Cozen O'Connor Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cozen O'Connor has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial management, operations, human resources, analytics, and business development.

Committed to excellence in legal representation, Cozen O'Connor delivers comprehensive advisory services to global corporations and individuals while maintaining a robust presence across North American and European markets.

Leadership Roles at Cozen O'Connor

  • Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp - Thomas Decker
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Heller
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Ashley
  • Chief Operating Officer - David Ellman
  • Chief Operating Officer of Cozen O'Connor's Private Client Trusts and Estates Group - Cathi Cozen
  • Chief Operating Officer, Ancillary Business Units - Brian Gillam
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Erin Bushnell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Cheryl Progin
  • Chief Analytics Officer - Kenneth Hildebrandt
  • Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer - Lisa Haas
  • Thomas Decker - Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp

    Thomas Decker, the Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp at Cozen O'Connor, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. This leadership role involves managing complex litigation and corporate law portfolios across international jurisdictions. By aligning legal practice groups with evolving regulatory landscapes, the Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp ensures consistent service delivery for financial institutions and corporate clients. Thomas Decker oversees the integration of new business transactions into the firm's existing service model, driving growth through high-level client engagement. The Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp maintains focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in the legal industry. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide initiatives, Decker secures the long-term stability of the organization while expanding the reach of legal services across North America and Europe.
    Thomas Decker

    Michael Heller - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Heller, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Cozen O'Connor, governs the firm's strategic direction and long-term growth objectives. This executive role involves coordinating with the board to refine the firm's approach to insurance coverage and regulatory matters. By fostering a culture of professional excellence, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer drives the firm's expansion into new global markets. Michael Heller manages the firm's reputation as a premier provider of legal representation, ensuring that all business transactions meet the highest standards of integrity. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer monitors the competitive landscape, adjusting firm policies to maintain a dominant market position. Through consistent leadership, Heller guides the firm's diverse practice groups toward achieving sustainable financial outcomes. This executive oversight ensures that the firm remains responsive to the needs of its international client base.

    John Ashley - Chief Financial Officer

    John Ashley, the Chief Financial Officer at Cozen O'Connor, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital allocation strategies. This role involves overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and investment planning to support the firm's international operations. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet while funding growth in litigation and corporate law sectors. John Ashley collaborates with other C-suite leaders to optimize resource distribution across North American and European offices. The Chief Financial Officer monitors cash flow and profitability metrics, providing the data necessary for informed decision-making at the executive level. Through disciplined financial management, Ashley supports the firm's ability to provide high-quality legal services to corporations and individuals. This leadership function remains critical to the firm's ongoing success and ability to navigate complex economic environments.

    David Ellman - Chief Operating Officer

    David Ellman, the Chief Operating Officer at Cozen O'Connor, directs the internal infrastructure and administrative functions of the firm. This role focuses on streamlining operational workflows to enhance the efficiency of legal service delivery. By implementing scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the firm's litigation and corporate law teams operate with maximum productivity. David Ellman oversees the integration of technology into daily practice, facilitating seamless collaboration across multiple geographic locations. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to align administrative support with the firm's broader business objectives. Through meticulous process improvement, Ellman drives operational excellence, allowing the firm to serve its diverse client base with greater agility. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of internal performance metrics to ensure that the firm maintains its competitive edge in the legal services market.
    David Ellman

    Cathi Cozen - Chief Operating Officer of Cozen O'Connor's Private Client Trusts and Estates Group

    Cathi Cozen, the Chief Operating Officer of Cozen O'Connor's Private Client Trusts and Estates Group at Cozen O'Connor, manages the specialized operations of the firm's private client division. This role involves overseeing the delivery of estate planning and trust services to high-net-worth individuals. By refining the operational processes within this specific group, the Chief Operating Officer of Cozen O'Connor's Private Client Trusts and Estates Group ensures that clients receive tailored legal solutions. Cathi Cozen coordinates with legal teams to maintain high standards of service in complex regulatory environments. The Chief Operating Officer of Cozen O'Connor's Private Client Trusts and Estates Group drives growth by expanding the firm's reach in the private client sector. Through strategic management of resources, Cozen supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive advisory services. This leadership role ensures that the firm's private client practice remains a cornerstone of its overall business model.

