Customer-focused attorney and executive officer with a strong track record advising business partners and managing the legal function in a global environment. Experience includes mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, technology transactions, real estate and leasing, employment law, corporate governance, litigation, environmental law, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection. Versatile leader with experience providing quality, in-house legal services in the consumer products, manufacturing and financial services industries. Skilled manager with a record of achievement in strategic planning, budget administration, staff development, operational efficiency and process improvement.Career highlights:General Counsel for the Rival Company, a publicly held $375 million manufacturer of household consumer products, and Trendmasters, Inc., a privately held $100 million toy manufacturer. Lead M&A lawyer for the insurance division of General Electric, closing the $7.4 billion sale of GE Insurance Solutions to Swiss Re. Court Executive and Clerk of Court for the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts for the Western District of Missouri.Senior Corporate Counsel for Compass Minerals, supporting Plant Nutrition Business Unit, environmental compliance for all North American facilities and corporate functions, including Human Resources, IT and Procurement. Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri School of Law, Columbia, teaching pre-trial litigation (2009-2010).Legal Specialties: Commercial Transactions, Contract Negotiation & Drafting, Real Estate, Corporate Governance, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, Litigation (Commercial & Product Liability), Compliance, Environmental Matters, Mergers & Acquisitions.Management Specialties: Budget Administration/Cost Containment, Policy Development & Drafting, Process Improvement, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Risk Management, Training.