Nixon Peabody Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nixon Peabody has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, human resources, and administration.

Focused on sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, Nixon Peabody delivers comprehensive legal counsel to clients across global markets while maintaining a commitment to green building design and clean technology innovation.

Leadership Roles at Nixon Peabody

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner - Stephen Zubiago
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Curley
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rich McCarthy
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Tabitha Ross
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Tammy Franklin
  • Stephen Zubiago - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

    Stephen Zubiago, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at Nixon Peabody, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and global growth initiatives. Overseeing operations across the United States, Europe, and Asia, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner ensures alignment between legal service delivery and the evolving needs of clients in the renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure sectors. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine market positioning and maintain high standards of professional excellence. By fostering a culture of innovation, Stephen Zubiago drives the firm toward long-term stability and competitive advantage. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner manages complex stakeholder relationships, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in green building design and clean tech legal advisory. Zubiago maintains a focus on expanding the firm's international footprint while upholding the core values of the organization.

    James Curley - Chief Financial Officer

    James Curley, the Chief Financial Officer at Nixon Peabody, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and long-term investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm possesses the resources necessary to support complex renewable energy project development and finance. This role requires rigorous oversight of global financial operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency across all regional offices. By optimizing the firm's financial structure, James Curley directly impacts the ability of the organization to provide high-level legal advice on sustainable supply chains and green claims validation. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align fiscal goals with the broader mission of the firm. Curley maintains a disciplined approach to risk management, securing the financial foundation required for sustained growth in the competitive legal landscape.

    Rich McCarthy - Chief Operating Officer

    Rich McCarthy, the Chief Operating Officer at Nixon Peabody, architects the internal processes and operational frameworks that support the firm's global legal practice. Overseeing the integration of technology and administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that legal teams possess the tools required to advise on sustainable infrastructure and clean tech projects. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental collaboration to enhance service delivery efficiency across North American and international markets. By implementing scalable operational systems, Rich McCarthy directly supports the firm's ability to handle complex project development and finance matters. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to ensure that internal resources align with client demands for green building design expertise. McCarthy drives continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that the firm maintains operational excellence while navigating the complexities of a global legal environment.
    Rich McCarthy

    Tabitha Ross - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tabitha Ross, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Nixon Peabody, directs talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier legal talent, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the firm maintains the specialized expertise required for advising on sustainable supply chains and renewable energy projects. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that keep staff at the forefront of green building design and environmental law. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance work environment, Tabitha Ross directly impacts the firm's ability to attract and retain industry-leading professionals. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to align human capital strategies with the firm's long-term growth objectives. Ross manages performance management systems, ensuring that every team member contributes effectively to the firm's mission of providing exceptional legal counsel.
    Tabitha Ross

    Tammy Franklin - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Tammy Franklin, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Nixon Peabody, manages the firm's infrastructure, facilities, and administrative support services. Overseeing the physical and digital environments across global offices, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that the firm's operations remain aligned with sustainability goals and green building standards. This role involves coordinating complex administrative functions to support the legal teams focused on clean tech and renewable energy project development. By optimizing office resources and administrative workflows, Tammy Franklin directly enhances the productivity of the firm's legal professionals. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) works closely with other executives to ensure that the firm's infrastructure supports its strategic mission and market impact. Franklin maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that the firm's administrative backbone remains robust and capable of supporting the firm's diverse legal practice areas.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nixon Peabody Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nixon Peabody?
    Nixon Peabody is led by Stephen Zubiago (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), along with executives such as James Curley (Chief Financial Officer) and Rich McCarthy (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Nixon Peabody’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nixon Peabody includes leaders such as Stephen Zubiago (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), James Curley (Chief Financial Officer), Rich McCarthy (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nixon Peabody have?
    Nixon Peabody has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nixon Peabody’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nixon Peabody includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).