J.S. Held Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

J.S. Held has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, legal, administration, human resources, and client services.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, J.S. Held provides critical advisory services to organizations navigating complex challenges, solidifying its market impact through expert technical, scientific, and financial guidance.

Leadership Roles at J.S. Held

  • Chief Executive Officer - Joshua Sznapstajler
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jonathon Held
  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Lee Spirer
  • Principal and the Chief Financial Officer - Lawrence Hennessy
  • Executive Vice- President - Lynton Kotzin
  • President - Joe Petta
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Monica Christopher
  • Chief Legal Officer - Scott Katcher
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Veronica Authement
  • Chief People Officer - Marjan Panah
  • Joshua Sznapstajler - Chief Executive Officer

    Joshua Sznapstajler, the Chief Executive Officer at J.S. Held, directs the firm's overarching strategy and operational execution. Sznapstajler guides the company's expansion into new markets and service areas, ensuring alignment with client needs in complex situations. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across J.S. Held's technical, scientific, and financial advisory practices. By optimizing resource allocation and driving strategic initiatives, Joshua Sznapstajler directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver high-value solutions. The Chief Executive Officer ensures J.S. Held maintains its position as a premier consultancy for risk mitigation and dispute resolution, supporting clients across the construction, insurance, and energy sectors. This executive's focus remains on enhancing service delivery and expanding the firm's global reach.
    Joshua Sznapstajler

    Jonathon Held - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jonathon Held, the President & Chief Executive Officer at J.S. Held, spearheads the company's strategic vision and global operations. Held drives the firm's mission to provide expert advisory services for complex, high-stakes situations, encompassing technical, scientific, and financial consulting. This executive oversees the integration of new service lines and the expansion of J.S. Held's presence in key international markets. By fostering a culture of collaboration and expertise, Jonathon Held ensures the delivery of exceptional client outcomes in areas such as investigations, disputes, and operational challenges. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is critical to maintaining J.S. Held's reputation for integrity and technical proficiency across industries like construction, insurance, and finance. Held's strategic direction solidifies the firm's commitment to client success.

    Lee Spirer - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Lee Spirer, the President and Chief Executive Officer at J.S. Held, directs the firm's strategic growth and operational excellence. Spirer champions the company's mission to deliver specialized advisory services, addressing complex technical, scientific, and financial challenges for global clients. This leadership position involves overseeing the expansion of J.S. Held's capabilities in risk mitigation, investigations, and dispute resolution. By cultivating key client relationships and driving market penetration, Lee Spirer ensures the firm's continued success across diverse sectors including construction, insurance, and energy. The President and Chief Executive Officer's focus is on enhancing J.S. Held's service offerings and reinforcing its position as a trusted advisor. Spirer's strategic oversight guides the firm's commitment to providing impactful solutions.
    Lee Spirer

    Lawrence Hennessy - Principal and the Chief Financial Officer

    Lawrence Hennessy, the Principal and the Chief Financial Officer at J.S. Held, manages the firm's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Hennessy oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies, ensuring the fiscal health of J.S. Held. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance and supporting the firm's expansion into new service lines and geographic markets. By implementing robust financial controls and driving efficiency, Lawrence Hennessy directly contributes to the firm's capacity to undertake complex, high-stakes client engagements. The Principal and the Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for sustaining J.S. Held's growth and operational stability across its consulting services in construction, insurance, and finance. Hennessy's financial acumen underpins the firm's advisory capabilities.

    Lynton Kotzin - Executive Vice- President

    Lynton Kotzin, the Executive Vice- President at J.S. Held, drives key initiatives across the firm's service lines, focusing on operational excellence and client success. Kotzin plays a pivotal role in expanding J.S. Held's market reach and enhancing its advisory capabilities in technical, scientific, and financial consulting. This senior leadership position involves overseeing strategic projects and fostering collaboration among consulting teams. By championing best practices and client-centric solutions, Lynton Kotzin ensures the firm effectively addresses complex, high-stakes situations for organizations in construction, insurance, and finance. The Executive Vice- President's leadership is instrumental in reinforcing J.S. Held's commitment to delivering impactful results and maintaining its reputation for expertise. Kotzin's strategic contributions support the firm's growth.

