Womble Bond Dickinson Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Womble Bond Dickinson has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, administration, and legal counsel.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Womble Bond Dickinson provides comprehensive legal services, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation to deliver exceptional value and achieve impactful outcomes in the legal sector.

Leadership Roles at Womble Bond Dickinson

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Merrick Benn
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Dugger
  • Chief Operating Officer - G. Hails Foster
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Barbara Fountain
  • General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer - Eric McCarthy
  • Merrick Benn - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Merrick Benn, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing global initiatives, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the firm's mission to deliver exceptional legal services. This leadership role involves guiding market expansion and fostering a culture of excellence across all departments. By optimizing resource allocation and driving innovation, Merrick Benn directly impacts the firm's growth and client satisfaction. Ultimately, Benn secures the firm's long-term financial stability and market leadership. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer works closely with the executive team to refine service offerings and enhance client engagement, ensuring Womble Bond Dickinson remains at the forefront of the legal industry. This involves setting ambitious goals for revenue generation and operational efficiency, while also championing the firm's core values and commitment to its clients.
    Merrick Benn

    Michael Dugger - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Dugger, the Chief Financial Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, oversees all financial aspects of the firm, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Managing fiscal health, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm's financial stability and profitability. This critical role involves developing and implementing financial strategies to support the firm's growth objectives and operational needs. By meticulously analyzing financial data and managing investments, Michael Dugger directly influences the firm's economic performance. Ultimately, Dugger safeguards the firm's financial integrity and guides strategic financial planning. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and other executives to allocate capital effectively and identify opportunities for financial optimization, ensuring robust financial management practices are maintained across the firm.

    G. Hails Foster - Chief Operating Officer

    G. Hails Foster, the Chief Operating Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, manages the firm's day-to-day operations and administrative functions. Overseeing operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless service delivery and optimal resource utilization across all practice areas. This leadership position involves implementing strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. By optimizing business processes and managing support services, G. Hails Foster directly contributes to the firm's ability to serve clients effectively. Ultimately, Foster ensures the smooth functioning of the firm's infrastructure, supporting the legal teams in their client-focused endeavors. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with department heads to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices, driving operational excellence throughout the organization. This includes managing technology investments and ensuring robust IT support for all personnel.

    Barbara Fountain - Chief Administrative Officer

    Barbara Fountain, the Chief Administrative Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, directs the firm's administrative operations and human resources functions. Overseeing organizational development, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures a supportive and efficient work environment for all employees. This leadership position involves managing key administrative departments, including facilities, IT support, and personnel services, to align with the firm's strategic goals. By optimizing administrative processes and fostering employee engagement, Barbara Fountain directly enhances the firm's operational capacity. Ultimately, Fountain ensures the smooth execution of internal policies and procedures, contributing to overall organizational effectiveness. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with legal teams to provide essential support services, facilitating the delivery of high-quality legal counsel to clients.
    Eric McCarthy, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, provides expert legal counsel and oversees the firm's internal legal affairs. Guiding legal strategy, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer ensures compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, mitigating risk for the firm. This pivotal role involves advising the executive team on complex legal matters and managing external legal counsel when necessary. By championing ethical practices and upholding the highest legal standards, Eric McCarthy directly reinforces the firm's reputation and integrity. Ultimately, McCarthy ensures the firm operates within legal boundaries and maintains its commitment to professional excellence. The General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer plays a crucial part in shaping the firm's risk management framework and advising on corporate governance.
    Eric McCarthy

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Womble Bond Dickinson Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Womble Bond Dickinson?
    Womble Bond Dickinson is led by Merrick Benn (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Dugger (Chief Financial Officer) and G. Hails Foster (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Womble Bond Dickinson’s executive team?
    The executive team of Womble Bond Dickinson includes leaders such as Merrick Benn (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Dugger (Chief Financial Officer), G. Hails Foster (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Womble Bond Dickinson have?
    Womble Bond Dickinson has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Womble Bond Dickinson’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Womble Bond Dickinson includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer.