Spencer Fane Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Spencer Fane has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, operations, finance, administration, and staff management.

Committed to client-centric legal advocacy, Spencer Fane prioritizes individual interests through tailored counsel and comprehensive industry expertise across diverse legal landscapes.

Leadership Roles at Spencer Fane

  • Chief Executive Officer, President & Director - Theresa Hutton
  • Chief Financial Officer - Allen Vart
  • Chief Operating Officer - Ronda Rutherford
  • President - Robert Axelrad
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Burton Taylor
  • Chief of Staff - Samuel Diederich
  • Chief Financial & Administrative Officer - Scott Breeding
  • Theresa Hutton - Chief Executive Officer, President & Director

    Theresa Hutton, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director at Spencer Fane, directs the overarching strategic vision and firm-wide governance. Overseeing the integration of legal practice groups, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director ensures alignment with client-centric service models. This leadership role involves managing board relations and driving long-term growth initiatives across North American markets. By fostering a culture of excellence, Theresa Hutton directly impacts the firm's reputation for high-stakes legal advocacy. The Chief Executive Officer, President & Director maintains rigorous standards for professional conduct while expanding the firm's footprint in competitive sectors. Through consistent focus on operational efficiency and talent retention, the firm secures a dominant position in the legal industry. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director guides the organization toward sustainable success by balancing immediate client needs with future-oriented expansion goals.

    Allen Vart - Chief Financial Officer

    Allen Vart, the Chief Financial Officer at Spencer Fane, directs the financial health and fiscal planning of the organization. Overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a strong economic foundation. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams and managing cost structures to support long-term profitability. By providing critical financial analysis, Allen Vart directly impacts the strategic decision-making process of the executive team. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the board to ensure transparency and compliance with industry regulations. Through prudent fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to invest in talent and technology. This dedication to financial integrity reinforces the firm's commitment to client-focused legal services. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the firm's future by maintaining a disciplined approach to all financial operations.
    Allen Vart

    Ronda Rutherford - Chief Operating Officer

    Ronda Rutherford, the Chief Operating Officer at Spencer Fane, manages the internal infrastructure and daily business processes required for seamless legal service delivery. Overseeing administrative workflows and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that practice groups operate with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves optimizing technology platforms and support systems to enhance productivity. By streamlining operational protocols, Ronda Rutherford directly impacts the firm's ability to meet complex client requirements. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with department heads to implement scalable solutions that support regional growth. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards expected of the firm. This focus on operational excellence allows legal teams to concentrate on delivering superior results. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the firm's internal stability by fostering a robust and responsive organizational environment.

    Robert Axelrad - President

    Robert Axelrad, the President at Spencer Fane, drives the execution of business development strategies and client relationship management. Overseeing regional expansion efforts and practice group performance, the President ensures that the firm maintains its high standards of legal service. This leadership role involves mentoring senior attorneys and fostering a culture of professional growth. By cultivating strong client partnerships, Robert Axelrad directly impacts the firm's market presence and revenue growth. The President collaborates with other executives to refine service offerings and adapt to changing industry dynamics. Through active engagement with key stakeholders, the President strengthens the firm's reputation for excellence. This focus on leadership and client satisfaction supports the firm's overarching mission. Ultimately, the President secures the firm's competitive position by driving consistent performance and promoting a client-first philosophy across all practice areas.

    Burton Taylor - Chief Marketing Officer

    Burton Taylor, the Chief Marketing Officer at Spencer Fane, architects the firm's brand identity and market positioning strategies. Overseeing digital outreach and business development campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all regional practice areas. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify new client acquisition opportunities. By leveraging data-driven insights, Burton Taylor directly impacts the firm's visibility and reputation among key stakeholders. The Chief Marketing Officer coordinates with practice group leaders to highlight specific legal expertise and service offerings. Through targeted communication efforts, the Chief Marketing Officer drives engagement and strengthens the firm's competitive advantage. This strategic focus on brand equity supports the broader mission of prioritizing client interests. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures market relevance by aligning marketing initiatives with the evolving demands of the legal services sector.

    Samuel Diederich - Chief of Staff

    Samuel Diederich, the Chief of Staff at Spencer Fane, facilitates communication and project execution across the executive leadership team. Overseeing special initiatives and cross-departmental coordination, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent attention. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information to the CEO and supporting the implementation of firm-wide policies. By bridging gaps between various practice groups, Samuel Diederich directly impacts the cohesion and agility of the organization. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key objectives and provides actionable insights to senior management. Through effective project management, the Chief of Staff drives the successful completion of critical business goals. This role is essential for maintaining alignment with the firm's core mission of client advocacy. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures organizational efficiency by streamlining executive workflows and fostering collaborative partnerships.

    Scott Breeding - Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

    Scott Breeding, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at Spencer Fane, manages the intersection of fiscal responsibility and administrative support. Overseeing the firm's financial reporting and office operations, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer ensures that resources are deployed effectively to support legal teams. This leadership role involves managing facilities and administrative staff to maintain a productive work environment. By integrating financial oversight with operational management, Scott Breeding directly impacts the firm's overall efficiency. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer collaborates with the executive team to align administrative support with the firm's strategic goals. Through careful management of overhead and operational expenses, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer supports the firm's commitment to client value. This dual-focus role ensures that the firm remains agile and well-resourced. Ultimately, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer secures the firm's operational success through disciplined financial and administrative oversight.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Spencer Fane Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Spencer Fane?
    Spencer Fane is led by Theresa Hutton (Chief Executive Officer, President & Director), along with executives such as Allen Vart (Chief Financial Officer) and Ronda Rutherford (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Spencer Fane’s executive team?
    The executive team of Spencer Fane includes leaders such as Theresa Hutton (Chief Executive Officer, President & Director), Allen Vart (Chief Financial Officer), Ronda Rutherford (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Spencer Fane have?
    Spencer Fane has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Spencer Fane’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Spencer Fane includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Director, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Marketing Officer.