CO-ACC offers a variety of opportunities to get involved through its Committees and Networks. Each group meets at least quarterly to work toward established goals. Committee and Network Chairs are invited to attend CO-ACC’s quarterly Board meetings, providing valuable opportunities to connect with the full Board of Directors and contribute to the organization’s broader initiatives.
If you're interested in participating, please reach out directly to any of the chairs listed below or email us at centralohio@accglobal.com.
Committees
Marketing & Communication
The Marketing & Communication Committee promotes CO-ACC’s events and offerings. The Committee is tasked with overseeing the LinkedIn page.
Chairs – Melissa Barnett, Kristen Lewis
Membership
The Membership Committee is focused on member engagement, serving the needs of the in-house bar, and fostering the development of Networks within the Chapter.
Chair – Rachel Richart
Public Interest (includes Pro-Bono, Diversity, Advocacy and Community Service)
The Public Interest Committee works to provide meaningful pro bono and community service opportunities to our members. The Committee also promotes diversity of the in-house bar, and advocates positions within the larger legal community, which are relevant to in-house practitioners of the law.
Chair – Eric Henricks
Signature Event/Annual Meeting
The Signature Event/Annual Meeting subcommittee, under the leadership of the Chapter Vice President, is responsible for planning the Chapter’s Signature Event/Annual Meeting. The progam helps to connect our Chapter Mission with professional development and leadership skills education for our members.
Chair – Bobby Morgan
Sponsorship/Program
The Sponsorship and Programming Committee is responsible for engaging potential and current sponsors (including law firms and non-law firms) to partner with the Chapter. The Committee serves as liaisons to its sponsors and will assign and oversee specific assignments of Board members as liaisons. The Committee is responsible for planning and arranging for CLE programming for the Chapter. The programming may include programming provided by sponsors or arranged by the Chapter, such as the Signature Event/Annual Meeting.
Chair – Melissa Barnett
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee consists of at least two (2) Chapter members who are not voting Directors and at least one (1) voting Director. This Committee is tasked with drafting a proposed slate for the Board’s approval and endorsement, prior to presenting to the general membership for vote.
Chairs – Meganne Thaxton
Networks
Contracts/Commercial Law
The Contracts/Commercial Law network offers a forum for members to discuss best practices with respect to contract templates and contract processes.
Chairs – Katie Russell
GC/CLO
The CLO network brings together the most senior legal executives from our member companies to discuss the issues and challenges they face regardless of the industries they support.
Chair – Ryan Aguiar
Intellectual Property
The Intellectual Property network provides a network for its members to promote the development of corporate legal practice in the area of intellectual property law and to keep current and consult on the latest case law and legislative and administrative actions affecting intellectual property law.
Chair – Kristen Lewis
International Legal Affairs
The International Legal Affairs network aims to identify a wide range of international legal-business resources to deliver enhanced client value efficiently and economically. Additionally, it seeks to improve understanding of international issues and best practices for in-house counsel.
Chair - Elena Helmer
New to In-House
The New to In-house network is comprised of members who have less than five years of experience as an in-house attorney. Collects and develops information of particular interest to attorneys new to the in-house role. Additionally, it helps to ensure that issues concerning attorneys who are new to in-house are appropriately addressed.
Chair – Trevor Johnson
Solo/Small Law Department
The Solo/Small Law network offers a forum for attorneys in single/small legal departments (3 or fewer attorneys) to meet periodically to network and exchange ideas, experiences and best practices on legal issues and law department management.
Chair – Rachel Richart
