Experience

Winston-Salem State University

• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• • Sep 2022 - Present

• • Jun 2017 - Feb 2023

  The Chief Legal Office is a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Staff and serves as the campus legal advisor to the Chancellor, Board of Trustees, and Senior Academic and Administrative Officers on a variety of areas. Areas of responsibility include labor and employment, contracts, student discipline and affairs, discrimination, governance, corporate law, constitutional law, civil rights, policy development and review, open meetings, public records, information security, law enforcement, administrative litigation and law, litigation management, compliance, risk management, tax, tax-exempt financing, healthcare, athletics, construction, real estate, intellectual property, technology transfer, sponsored research, information technology, immigration, utilities, and ethics/conflicts of interest.This position requires excellent judgment, leadership capabilities, critical thinking, strong writing and reasoning skills, persuasiveness, the ability to command respect, and unquestioned integrity. The Office of Legal Affairs is a fast-paced, high-volume, intellectually challenging work environment that requires its attorneys to be available whenever university officials need assistance.The Chief Legal Officer is expected to work at the highest professional level with integrity, excellent judgment, attention to detail, and discretion; and to demonstrate the highest personal and leadership characteristics of teamwork, inclusiveness, and adaptability to a broad range of issues, people, and situations. With emphasis on the management of all legal matters that affect the university.In 2021, the position assumed responsibility for the management for the Title IX Department, the Department of Disability Services, and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Diversity. Show less

• • Aug 2016 - Jun 2017



Winston-Salem State University

• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• • 2006 - 2016

  Provide legal and business advice on a broad range of corporate issues including labor and employment issues, intellectual property concerns, reductions in force, constitutional law, public records, procurement guidelines, Board of Trustees duties, state and federal regulations, and UNC General Administration policies and practices.Draft and negotiate a broad range of contracts including those related to: employment, termination, settlements, waivers, grants, partnerships, international exchange programs, software licensing, facility construction, private aircraft charter, consultants, and service contracts.Review and draft policies and practicesAppear at mediations and settlement negotiations and manage the organization’s response to various administrative proceedings including unemployment compensation and workers’ compensation matters, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the North Carolina Department of Justice, and the Better Business Bureau.Research and prepare memoranda on various legal issues for use in the administration of organizational operations including updates on the status of legislation pending before the N.C. General Assembly and US Congress.Give advice on legal and practical considerations related to student and employee appeals processes and due process requirements related to the same.Advise and conduct trainings on a wide range of issues including employment and student grievances Serve on various campus committees including the Intellectual Property Committee, Radiation Safety Committee, Admissions Review Board, Student Health Advisory Council, HR Best Practices Work Group, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Reaccreditation Team, Chancellor’s Commission on Campus and Community Safety (subcommittee on Policy and Practice), Sexual Orientation Policy committeeMember of the inaugural class of the Chancellors Leadership Initiative Show less

• • Jan 2009 - May 2011

  Instructed a class of 30 undergraduate students regarding the legal, ethical, and moral issues surrounding management of the healthcare industry.



NC General Assembly

• Raleigh, NC

• Intern/Research Assistant

  • 2003 - 2006

  Worked extensively with lobbyists and constituents to achieve goals and execute legislative agendas Performed legal, social, and historical research on topics before the House Health Committee Tracked legislation through the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office Collaborated with various governmental agencies (Governor’s Office, Dept. Health and Human Services, local governments, Federal government) in support of various legislative agendas Attended functions for and spoke on behalf of NC Representative Reviewed and drafted various pieces of legislation Performed legal research on variety of topics before the office including Chapter 7 bankruptcy exemptions, gubernatorial powers, 501(c)(3) requirements, real estate, and criminal law Worked full time while attending law school and preparing for/passing the North Carolina Bar Exam Show less