Holyoke College in 1986, a Juris Doctor degree from the College of William and Mary in 1990, and a master's degree in business administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2006.
Mary A. Francis is corporate secretary and chief governance officer for Chevron Corporation, a position she has held since 2015. She provides advice and counsel to the Board of Directors and senior management on corporate governance matters, manages the company's corporate governance function and serves on the Law Function Executive Committee. She also serves as secretary to the Board, the Executive Committee, and the Board Nominating and Governance Committee.
Previously Francis served as Chevron's deputy corporate secretary since 2014. Prior positions include: 2012, chief corporate counsel, Corporation Law Department; 2009, general counsel, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company; 2007, managing counsel, Chevron Pipe Line Company and Chevron Shipping Company; 2005, lead senior counsel, Chevron Shipping Company.
Francis is chair of the board of directors of the Chevron Employees Political Action Committee. She serves on the advisory board of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance and on the Corporate Laws Committee of the American Bar Association, and is a Fellow of the American College of Governance Counsel. She also serves on the board of directors of the American Heart Association, Greater Bay Area, and on the governing board of the San Francisco Symphony.
Francis joined Chevron in 2002 as senior trademark counsel in the Corporation Law Department. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Mount Holyoke College in 1986, a Juris Doctor degree from the College of William and Mary in 1990, and a master's degree in business administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2006.
Donoghue Clarke
EY
Louis Lehot
Foley & Lardner
On a very short list of leading corporate lawyers in Silicon Valley and San Francisco, Louis Lehot has handled some of the highest profile matters in the tech, health care, and clean energy spaces. A partner in Foley & Lardner LLP's Private Equity & Venture Capital, M&A, and Transactions Practices, as well as the Technology, Health Care, Life Sciences, and Energy Industry Teams, he advises entrepreneurs and their management teams, investors, and financial advisors at all stages of growth.
Louis is skilled at taking clients from "garage to global," helping them achieve hyper-growth, go public, and successfully obtain optimal liquidity events. He guides emerging private companies as they secure venture capital financing, prepare for IPO, de-SPAC, or an M&A transaction, and navigate the exit. Clients routinely turn to Louis for his domain experience in public offerings and private placements of equity, equity-linked, and debt securities, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, spinoffs, strategic investments, and joint ventures, as well as corporate governance and securities law compliance matters. Additionally, Louis regularly represents U.S. and non-U.S. registrants before the SEC, FINRA, NYSE, and NASDAQ.
Louis draws on more than 20 years of global experience and leverages the latest legal technology tools to drive strategies and solutions that make sense. He has been recognized by peer-reviewed industry guides and leading practitioners as one of the most innovative, creative, and versatile corporate counsel. Chambers USA noted that he has considerable experience representing both emerging companies and investors in venture financings, stating, "Louis Lehot is known for the high quality of his advice, his responsiveness and passion for his clients."
Clients have noted,
"Ease of working with Louis and his ability to cross over into the international space."
"His legal advice is superb, he has a very good understanding of all of the legal aspects of investing, he has strong business acumen and offers strong business advice."
"Louis personally ensures quality, efficiency, and value on every transaction we work on."
"Louis is experienced and knowledgeable."
"He's very strong in all aspects of venture capital."
The Legal 500 US also noted that clients have commented on Louis' abilities as a "master networker" in Silicon Valley.
Louis was named to Law360's 2023 Mergers & Acquisitions Editorial Advisory Board. Louis is a two-time faculty member of Stanford Director's College, past advisory board member of the Silicon Valley Directors' Exchange, and a member of Boston College Law School's Business Advisory Council. He is committed to giving back and supporting local and global initiatives to help our communities, including the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Home of Hope, Caring for Cambodia, Doctors without Borders, Equal Justice for America, Second Harvest, Ecumenical Hunger Program, Goodwill of Southern California, UAspire, Girl Power Talk and Palo Alto Partners in Education.
On a very short list of leading corporate lawyers in Silicon Valley and San Francisco, Louis Lehot has handled some of the highest profile matters in the tech, health care, and clean energy spaces. A partner in Foley & Lardner LLP's Private Equity & Venture Capital, M&A, and Transactions Practices, as well as the Technology, Health Care, Life Sciences, and Energy Industry Teams, he advises entrepreneurs and their management teams, investors, and financial advisors at all stages of growth.
Louis is skilled at taking clients from "garage to global," helping them achieve hyper-growth, go public, and successfully obtain optimal liquidity events. He guides emerging private companies as they secure venture capital financing, prepare for IPO, de-SPAC, or an M&A transaction, and navigate the exit. Clients routinely turn to Louis for his domain experience in public offerings and private placements of equity, equity-linked, and debt securities, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, spinoffs, strategic investments, and joint ventures, as well as corporate governance and securities law compliance matters. Additionally, Louis regularly represents U.S. and non-U.S. registrants before the SEC, FINRA, NYSE, and NASDAQ.
