Womble Bond Dickinson Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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. Benn guides the executive team in navigating complex legal landscapes and driving business development initiatives. Overseeing global operations, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with corporate objectives and market demands. This leadership role involves expanding market share through strategic partnerships and client engagement. By optimizing the firm's service delivery model, Merrick Benn directly impacts the company's growth and financial stability. Ultimately, Benn secures long-term success and upholds the firm's reputation for excellence.
    Merrick Benn

    Michael Dugger - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Dugger, the Chief Financial Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, directs the firm's financial planning, risk management, and reporting activities. Dugger oversees budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies to ensure the firm's financial health and profitability. Managing financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards assets and optimizes capital allocation. This position involves developing financial policies and procedures that support the firm's strategic goals. By ensuring robust financial controls, Michael Dugger directly supports sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Dugger provides critical financial insights to guide executive decision-making.

    G. Hails Foster - Chief Operating Officer

    G. Hails Foster, the Chief Operating Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, manages the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the firm. Foster oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and process optimization across all departments. Directing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances service delivery and client satisfaction. This critical role involves streamlining business processes and fostering a productive work environment. By driving operational excellence, G. Hails Foster directly contributes to the firm's ability to provide high-quality legal services. Foster ensures the firm operates effectively and meets its business objectives.

    Barbara Fountain - Chief Administrative Officer

    Barbara Fountain, the Chief Administrative Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, oversees the firm's human resources, IT infrastructure, and general administrative services. Fountain ensures that support functions are aligned with the firm's strategic objectives, fostering an environment conducive to productivity and collaboration. Managing administrative departments, the Chief Administrative Officer enhances operational efficiency and employee experience. This role involves developing and implementing policies that support the firm's operational framework. By optimizing administrative processes, Barbara Fountain directly contributes to the firm's overall effectiveness and client service delivery. Fountain ensures seamless internal operations.
    Eric McCarthy, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson, provides expert legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the firm. McCarthy ensures compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, managing internal and external legal matters. Directing legal strategy, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer mitigates risk and advises the executive team on critical legal issues. This position involves safeguarding the firm's legal interests and upholding ethical standards. By providing strategic legal guidance, Eric McCarthy directly supports the firm's operational integrity and client trust. McCarthy champions the firm's commitment to legal excellence.
    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.