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Kristina Bakardjiev, Esq.
Director | Practice Innovation
Kristina brings a strong foundation of practical insight, gained through two decades as a litigator, to her mission to bridge the distance between current legal practice and the future of full technological engagement. Keeping her finger on the pulse of the burgeoning legal tech arena, she identifies and assesses transformative legal practice technologies. Kristina serves as a liaison among various stakeholders, including lawyers, clients, and vendors, to promote a culture of innovation and drive technological literacy. Working with firm leadership, she strives to accelerate the adoption and implementation of cutting-edge practice solutions. Kristina plays a key role in advancing Cozen O’Connor’s position as a change agent, developing customizable tools that will benefit not only other lawyers and the firm, but that can also be licensed and deployed to our clients.
Before rejoining the firm in her current role, Kristina was a member in the Commercial Litigation group in our Miami office. She has earned a reputation for being a keen strategist, described by clients as an affable listener and efficient problem-solver and by adversaries as shrewd and relentless. She brings all of these qualities to bear in her role as Director of Legal Practice Innovation.
As a litigator, Kristina handled complex business disputes, trying both jury and non-jury cases for plaintiffs and defendants in state, federal, and appellate courts and before arbitration tribunals. She has represented companies and high net worth individuals in disputes involving contracts and business torts, partnership and shareholder litigation, securities litigation, large scale residential real estate project litigation, construction litigation, product liability litigation, and professional liability litigation.
Kristina has been a guest lecturer and faculty member at various institutions and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy on trial presentation and litigation techniques, effective deposition skills, and women in the law. She has also served as trustee and a member of the board of directors of various institutions, including The American University in Bulgaria, Japan America Society (Shofuso Japanese House and Garden), Best Buddies International, and the Wichita Grand Opera.
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David R. Cohen, Esq.
Partner & Practice Group Leader
Global Records & E-Discovery Group
David Cohen is a Partner and the Practice Group Leader for Reed Smith’s Global Records & E-Discovery Group. A Harvard Law School graduate with over 35 years of experience, he chairs the EDRM Project Trustees and is an active member of ARMA and The Sedona Conference WG1 and WG6. Mr. Cohen has been annually recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, Chambers Global, and Who’s Who Legal. He counsels Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller organizations with regard to record retention policies, electronic communications, defensible data remediation, data protection, and other aspects of information governance, as well as litigation readiness and e-discovery. He has authored numerous legal publications and is a frequent presenter at continuing legal education seminars regarding information governance and e-discovery.
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Andy Cosgrove, Esq.
Chief Strategy Officer
Andy Cosgrove is the Chief Strategy Officer of TCDI. He is responsible for guiding the development of innovative technologies and strategies that enable TCDI clients to mitigate legal risks and minimize costs in the areas of eDiscovery, information governance, cybersecurity, and data privacy. Andy previously led information governance, eDiscovery, and legal operations teams as managing corporate counsel at global consumer goods and automotive manufacturing companies.
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Edwina Fernandez
Director and Lead Enterprise Compliance Officer
Edwina Fernandez is Director and Lead Enterprise Compliance Officer at TIAA, where she leads the firm’s Records Management Program. In this role, she ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and establishes enterprise-wide standards for managing records and information efficiently and securely.
Prior to her current role, Edwina was a Financial Risk Officer at EverBank, where she established and managed the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program before assuming responsibility for model risk governance and validation. During TIAA’s acquisition of EverBank, she was a member of the integration team.
Before joining EverBank, Edwina implemented the SOX program for SEG (Winn-Dixie), where she also served as HIPAA Privacy & Security Officer and led PCI Data Security Standards compliance efforts. Earlier in her career, she was the Finance Director for the Jacksonville Jaguars and multiple minor league teams. She began her career at PwC in the UK.
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Robert B. Fried
Senior Vice President, Forensics & Investigations
Robert B. Fried is an accomplished expert and industry thought leader, with decades of experience performing data collections and forensic investigations of electronic evidence. He has held senior leadership positions for the digital forensic practices at global professional services firms. Additionally, Robert was a Computer Crime Specialist at the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), where he developed and instructed computer forensic and investigative training courses for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
He attained a BS and MS in Forensic Science, and certificates in Law Enforcement Science, Computer Forensic Investigation, and Information Protection and Security from the University of New Haven. Robert holds and actively maintains the following industry certifications: ACE, CFCE, EnCE, GCFA, and C4 CBP. He is a licensed PI in Michigan, New York, and South Carolina. Robert serves on the Board of Advisors for the Masters in Investigations program at the University of New Haven, the Global Advisory Board for EC-Council’s CHFI certification, and a Fellow at The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven.
Robert is a frequent speaker at industry events, a featured guest on industry podcasts and has been published in several professional publications. He is the author of PI Magazine’s Cybersleuthing Department, where he shares insightful content on topics relating to digital forensics, eDiscovery, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Robert was named a Top Professional Investigator of 2024 by PI Magazine.
Robert is the author of 4 books: Forensic Data Collections 2.0: A Selection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content: Third Edition (2025), Forensic Data Collections 2.0: A Selection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content: Second Edition (2024), Forensic Data Collections 2.0: A Selection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content (2023) and Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Guide for Defensible & Efficient Processes (2022).
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Susan Gleason, CIP, CRM/CIGO, IGP
Head of Information Governance
Susan is the Head of Information Governance for Withers Bergman LLP. She transitioned her career path from working with Autistic Adults to Litigation to Information Governance. Although very different fields, they all relate to creating order and structure in an unorganized world. In a prior role, Susan managed the technology of the Global Legal and Compliance division of a multi-national corporation. She worked to transition the division from shared drives and document management systems into Microsoft SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams, incorporating best governance practices and automation of retention policies.
Susan has her Master’s Degree in Technology Management from Brandeis University and holds certifications including Certified Records Manager (CRM), Certified Information Governance Officer (CIGO), Information Governance Professional (IGP), and Certified Information Professional (CIP). She is an active member of ARMA, ILTA, IAPP, and AIIM where she is on the AIIM Board of Directors, as well as holding a leadership role in ARMA International serving as a Coordinator for the Legal Industry Group. You may often intersect with Susan as she is a frequent speaker/presenter on Information Governance topics pertinent to the IG Practitioner.
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Ann Gorr, IGP
Legal Technology Consultant & IG Strategist
Principal | Ann Gorr, LLC
Ann is a legal technology consultant, information governance strategist, subject matter expert and avid technology evangelist. She is recognized for the development and execution of innovative Legal IT strategies for her mid-sized law firm and corporate legal clients in the IG/ECM and Compliance/ Privacy/Risk arenas. With over 25 years of experience in the unique legal technology environment, Ann has the ability to translate technical information into practical/concise concepts, find simplicity in complexity, execute change management, and bring about consensus within technology projects by reducing complex issues to manageable solutions. She serves as a champion of change and an in-house advocate for her clients while focusing on developing key strategies and best practices within their Information Governance design. Among her favorite phrases that she encourages to be put into practice are "Do The Right Thing - Always!", "You Really Don't Know What You Really Don't Know" and "It Doesn't Cost Anything To Be Nice …So Just Be Nice!"
Ann frequently delivers presentations for legal and technology focused professional associations on trending technology topics. She holds professional memberships in ILTA, IAPP, ALA, ARMA, AIIM, WIIM, WIT, and currently serves as a Director, INFORM Conference Programming Chair, and Past President for the ARMA-NJ Chapter. She has also served as Immediate Past Co-Chair on the Leadership Council for WIIM (Women In Intelligent Information Management.). When she isn’t busy in the technology realm, Ann enjoys relaxing in a beach chair at Bradley Beach, NJ, perfecting her flower gardens, serving as a part-time vocalist, and participating on a variety of charitable boards.
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John Hidalgo, CIGO
Senior Information Governance Compliance Manager
With over 20 years of experience, John Hidalgo, CIGO, is a recognized leader in information governance, known for designing and implementing efficient systems across the finance and legal sectors. His expertise spans records management, data governance, compliance, risk, and emerging technologies that ensure secure, streamlined information management.
John is a forward-thinking professional driven by continuous learning in leadership, AI, and tech innovation. He’s passionate about connecting with others and elevating the industry—making him a trusted voice committed to progress and collaborative growth.
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Chris Hockey, EdD., CIPP/US, IGP
Manager
Alvarez & Marsal
Christopher Hockey is a Manager with Alvarez & Marsal Disputes and Investigations in New York. He specializes in information risk & governance, AI governance, and data privacy. Mr. Hockey concentrates on information lifecycle management and AI readiness.
With more than 20 years of program development experience, Mr. Hockey has led the creation and maturity of departments and programs across multiple industries. He has helped organizations develop data governance frameworks, records management processes, and information lifecycle strategies. Mr. Hockey has also conducted business process improvements and has used his background in adult education to create effective training and leadership development programs.
Mr. Hockey earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York College at Oswego, a master’s degree in higher education administration from Syracuse University, and an Ed.D. in executive leadership from St. John Fisher University. He is certified as an Information Governance Professional through ARMA International and is certified as a US Privacy Professional through IAPP. He is a member of ARMA International, the International Legal Technology Association, the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and the Law Firm Information Governance Symposium.
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Don Knight, msis, mba
Director of Legal Operations
Don Knight is the Director of Legal Operations for Vantive, a newly independent healthcare company focused on vital organ therapies, where he is responsible for Finance, Technology, Administration and Project Management.
Prior to joining Vantive, Don spent 5 years as Director and founder of the Legal Operations function at Crown Castle, a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure. Before that, he spent 15 years at PNC Bank in various roles including being a founding member of the Legal Operations team in 2011.
When he isn't busy trying to communicate his vision via Microsoft Excel, you'll probably find him running long distances in the woods or at an extracurricular event for one of his two daughters.
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Celine LaFrance
EY | Forensic and Integrity Services Group
Celine is a Manager in the Forensic and Integrity Services practice at EY, with a focus on information governance, legal operations, and eDiscovery. She has spent over 10 years at EY helping clients reduce information risk, manage legal and regulatory requirements, and increase efficiency across legal and compliance initiatives. Her specialty is advising clients on enhancing information governance and management programs, with a particular emphasis on enabling leading governance technology and driving data disposition initiatives. She also has experience advising clients on legal operations programs including eDiscovery, vendor management, and technology enablement. She has advised companies across a wide array of industries, including financial services, defense, life sciences, and retail. In her role she frequently supports initiatives including policy development, technology strategy and implementation, legal data insights and analysis, data separations, and data disposition.
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Caleb J. Mabe, Esq.
Privacy and Data Protection Lead Counsel
Caleb Mabe leads the global privacy and data governance programs at nCino, Inc., the worldwide leader in cloud banking. As Global Head of Privacy and DPO, he is responsible for executing privacy by design strategies, managing global privacy and data governance programs, and supporting the deployment of nCino’s responsible AI (artificial intelligence) initiatives. Caleb has spent his career focusing on Privacy and Cyber matters, and holds the CIPP/E, CIPP/US, and CIPM certifications. He is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Illinois. In his spare time, Caleb enjoys fly fishing, cheering for the Atlanta Braves, and exploring new places with his wife and their two dogs.
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Bill Mattinson, IGP
Sr. Information Governance Technical Analyst | Information Governance
Bill Mattinson is a Sr. Information Governance Technical Analyst at DLA Piper, LLP based out of New York. Prior to his current role, Bill worked for over a decade as an independent IT consultant specializing in financial firms. This work allowed him to refine his skills in solving complex technical problems under pressure, often by thinking outside of the box.
He initially joined DLA as an IT tech for the User Support and Engagement team, and while working on overlapping projects with Information Governance, he discovered his passion for this work. He was able to transition to the IG team where his main focus includes overseeing the receipt of inbound electronic data, importing it to the DMS, and distributing other data to the relevant teams and repositories.
Bill is actively involved in the information governance community and aspires to take on volunteer and leadership roles within industry associations. His transition from IT consultant to a key player in Information Governance highlights his versatility and commitment to excellence.
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Melinda L. McLellan, Esq. CIPP/US, CIPP/E
Partner
As co-leader of BakerHostetler’s Privacy Governance and Technology Transactions team, Melinda McLellan provides clients with innovative, business-oriented solutions to evolving data protection compliance challenges. Melinda’s practice focuses on the regulation of emerging technologies, compliance with U.S. state and federal privacy legislation, and cross-border data protection matters.
Melinda’s broader practice includes advising on a wide variety of information management issues, such as biometric privacy, generative AI, marketing privacy requirements, blockchain technologies, cybersecurity threats to the financial services and energy sectors, autonomous vehicles, genetic privacy, privacy diligence for M&A deals, and negotiating complex tech transactions. Melinda is a 2005 graduate of Harvard Law School, where she was Executive Editor of the Harvard International Law Journal.
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William J. McNamara, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel
William J. McNamara is Assistant General Counsel at nCino, Inc. the worldwide leader in cloud banking. In addition to overseeing all aspects of the legal function’s product and sales efforts, William also leads the company’s IP group. William jointly runs nCino’s enterprise risk management program and oversees nCino’s regulatory compliance efforts.
William is licensed to practice law in New York State, is a licensed professional engineer, and is admitted to practice before the USPTO. William’s legal career has focused on innovative technologies including fintech, medical, imaging, and pharmaceutical. William holds the CIPP/US privacy certification. In his spare time, William enjoys hiking and cycling.
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Anthony Forde
President, CEO and Founder
Anthony Forde has over 25 years of experience helping law firms to stay ahead of the technological curve. Previously, Anthony worked as a CIO and COO at multiple AMLaw firms.
As the co-founder of Vendor Direct Solutions (VDS) and Future in Tech (FiT), a leading Legal BPO firm, he played a pivotal role in optimizing legal operations and driving innovation. Anthony also helped lead the creation of eDiscovery, Information Governance, Document Management, SaaS, and Portal solutions for AMLaw 200.
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Joe Shepley, PhD., AIGP, CIPP/US
Managing Director
Alvarez & Marsal
Joe Shepley is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal Disputes and Investigations in Chicago. He specializes in information governance and data privacy. His primary areas of concentration are records and information management and data minimization. With 25 years of information governance experience, Mr. Shepley has performed records and information management assessments, program modernization, benchmarking and large-scale data cleanup. He has helped organizations design and implement successful information governance programs, with a focus on meeting the retention and disposal requirements of U.S. and global regulations, such as California’s CPRA, the GDPR in the E.U. and NYDFS 500.13.
Mr. Shepley earned a bachelor’s degree in English, religious studies and philosophy from Connecticut College and a master’s degree and a PhD in the history of Christianity from the University of Chicago. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional U.S.; a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals; an Advisor for the Health Sector Coordinating Council Working Group – Risk Assessment (TG-2); on the planning committee of the Western Energy Institute; and on the spring conference planning committee of ARMA Houston.
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James A. Sherer, Esq.
Partner | Emerging Technology Team for the Digital Assets and Data Management Group
James A. Sherer is a Partner in the New York office of BakerHostetler, where he co-leads the Emerging Technology Team for the Digital Assets and Data Management Group while directing Information Governance, Data Privacy, and Artificial Intelligence engagements. James holds an MBA, the CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, FIP, and PLS data privacy professional credentials, the AIGP AI certification, the CIP and IGP information governance designations, the UCLA Extension Global Cyber Institute’s Cybersecurity Certification, and the CEDS and eDPC eDiscovery specialist credentials. James is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and serves as a member of The Sedona Conference® Working Groups One, Six, and Eleven and the IEEE P2863 Organizational Governance of AI Working Group.
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Kurt Thies
VP, Gimmal Solutions
Kurt Thies is a visionary leader, speaker, and expert in information governance, digital transformation, and AI-driven solutions. As Vice President of Solutions at Gimmal, he helps organizations navigate the complex challenges of compliance, records management, and information lifecycle governance by leveraging deep industry insights and cutting-edge strategies.
With a forward-thinking approach, Kurt works with highly regulated industries—including government, financial services, energy, and life sciences—to design transformative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and future-proof enterprise information ecosystems. Known for his ability to bridge technology and business strategy, Kurt brings clarity to evolving regulatory landscapes and empowers organizations to harness innovation for sustainable success. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, he shares compelling insights on the intersection of AI, automation, and governance, helping audiences understand how to turn disruption into opportunity.
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Kiriaki Tourikis, Esq.
Counsel | Emerging Technologies Group
Kiriaki is counsel in Reed Smith’s Emerging Technologies group, focusing her practice on enterprise data risk management and information governance, data privacy, and eDiscovery. Kiriaki advises large financial services institutions on enterprise data risk management strategies to manage legal and regulatory issues associated with both traditional and innovative technologies and data sources. Her practice also involves advising clients on lowering risk associated with using and storing information across jurisdictions. In her role, Kiriaki counsels clients on all aspects of data risk management and the discovery and management of electronic data, including: data migrations; technology implementation and management; the policies and procedures regarding the governance of information in various technologies; eDiscovery strategy and management; the use of data analytics for eDiscovery, compliance and risk management; the development of data source catalogues, disclosures, and responses relating to electronically stored information; and the remediation of legacy data (both paper and electronic).
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Meredith Williams-Range, Esq.
Chief Legal Operations Officer
Meredith L. Williams-Range is Gibson Dunn’s Chief Legal Operations Officer. She is a C-level executive with over 20 years’ experience in legal operational efficiency. At Gibson Dunn, Meredith oversees and coordinates strategy for legal operations which helps to provide the strategic planning, portfolio management, project management, data management, and technology expertise that enables legal professionals to focus on providing legal advice. The expertise of the team includes (1) Risk & Cost Reduction; (2) Support Improved Profitable Revenue; (3) Improve Technology & Data Foundation; (4) Practice Operational Improvement; and (5) Innovation & Process Improvement.
She is widely recognized as a leading authority in innovation, legal tech, legal operations and the practice of law changes, and is a frequent presenter and author.
Ms. Williams-Range received a Bachelor of Business Administration with concentration in Accounting followed by a Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis. She is admitted to practice in the states of New York & Tennessee. Ms. Williams-Range is a member of Chief, a private network designed specifically for women leaders, rising VP level through CEO, to strengthen their experience in the C-suite, the Association of Women Attorneys and the American, New York, Tennessee and Memphis Bar Associations.
In addition, Ms. Williams-Range is the Past President of the Board of Directors for the International Legal Technology Association. She is a current Board of Trustees for the College of Law Practice Management of the American Bar Associates. She is a recipient ILTA's 2011 Distinguished Young Professional Award; ABA's LTRC's Top 10 Women of Legal Tech 2016; a 2017 Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management; 2018 ILTA Distinguished Peer Award winner; 2019 recipient of the New York Law Journal Trailblazer Award, 2019 Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Intrepreneurs Top 10 Shortlist, 2020 Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, 2021 New York Law Journal Innovative Law Firm recipient and 2021 Financial Time Innovative Law Firm: Data Analytics recipient.
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Julian Stapleford, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel and Vice President
Julian is an Assistant General Counsel and Vice President in the Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data group at Wells Fargo Bank. He is responsible for providing legal counsel to the Information Management Office which manages the records retention program for the bank and all of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. He started his career in New York at White & Case and has spent over 20 years as a banking and securities regulation lawyer at Wells Fargo and the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation. As part of his current responsibilities, he is asked to interpret and apply various regulatory requirements to the records creation and management for both the regulated and non-regulated entities of Wells Fargo Bank globally. Additionally, as a privacy attorney, he brings his knowledge of various privacy regimes such as GDPR into his thought process when providing counsel to the enterprise. Julian holds a BS from Carnegie Mellon University and a JD from Boston University.
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Leigh Zidwick, CIGO, CIP, IGP
Senior Director | Information Governance
DLA Piper, LLP (US)
Leigh serves as the Senior Director of Information Governance for DLA Piper LLP is based within their Baltimore, MD office. She has spent her entire 30+ year career working in law firm environments where her expertise encompasses strategic development and implementation of enterprise records and information governance programs, process improvements, lifecycle management, risk mitigation, vendor management, evaluation, design and implementation of legal technology solutions. She particularly enjoys building teams and programs to meet the ever-changing needs of law firms and their clients.
Leigh currently serves on the Board of Governors for the CIGO Association and is an active member of the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) and ARMA, serving in various volunteer and leadership roles for both organizations. She is also a founding Steering Committee Member for the Law Firm Information Governance Symposium (LFIGS) and serves on the Advisory board for the Information Governance Initiative. Leigh is a published author, a well-known speaker and an instructor on a wide array of trending issues relating to information governance.
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