Venable Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Venable has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, operations, administration, and partner relations.

Driven by a commitment to navigating complex legal landscapes, Venable focuses on delivering strategic counsel and robust advocacy across diverse sectors, empowering clients to achieve their objectives through specialized legal expertise and market insight.

Leadership Roles at Venable

  • Chief Executive Officer - Adam Rose
  • Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Whelan
  • Chief Technology Officer - Malke Kramer
  • Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff - Laura Sandifer
  • Chief of Staff & Partner - Tara Potashnik
  • Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer - Michael Barnes
  • Adam Rose - Chief Executive Officer

    Adam Rose, the Chief Executive Officer at Venable, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Rose guides the firm's expansion into new practice areas and geographic markets, ensuring alignment with complex legal challenges across multiple sectors. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the firm's sophisticated litigation, intellectual property, and corporate practices. Rose oversees the integration of specialized capabilities, including entertainment law and government affairs, to provide comprehensive client solutions. By championing the firm's deep expertise in areas like regulatory compliance and administrative law, Adam Rose ensures Venable effectively serves a diverse client base, from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises navigating intricate regulatory frameworks. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes driving growth and maintaining the firm's reputation for handling high-stakes disputes and providing strategic guidance on legislative advocacy.

    Matthew Whelan - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Whelan, the Chief Financial Officer at Venable, manages the firm's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Whelan oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal management across the firm's diverse practice groups. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance to support Venable's complex legal challenges in areas such as corporate law, sophisticated litigation, and intellectual property protection. By directing financial strategies, Matthew Whelan enables the firm to invest in talent and technology, supporting client services ranging from mergers and acquisitions to patent prosecution. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing firm-wide financial risk and identifying opportunities for enhanced profitability. Whelan's oversight ensures that Venable's financial structure effectively supports its market position and its ability to serve clients in industries including technology, healthcare, and financial services.

    Malke Kramer - Chief Technology Officer

    Malke Kramer, the Chief Technology Officer at Venable, architects and implements the firm's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Kramer drives innovation in legal technology, enhancing client service delivery and internal operational efficiency across all practice areas, including corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property. This leadership position involves overseeing the adoption of advanced tools for data analysis, case management, and secure client communication, supporting Venable's work with Fortune companies and emerging enterprises. By directing technology initiatives, Malke Kramer ensures the firm remains at the forefront of digital solutions for complex legal challenges, including regulatory compliance and legislative advocacy. The Chief Technology Officer's focus includes safeguarding sensitive client information and leveraging technology to streamline processes in areas like entertainment law and government affairs. Kramer's expertise is crucial for maintaining Venable's competitive edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

    Laura Sandifer - Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff

    Laura Sandifer, the Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff at Venable, enhances operational effectiveness and strategic execution across the firm. Sandifer collaborates with leadership to streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and implement key initiatives that support Venable's complex legal practice areas. This role involves bridging strategic objectives with day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless service delivery in sophisticated litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property matters. By managing cross-functional projects, Laura Sandifer facilitates the firm's ability to navigate intricate regulatory environments and serve a diverse client base. The Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff's responsibilities include driving operational improvements that enhance client satisfaction and internal efficiency. Sandifer's focus on operational excellence is vital for supporting Venable's growth and its commitment to handling high-stakes legal challenges across various industries.

    Tara Potashnik - Chief of Staff & Partner

    Tara Potashnik, the Chief of Staff & Partner at Venable, drives strategic initiatives and operational alignment within the firm. Potashnik works closely with executive leadership to advance key projects and ensure cohesive execution of the firm's business objectives across its diverse legal practices. This dual role involves contributing to firm strategy while also overseeing critical operational functions that support complex litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property matters. By managing strategic partnerships and internal communications, Tara Potashnik enhances collaboration and drives forward Venable's mission to serve clients navigating regulatory environments. The Chief of Staff & Partner's focus includes optimizing firm-wide processes and fostering an environment conducive to high-level legal problem-solving. Potashnik's leadership is integral to Venable's ability to deliver exceptional service in areas such as entertainment law and government affairs.

    Michael Barnes - Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

    Michael Barnes, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Venable, oversees the firm's comprehensive administrative functions and operational support systems. Barnes directs the management of human resources, facilities, and professional development programs, ensuring a robust infrastructure that supports Venable's legal professionals. This role is critical for maintaining operational efficiency and fostering a productive work environment across the firm's sophisticated practice areas, including corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property. By optimizing administrative processes, Michael Barnes ensures seamless support for client engagements and firm-wide initiatives, enabling Venable to effectively navigate complex legal challenges. The Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities extend to implementing policies that enhance employee experience and operational effectiveness. Barnes's oversight is fundamental to the smooth functioning of Venable's operations and its commitment to client service.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Venable Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Venable?
    Venable is led by Adam Rose (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Whelan (Chief Financial Officer) and Malke Kramer (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Venable’s executive team?
    The executive team of Venable includes leaders such as Adam Rose (Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Whelan (Chief Financial Officer), Malke Kramer (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Venable have?
    Venable has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Venable’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Venable includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Partner.