Head of the Legal & Compliance department for a high-growth SaaS business, which leverages AI / machine-learning and a global data network to prevent online fraud and abuse. Manage all aspects of the department and team, including commercial contracts, data protection and privacy, AI ethics, security compliance and relevant audits/certifications (e.g., SOC2 Type II, ISO 27001), intellectual property, employment, international subsidiary management, corporate governance, cap table management, M&A (two buy-side acquisitions) and venture capital fundraising rounds, as well as outside counsel and department budget. Executive Sponsor of Women@Sift employee resource group.

Led the global commercial function of small legal team of a mid-sized AI / machine-learning driven ad tech company, balancing legal risk and business objectives through different stages of company life cycle. Provided legal support and counseling cross-functionally through product development to launch. Worked closely with Privacy team on global privacy and data protection considerations, data processing agreements, and regulatory compliance. Reviewed systems from an information security perspective and developed company security policies. Assisted with other legal issues as they arise (e.g., corporate governance, HR/employment, international expansion, managing of outside counsel and other general corporate matters).

Taught and supervised second and third year law students to prepare them for corporate practice. Provided governance and risk management advice and assisted with contractual arrangements for established Northern California nonprofit organizations.

Represented public companies on mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and corporate governance matters.

Represented public and private entities with a focus on technology and media transactions (e.g., sponsorship agreements, program license agreements, joint venture relationships, and advising on content distribution opportunities), as well as securities regulation.

Performed research on the functional organization of the human brain using functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRI), focusing on working memory and emotion.Pessoa L., Gutierrez E., Bandettini P., & Ungerleider L.G. (2002). Neural correlates of visual working memory: fMRI amplitude predicts task performance. Neuron 35: 975-987.Pessoa L., McKenna M., Gutierrez E., & Ungerleider L.G. (2002). Neural processing of emotional stimuli requires attention. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 99: 11458-11463.