Getting to Know the Officers and Trustees
Have you ever wondered how the Officers and Trustees got started in the ACIC? Or are you interested in finding fun things (other than work) to talk about during networking? Below some of your Officers and Trustees have answered both serious and not-serious questions about themselves. Want to know more? Make sure to seek them out at the upcoming Annual Meeting on October 18 and 19 and ask!
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Name: Carolyn Z. Alford
Institution/Title/Location: King & Spalding, LLP/Partner/Atlanta
Number of Years as a Fellow: 14 years as a Fellow
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Co-Chair of the 2009 Spring Investment Forum.
How I first got involved in the ACIC: Patricia Ferrari, a retired K&S partner, suggested that I join the ACIC when I first started doing work for Prudential. She also quickly had me moderating a panel on US/Canadian/Mexican investment issues and considerations.
A Favorite Meeting or Forum Memory Is: Some of my favorite memories on ACIC have been of our receptions at recent Annual Meetings and Spring Investment Forums – including the camping themed reception for the Spring Investment Forum with a National Parks focus!
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: At football or baseball games for one of my three boys, or enjoying a good bottle of wine.
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: My backyard ranks high on the list, but I also love SunTrust Park (new home of the Atlanta Braves), Mercedes Benz Stadium (new home to the Atlanta Falcons), Georgia Grille (a hole in the wall neighborhood tex-mex restaurant) and the bar at the Atlanta St. Regis.
A Cause or Charity I Support is: United Way of Greater Atlanta, which plays a tremendous role in connecting corporate Atlanta, community organizations and individuals in tackling the issues and challenges that face our city.
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Name: Maureen Cronin
Institution/Title/Location: New York Life Investments/VP and Associate GC/Manhattan
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: 9 years as a Fellow and 2 as a Trustee
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Serving on a panel at a conference
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: In Central Park and other places 4 year-olds like to go
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: Grand Central or The Met
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: I’d have to be a judge as I am devoid of any talent presented on the show
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: Notorious RBG
A Cause or Charity I Support is: Cancer research
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Name: Lisa Conmy
Institution/Title/Location: Foley & Lardner LLP/Partner/Chicago
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: 12 years(ish)/1 year as a board member
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Co-Chair of Spring ACIC Forum.
How I first got involved in the ACIC: My mentor, Dewey Crawford, took me to my first meeting. I remember feeling lost at the cocktail hour until I found the NWM crew near the bar.
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: L!ve Café (they make a perfect espresso and have fantastic pastries)
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: Dancing (but I’d probably get the buzzer these days)
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke
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Name: Melody R. Cross
Institution/Title/Location: Schiff Hardin LLP/Partner/Chicago
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: 6 years as a Fellow and 1 year as a Trustee
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Member of the Communications Committee
How I First Got Involved in the ACIC: I attended a number of events and had joined after being encouraged by several existing members. At one Annual Meeting, I was speaking with Michael Fierro about his job as a chair the Communications Committee (at the time) and I was asking how one volunteers for a committee. I mentioned a background in journalism and, as I recall, I was drafted as a member of the Communications Committee not long thereafter.
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: Either on a playground with my two girls or out on a long run.
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: Montrose Harbor/Beach Area on Lake Michigan, especially first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up and the bikers and runners are all out together getting in the miles.
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: I would sing some Broadway show-tune – and be kicked off the show shortly thereafter.
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: Ken Follett’s A Column of Fire (which keeps getting interrupted by my re-reading various books about raising a strong-willed toddler)
A Cause or Charity I Support is: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
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Name: Chris Dallas
Institution/Title/Location: Pacific Life/VP, Investment Counsel/Newport Beach, CA
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: 8 years as a fellow, 3 years as a Board member
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Chair 2013 Annual Meeting
A Favorite Meeting or Forum Memory Is: Having to switch rooms at the Roosevelt multiple times in a single trip due to leaking pipes
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: At the beach
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: Crazy Rich Asians
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Name: Ann C. King
Institution/Title/Location: Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada/AVP & Sr. Counsel/ Wellesley, MA
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: A Fellow since the early 90’s and on the Board since January 2015, Co-Chair of Education Committee for several years
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Member of Education Committee, Co-Chair of annual meeting
How I first got involved in the ACIC: I was an associate at Csaplar & Bok and it was a great honor to be considered experienced enough to be nominated for membership. Spring Forum used to rotate among different cities and I enjoyed taking clients out to dinner in the North End of Boston for Italian food when the Spring Forum was in Boston one year.
A Favorite Meeting or Forum Memory Is: Co-chairing annual meeting with Nicole Rives when the financial crisis happened and we had to re-jigger our topics and pull in additional speakers at the last minute to make the conference relevant to the new state of the world.
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: Leading Scout groups hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, etc.
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: Morse’s Pond (town beach)
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: My kids have musical/theatrical talent, I do not!
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: Just finished James Joyce’s Ulysses.
A Cause or Charity I Support is: A Better Chance (ABC)
Bonus Fact: Nicole Rives, Drew Kling and I were all law school classmates.
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Name: Kirk. M. Orr
Institution/Title/Location: AIG Investments/Associate GC and Managing Director/Houston, Texas
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: 15 years as a fellow/1 year as board member
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Co-Chair of the 2016 Spring Forum
How I first got involved in the ACIC: My boss/mentor David Castano encouraged me to join when I first started doing Privates – back when the lead investor selected counsel.
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: Spending time with my wife and our two teenage daughters.
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: My backyard patio in front of the fireplace when the weather finally gets cool in Houston.
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: I can still place both palms flat on the floor from a standing position without bending my knees – though I may need assistance straightening back up.
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: Lectures to My Students by C.H. Spurgeon
A Cause or Charity I Support is: Compassion International
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Name: Brenda Page
Institution/Title/Location: The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., supporting Hartford Investment Management Company. I am Managing Associate General Counsel and Head of Investment Law. I am located in Hartford, CT.
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: Fellow since 2002 (I think), began Board service in 2009.
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: Speaker in 2005, International Insolvency Panel
How I first got involved in the ACIC: Earliest involvement, preparing Hebb & Gitlin attorneys (think Chip Fisher, Jim Greenfield) to go to the ACIC meetings while a paralegal at the firm. I became a regular attendee upon joining The Hartford.
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: Gardening, antiquing or baking
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: The Lebanon, CT Town Green
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: Making homemade pickles
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: The Legend of Bagger Vance
A Cause or Charity I Support is: Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation
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Name: My Chi To
Institution/Title/Location: Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, Partner, New York
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: Fellow since…a long time. I would say at least 10 years but I am not sure. Trustee since 2015
My first ACIC “Job”/Position was: It was either being Co-Chair of a Spring Forum or joining the Membership Committee
How I first got involved in the ACIC: I got involved in the ACIC thanks to my former partner Peter Borowitz.
A Favorite Meeting or Forum Memory Is: The 2010 Spring Forum was memorable because it was my first business trip away from home after my first maternity leave, where I got to sleep without interruption!
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: In no particular order, eating, cooking, reading, hanging out with my family, sleeping, exercising or talking about exercising
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: Silvermoon Bakery, which makes the best croissant and bread in NYC.
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: OMG.
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: Une Longue Impatience, by Gaelle Josse. An intense, poetic, heart-wrenching book about a mother whose teenage son runs away from home and who awaits his return.
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Name: Luke Weedon
Institution/Title/Location: Baker Botts L.L.P./ Partner/Dallas
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: 10 years as a Fellow, 2 years as a Board Member
My first ACIC “Job”/Position Was: I was a behind the scenes reporter for the Southwestern Region of the ACIC newsletter (f/k/a The Grapevine), starting about 20 years ago. I did that for about 5 years. My first official role was as a Co-Chair of the Spring Investment Forum in 2012.
How I first got involved in the ACIC: My mentor Rick Goyne was actively involved in the ACIC (President, Trustee, etc.), and he encouraged me to join.
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: Playing/hiking/fishing/biking with my boys, ages 6 and 4.
My Favorite Place in my City/Neighborhood: White Rock Lake
If I was on “America’s Got Talent” my talent would be: Juggling (work and family)
The Book I am Reading Right Now Is: The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss
A Cause or Charity I Support is: Crossroads Community Services (www.ccsdallas.org)
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Name: Anthony Yager
Institution/Title/Location: Chapman and Cutler LLP/Partner/Chicago
Number of Years as a Fellow & as a Board Member/Officer: Over 20 years as a fellow, and a member of the board/officer for over 4 years
My first ACIC “Job”/Position Was: Speaker
A Favorite Meeting or Forum Memory Is: Co-chairing with Tina Smith
When I’m Not Working You Will Probably Find Me: Slalom skiing/snow skiing depending on the season
A Cause or Charity I Support is: Tommy’s Kids Camp