    Joe Petta - President

    Joe Petta, the President at J.S. Held, directs significant operational segments and client engagements, ensuring the delivery of specialized advisory services. Petta focuses on enhancing J.S. Held's capabilities in technical, scientific, and financial consulting, supporting organizations through complex challenges. This leadership role involves overseeing strategic growth initiatives and fostering strong client relationships across various industries. By driving operational efficiency and service innovation, Joe Petta contributes directly to the firm's ability to provide expert solutions in risk mitigation, investigations, and disputes. The President's oversight is critical for maintaining J.S. Held's high standards of performance and client satisfaction in sectors like construction, insurance, and finance. Petta's leadership reinforces the firm's advisory impact.

    Monica Christopher - Chief Marketing Officer

    Monica Christopher, the Chief Marketing Officer at J.S. Held, architects the firm's global brand strategy and market positioning. Christopher drives initiatives to enhance J.S. Held's visibility and reputation across its core service areas, including technical, scientific, and financial advisory. This role involves overseeing all marketing communications, digital presence, and business development support functions. By developing targeted campaigns and thought leadership content, Monica Christopher ensures the firm effectively reaches organizations facing complex challenges in construction, insurance, and finance. The Chief Marketing Officer's leadership is crucial for communicating J.S. Held's expertise in risk mitigation and dispute resolution. Christopher's strategic marketing efforts amplify the firm's impact and client engagement.
    Monica Christopher
    Scott Katcher, the Chief Legal Officer at J.S. Held, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees risk management for the firm. Katcher ensures J.S. Held operates in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations across its global service offerings. This executive manages all legal affairs, including contract negotiation, litigation oversight, and corporate governance, safeguarding the firm's interests. By advising on legal implications of complex client engagements, Scott Katcher supports the firm's technical, scientific, and financial advisory services. The Chief Legal Officer's role is integral to maintaining J.S. Held's reputation for integrity and ethical practice in industries such as construction, insurance, and finance. Katcher's legal guidance strengthens the firm's operational framework.

    Veronica Authement - Chief Administrative Officer

    Veronica Authement, the Chief Administrative Officer at J.S. Held, directs the firm's operational infrastructure and administrative functions. Authement ensures the seamless execution of daily operations, supporting J.S. Held's global team of consultants. This leadership role encompasses overseeing facilities management, IT support, and internal process optimization to enhance efficiency. By streamlining administrative procedures, Veronica Authement enables the firm to focus on delivering specialized advisory services in technical, scientific, and financial domains. The Chief Administrative Officer's contributions are vital for maintaining J.S. Held's operational agility and supporting its mission in complex client situations across construction, insurance, and finance. Authement's management bolsters the firm's service delivery.

    Marjan Panah - Chief People Officer

    Marjan Panah, the Chief People Officer at J.S. Held, leads the firm's human capital strategy and talent management initiatives. Panah cultivates a high-performance culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent across J.S. Held's global operations. This executive oversees all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, and employee engagement, ensuring a supportive work environment. By aligning people strategies with business objectives, Marjan Panah enhances the firm's capacity to deliver expert advisory services in technical, scientific, and financial consulting. The Chief People Officer's focus is on fostering professional growth and ensuring J.S. Held's workforce is equipped to address complex client challenges in construction, insurance, and finance. Panah's leadership strengthens the firm's human capital.
    Marjan Panah

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding J.S. Held Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads J.S. Held?
    J.S. Held is led by Joshua Sznapstajler (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jonathon Held (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Lee Spirer (President and Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of J.S. Held’s executive team?
    The executive team of J.S. Held includes leaders such as Joshua Sznapstajler (Chief Executive Officer), Jonathon Held (President & Chief Executive Officer), Lee Spirer (President and Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does J.S. Held have?
    J.S. Held has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in J.S. Held’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of J.S. Held includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Principal and the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice- President.