Louis draws on more than 20 years of global experience and leverages the latest legal technology tools to drive strategies and solutions that make sense. He has been recognized by peer-reviewed industry guides and leading practitioners as one of the most innovative, creative, and versatile corporate counsel. Chambers USA noted that he has considerable experience representing both emerging companies and investors in venture financings, stating, "Louis Lehot is known for the high quality of his advice, his responsiveness and passion for his clients."
Clients have noted,
"Ease of working with Louis and his ability to cross over into the international space."
"His legal advice is superb, he has a very good understanding of all of the legal aspects of investing, he has strong business acumen and offers strong business advice."
"Louis personally ensures quality, efficiency, and value on every transaction we work on."
"Louis is experienced and knowledgeable."
"He's very strong in all aspects of venture capital."
The Legal 500 US also noted that clients have commented on Louis' abilities as a "master networker" in Silicon Valley.
Louis was named to Law360's 2023 Mergers & Acquisitions Editorial Advisory Board. Louis is a two-time faculty member of Stanford Director's College, past advisory board member of the Silicon Valley Directors' Exchange, and a member of Boston College Law School's Business Advisory Council. He is committed to giving back and supporting local and global initiatives to help our communities, including the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Home of Hope, Caring for Cambodia, Doctors without Borders, Equal Justice for America, Second Harvest, Ecumenical Hunger Program, Goodwill of Southern California, UAspire, Girl Power Talk and Palo Alto Partners in Education.
Kumar Parakala
GHD
Kumar Parakala is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as the founding president of GHD Digital. Recognized worldwide for his digital disruption and transformation expertise, Kumar has played a pivotal role in establishing GHD Digital as a prominent leader in the $200 billion global architecture, engineering, and construction industry. With 86 offices in nine countries, the business has quickly gained recognition for its outstanding contributions.
Prior to his current role, Kumar was the founder of Technova, which was acquired by GHD in 2017. GHD is one of the world’s foremost professional services firms, with 11,000 people tackling complex infrastructure challenges related to water security, climate change, and urbanization.
Kumar served as the founding member of KPMG’s $2 billion technology advisory business, served as a member of its global executive team, and was chair of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) executive team from 2005 to 2013. From 2000 to 2015 at KPMG, Kumar had the privilege of serving in a number of leadership and governance roles, including chief operating officer and managing partner for EMEA technology advisory, chief operating officer for advisory in India, and founding managing partner for digital consulting in Australia.
In addition to his corporate contributions, Kumar has been actively involved in nonprofit organizations and startups, including the chair of the board of ACS, for which he supported a community of 20,000 members. His board service also includes delivering over 500 director briefings on topics related to digital transformation, digital risk, and digital governance, including cyber-related topics . He has contributed to the setting of international standards and has been sought out by prime ministers, premiers, and other heads of state, as well as by ministers, for advice on public policy matters.
A USA Today best-selling author recognized for entrepreneurial leadership, Kumar has been featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Australian, Financial Times, The Economic Times, CNN, Channel 9, ABC, and CNBC. His thought leadership resonates with leaders in more than 70 countries. He was named one of the top 50 most influential technology leaders, the 2016 Digital Disruptor of the Year, and the 2021 CQ University Alumnus of the Year. He was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame as an Honorary Life Member.
Kumar has completed an advanced management program at Harvard Business School and holds a master of business administration and master of information systems from CQ University and a master of science in economics from BITS, Pilani. He resides in San Antonio, Texas.
Kumar Parakala is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as the founding president of GHD Digital. Recognized worldwide for his digital disruption and transformation expertise, Kumar has played a pivotal role in establishing GHD Digital as a prominent leader in the $200 billion global architecture, engineering, and construction industry. With 86 offices in nine countries, the business has quickly gained recognition for its outstanding contributions.
Prior to his current role, Kumar was the founder of Technova, which was acquired by GHD in 2017. GHD is one of the world’s foremost professional services firms, with 11,000 people tackling complex infrastructure challenges related to water security, climate change, and urbanization.
Kumar served as the founding member of KPMG’s $2 billion technology advisory business, served as a member of its global executive team, and was chair of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) executive team from 2005 to 2013. From 2000 to 2015 at KPMG, Kumar had the privilege of serving in a number of leadership and governance roles, including chief operating officer and managing partner for EMEA technology advisory, chief operating officer for advisory in India, and founding managing partner for digital consulting in Australia.
In addition to his corporate contributions, Kumar has been actively involved in nonprofit organizations and startups, including the chair of the board of ACS, for which he supported a community of 20,000 members. His board service also includes delivering over 500 director briefings on topics related to digital transformation, digital risk, and digital governance, including cyber-related topics . He has contributed to the setting of international standards and has been sought out by prime ministers, premiers, and other heads of state, as well as by ministers, for advice on public policy matters.