    Brian Gillam - Chief Operating Officer, Ancillary Business Units

    Brian Gillam, the Chief Operating Officer, Ancillary Business Units at Cozen O'Connor, manages the operations of the firm's non-legal business divisions. This role involves overseeing the performance and integration of ancillary services that complement the firm's core legal practice. By optimizing the operational efficiency of these units, the Chief Operating Officer, Ancillary Business Units ensures that the firm provides a holistic suite of services to its clients. Brian Gillam coordinates with various business leaders to identify opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. The Chief Operating Officer, Ancillary Business Units monitors the financial performance of these units, driving revenue growth through diversified service offerings. Through strategic oversight, Gillam ensures that all ancillary operations align with the firm's broader commitment to excellence. This leadership role supports the firm's ability to provide comprehensive advisory services to corporations and financial institutions.
    Brian Gillam

    Erin Bushnell - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Erin Bushnell, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cozen O'Connor, directs the firm's talent acquisition and professional development strategies. This role involves building a high-performing workforce capable of delivering exceptional legal services. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains top-tier legal talent. Erin Bushnell oversees the firm's culture and employee engagement initiatives, fostering an environment that supports professional growth. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with leadership to align human capital strategies with the firm's expansion goals in North America and Europe. Through effective performance management, Bushnell ensures that the firm's staff remains aligned with the core mission of providing superior legal representation. This leadership function is essential for maintaining the firm's reputation as a premier employer in the legal industry.
    Erin Bushnell

    Cheryl Progin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cheryl Progin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cozen O'Connor, manages the firm's organizational development and employee relations. This role focuses on creating robust policies that support the firm's diverse workforce across multiple offices. By overseeing compensation and benefits structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm remains competitive in the legal talent market. Cheryl Progin leads initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, strengthening the firm's internal culture. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to address workforce challenges and support the firm's long-term strategic goals. Through proactive management of human capital, Progin ensures that the firm's legal teams have the support necessary to deliver high-quality representation. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the firm's operational stability and commitment to professional excellence.

    Kenneth Hildebrandt - Chief Analytics Officer

    Kenneth Hildebrandt, the Chief Analytics Officer at Cozen O'Connor, directs the firm's data strategy and business intelligence initiatives. This role involves leveraging advanced analytics to provide insights into litigation trends and market opportunities. By developing data-driven models, the Chief Analytics Officer enables the firm to make informed decisions regarding business transactions and regulatory matters. Kenneth Hildebrandt oversees the implementation of analytical tools that enhance the firm's ability to serve its corporate and institutional clients. The Chief Analytics Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to identify areas for operational improvement and growth. Through the application of data science, Hildebrandt supports the firm's mission to provide precise and effective legal advisory services. This leadership role ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of the legal industry by utilizing technology to drive strategic outcomes.
    Kenneth Hildebrandt

    Lisa Haas - Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

    Lisa Haas, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Cozen O'Connor, directs the firm's brand strategy and client acquisition efforts. This role involves promoting the firm's expertise in litigation, corporate law, and insurance coverage to a global audience. By executing targeted marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer expands the firm's presence in key markets across North America and Europe. Lisa Haas oversees business development initiatives that foster long-term relationships with corporations and financial institutions. The Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer collaborates with practice group leaders to highlight the firm's unique value proposition. Through strategic communication and outreach, Haas drives the firm's growth and strengthens its market position. This leadership role is essential for ensuring that the firm's services remain visible and relevant to its diverse client base.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cozen O'Connor Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cozen O'Connor?
    Cozen O'Connor is led by Thomas Decker (Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp), along with executives such as Michael Heller (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and John Ashley (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cozen O'Connor’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cozen O'Connor includes leaders such as Thomas Decker (Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp), Michael Heller (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), John Ashley (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cozen O'Connor have?
    Cozen O'Connor has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cozen O'Connor’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cozen O'Connor includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, Amp, Amp, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Cozen O'Connor's Private Client Trusts and Estates Group.