Cozen O'Connor Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Heller, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Cozen O'Connor, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives. Overseeing the integration of legal practice groups, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between client service standards and firm-wide performance goals. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes across North American and European markets to maintain competitive positioning. By fostering a culture of excellence, Michael Heller drives the expansion of the firm's litigation and corporate law capabilities. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to refine business models, ensuring sustainable profitability for the partnership. Through rigorous oversight of international operations, Heller secures the firm's reputation as a premier provider of legal representation for financial institutions and corporate entities, ultimately strengthening the market impact of the entire organization.

John Ashley, the Chief Financial Officer at Cozen O'Connor, governs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the international law firm. Overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a strong balance sheet to support ongoing expansion. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to guide investment in new practice areas and geographic regions. John Ashley manages the firm's financial risk profile, providing critical data to the Board for informed decision-making regarding business transactions and long-term growth. By optimizing revenue cycles and expense management, the Chief Financial Officer sustains the firm's ability to provide high-quality legal representation. Ashley coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align financial resources with the firm's strategic mission. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, Ashley secures the financial stability necessary for the firm to thrive within the competitive global legal services industry.

David Ellman, the Chief Operating Officer at Cozen O'Connor, manages the daily administrative functions and operational infrastructure supporting the firm's legal practice. Overseeing the efficiency of internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation across multiple offices to support high-stakes litigation and business transactions. This role requires constant coordination with department heads to streamline service delivery for corporate clients. David Ellman implements scalable technology solutions that enhance productivity and data security throughout the firm's North American footprint. By monitoring operational metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement. Ellman maintains the structural integrity of the firm's business model, ensuring that all administrative support aligns with the strategic objectives set by executive leadership. Through meticulous management of firm assets, Ellman guarantees the operational readiness required to handle complex legal matters for diverse institutional clients.

Erin Bushnell, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cozen O'Connor, directs talent acquisition and professional development programs focused on the firm's legal and administrative staff. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier legal talent, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters an inclusive environment that supports the firm's commitment to excellence. This role involves designing comprehensive training initiatives that enhance the expertise of attorneys and support personnel across all offices. Erin Bushnell manages performance evaluation systems and compensation structures to ensure the firm attracts and retains industry-leading professionals. By aligning human capital strategies with the firm's broader business goals, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational culture and employee engagement. Bushnell collaborates with leadership to address workforce planning needs, ensuring the firm possesses the necessary expertise to handle complex regulatory and litigation matters. Through strategic talent management, Bushnell strengthens the firm's internal capabilities and long-term competitive advantage.

Cheryl Progin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cozen O'Connor, manages organizational development and internal policy frameworks to support the firm's diverse workforce. Overseeing the implementation of wellness programs and workplace safety standards, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a productive environment for all employees. This role involves navigating complex labor regulations across the firm's North American and European locations to maintain compliance and operational consistency. Cheryl Progin develops leadership succession plans and mentorship initiatives that cultivate the next generation of legal professionals. By analyzing workforce data, the Chief Human Resources Officer identifies trends in employee retention and satisfaction, providing actionable insights to the executive team. Progin coordinates with department heads to align staffing levels with the demands of the firm's litigation and corporate law practices. Through proactive management of human capital, Progin ensures the firm maintains the high-performance culture required to serve its global client base effectively.

Lisa Haas, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Cozen O'Connor, architects the firm's brand strategy and client acquisition efforts. Overseeing the development of targeted marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer promotes the firm's expertise in litigation, insurance coverage, and regulatory matters to a global audience. This role involves identifying new market opportunities and fostering relationships with key corporate and institutional clients. Lisa Haas manages the firm's digital presence and public relations initiatives to enhance market visibility and reputation. By analyzing client feedback and market demand, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer refines the firm's service offerings to remain competitive. Haas collaborates with practice group leaders to create tailored business development strategies that drive revenue growth. Through strategic communication and outreach, Haas ensures the firm's value proposition resonates with clients, ultimately supporting the firm's mission to provide premier legal representation.