A USA Today best-selling author recognized for entrepreneurial leadership, Kumar has been featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Australian, Financial Times, The Economic Times, CNN, Channel 9, ABC, and CNBC. His thought leadership resonates with leaders in more than 70 countries. He was named one of the top 50 most influential technology leaders, the 2016 Digital Disruptor of the Year, and the 2021 CQ University Alumnus of the Year. He was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame as an Honorary Life Member.
Kumar has completed an advanced management program at Harvard Business School and holds a master of business administration and master of information systems from CQ University and a master of science in economics from BITS, Pilani. He resides in San Antonio, Texas.
Tony Perazzo
Grant Thornton
Tony Perazzo is Grant Thornton's West region managing partner. He leads a team of Audit, Tax and Advisory experts working with senior management, boards of directors and other key decision-makers across geographic areas and industries.
Tony has more than 25 years of experience serving public and private clients, primarily in the technology, consumer-goods and industrial-products industries. While he has focused his career on the middle market, Tony has also worked extensively with large multi-national corporations. He has assisted clients with initial public offerings, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and a range of process-consulting projects. Tony also understands the dynamics of closely-held ownership thanks to his experience with companies that are private-equity held, family-owned and venture-capital backed.
As a senior Audit partner, Tony works closely with audit committees and management teams to provide high-quality results and valuable business insights. In his leadership role, he ensures that clients receive the service, expertise and tailored resources necessary to provide innovative, forward-thinking solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
Tony previously served as Grant Thornton's Greater Bay Area practice leader for Audit and its office managing partner in the Bay Area, as well as the firm's California market leader.
Prior to joining Grant Thornton in 2002, Tony spent the first eight years of his professional career with Arthur Andersen LLP.
During his career, he has gained experience in a number of industries, having worked extensively with public and private companies in areas such as software, leasing, medical devices and consumer products.
Tony Perazzo is Grant Thornton's West region managing partner. He leads a team of Audit, Tax and Advisory experts working with senior management, boards of directors and other key decision-makers across geographic areas and industries.
Tony has more than 25 years of experience serving public and private clients, primarily in the technology, consumer-goods and industrial-products industries. While he has focused his career on the middle market, Tony has also worked extensively with large multi-national corporations. He has assisted clients with initial public offerings, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and a range of process-consulting projects. Tony also understands the dynamics of closely-held ownership thanks to his experience with companies that are private-equity held, family-owned and venture-capital backed.
As a senior Audit partner, Tony works closely with audit committees and management teams to provide high-quality results and valuable business insights. In his leadership role, he ensures that clients receive the service, expertise and tailored resources necessary to provide innovative, forward-thinking solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
Tony previously served as Grant Thornton's Greater Bay Area practice leader for Audit and its office managing partner in the Bay Area, as well as the firm's California market leader.
Prior to joining Grant Thornton in 2002, Tony spent the first eight years of his professional career with Arthur Andersen LLP.
During his career, he has gained experience in a number of industries, having worked extensively with public and private companies in areas such as software, leasing, medical devices and consumer products.
Joseph Talmadge
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
Tara Tays
Pay Governance
Tara Tays is a Partner in the Pay Governance Los Angeles office and has 20+ years of compensation experience and advises management and boards of directors on a wide range of compensation matters, including the design and implementation of annual incentive and long-term incentive plans, the review and development of internal compensation policies and procedures, the assessment of risk associated with incentive programs, and the design of employment agreements and change-in-control/severance arrangements. She has extensive knowledge of institutional shareholders’ and proxy-advisory firms' concerns with executive compensation programs and helps companies improve shareholder support on Say on Pay and other executive compensation related proposals.
Tara is often a guest speaker at the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals and CCRcorp's annual executive compensation conferences and the National Association of Corporate Director's (NACD) Leading Minds in Governance conferences, and has authored articles published in NACD Directorship magazine, Practical Law, and Deloitte's On the Board Agenda.
Tara Tays is a Partner in the Pay Governance Los Angeles office and has 20+ years of compensation experience and advises management and boards of directors on a wide range of compensation matters, including the design and implementation of annual incentive and long-term incentive plans, the review and development of internal compensation policies and procedures, the assessment of risk associated with incentive programs, and the design of employment agreements and change-in-control/severance arrangements. She has extensive knowledge of institutional shareholders’ and proxy-advisory firms' concerns with executive compensation programs and helps companies improve shareholder support on Say on Pay and other executive compensation related proposals.
Tara is often a guest speaker at the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals and CCRcorp's annual executive compensation conferences and the National Association of Corporate Director's (NACD) Leading Minds in Governance conferences, and has authored articles published in NACD Directorship magazine, Practical Law, and Deloitte's On the Board Agenda.
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