Leadership Overview
Blank Rome has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, technology, information, human resources, administration, and communications.
Built upon a legacy of collaborative legal excellence, Blank Rome delivers comprehensive legal solutions to clients across the United States and international markets while fostering community growth and discovering new opportunities.
Built upon a legacy of collaborative legal excellence, Blank Rome delivers comprehensive legal solutions to clients across the United States and international markets while fostering community growth and discovering new opportunities.
Leadership Roles at Blank Rome
Laurie Gerber - Chief Financial Officer
Laurie Gerber, the Chief Financial Officer at Blank Rome, manages the firm's fiscal health and long-term financial strategy. Overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the stability required to support 750 attorneys. Gerber directs financial planning initiatives that enable the firm to pursue expansion opportunities across the United States and international markets. This leadership role involves close coordination with the Board to monitor revenue streams and cost-efficiency metrics. By implementing robust financial controls, Gerber protects the firm's assets while facilitating investments in talent and technology. Laurie Gerber provides the fiscal transparency necessary for informed decision-making at the executive level. Through disciplined management of the firm's financial resources, the Chief Financial Officer supports the overarching mission of delivering exceptional legal services. Gerber maintains the financial integrity that defines the firm's market position.

Shonette Gaston - Chief Operating Officer
Shonette Gaston, the Chief Operating Officer at Blank Rome, directs the firm's internal business processes and operational efficiency across all 16 offices. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that 750 attorneys maintain focus on high-level client service. Gaston manages the integration of cross-departmental initiatives to support the firm's Am Law 100 status. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of operational infrastructure to accommodate the evolving needs of a global legal practice. Through rigorous oversight of daily business functions, Gaston drives the firm's ability to scale effectively while maintaining the quality standards established since 1946. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to align operational output with long-term strategic goals, ensuring that the firm remains agile in a competitive legal landscape. Shonette Gaston secures the operational foundation necessary for sustained growth and client success.
Frank Gurfolino - Chief Technology Officer
Frank Gurfolino, the Chief Technology Officer at Blank Rome, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and technological innovation strategy. By deploying advanced software solutions and secure cloud environments, the Chief Technology Officer enables 750 attorneys to collaborate seamlessly across 16 offices. Gurfolino directs the development of proprietary legal tech tools that enhance case management and client service delivery. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the legal industry. By prioritizing cybersecurity and system reliability, Gurfolino ensures that the firm's digital assets remain protected against evolving threats. Frank Gurfolino drives the digital transformation agenda, aligning technical capabilities with the firm's commitment to discovering opportunity amid change. Through the implementation of scalable technology platforms, the Chief Technology Officer supports the firm's operational efficiency and global reach. Gurfolino ensures that technology serves as a primary catalyst for legal excellence.
Frank Spadafino - Chief Information Officer
Frank Spadafino, the Chief Information Officer at Blank Rome, manages the firm's data governance, information systems, and knowledge management frameworks. By overseeing the integrity and accessibility of critical legal data, the Chief Information Officer ensures that attorneys possess the insights required for complex litigation and transactional work. Spadafino directs the integration of information systems that support the firm's collaborative culture across all geographic locations. This leadership role involves establishing protocols for data privacy and compliance, which are essential for maintaining client trust. By optimizing information flow, Spadafino enhances the firm's ability to deliver precise legal counsel. Frank Spadafino drives the strategy for information lifecycle management, ensuring that the firm leverages its collective knowledge to make history together. Through the rigorous management of information assets, the Chief Information Officer supports the firm's reputation for excellence. Spadafino secures the data infrastructure that underpins the firm's professional services.

Elizabeth Friel - Chief Human Resources Officer
Elizabeth Friel, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Blank Rome, directs the firm's talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. By fostering an environment that attracts and retains top-tier legal talent, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the firm remains a leader in the Am Law 100. Friel manages performance management systems and diversity programs that align with the firm's commitment to its communities. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and wellness programs that support 750 attorneys and staff. By cultivating a culture of collaboration and inclusion, Friel drives employee engagement and long-term retention. Elizabeth Friel oversees the strategic alignment of human capital with the firm's growth objectives across all 16 offices. Through the implementation of progressive HR policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm's workforce remains the primary driver of client success. Friel shapes the professional environment that defines the firm's identity.
Melissa Morrissey - Chief Administrative Officer
Melissa Morrissey, the Chief Administrative Officer at Blank Rome, oversees the firm's facilities management, administrative support services, and office operations. By ensuring that all 16 offices function as cohesive units, the Chief Administrative Officer provides the physical and logistical environment necessary for legal practice. Morrissey directs the administrative teams that support daily operations, from office space planning to vendor management. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite executives to ensure that administrative resources align with the firm's strategic priorities. By optimizing office workflows, Morrissey enhances the productivity of the firm's 750 attorneys. Melissa Morrissey drives the operational excellence required to maintain the firm's high standards of service. Through the management of administrative infrastructure, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the firm's ability to serve clients effectively across the United States and internationally. Morrissey ensures that the firm's physical presence reflects its commitment to professional quality.
Kathryn Tavella - Chief Communications Officer (Cco)
Kathryn Tavella, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Blank Rome, directs the firm's internal and external communication strategies, brand positioning, and public relations. By managing the firm's reputation and messaging, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) ensures that the firm's commitment to clients and communities remains clear and impactful. Tavella oversees media relations, digital content, and stakeholder engagement to support the firm's Am Law 100 status. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the firm's history and its dedication to discovering opportunity amid change. By aligning communication efforts with the firm's strategic goals, Tavella drives brand awareness and market influence. Kathryn Tavella manages the channels through which the firm connects with its clients and the broader legal community. Through the development of comprehensive communication plans, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) supports the firm's growth and visibility. Tavella secures the firm's voice in a competitive global market.
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