Faegre Drinker Appoints Lesley Ficarri as Chief People Officer
Faegre Drinker is pleased to announce the appointment of Lesley Ficarri as its chief people officer, responsible for leading the firm’s global talent strategy. She will also serve as a member of the Faegre Drinker’s operations leadership team, reporting to Chief Operating Officer Jane Koehl. Ficarri is a veteran AmLaw 100 talent executive, having led talent organizations at both Morrison & Foerster and Bingham McCutchen. Ficarri also served as global director of HR for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. Most recently, she was chief people officer at Baker Newman Noyes.
Ficarri is a strategic and collaborative leader with extensive experience leading high-performance talent organizations in the legal, accounting and pharmaceutical industries. She has a passion for and a proven record of developing high-performing teams and delivering innovative solutions. In her role at Faegre Drinker, Ficarri will lead the firm’s talent strategy, overseeing a team of professionals responsible for human resources; attorney, consultant and professional recruiting; professional and career development; compensation, benefits and well-being.
“Lesley is a forward-thinking HR strategist who will be dedicated to actively recruiting, training, retaining and advancing our colleagues as the firm grows,” said Faegre Drinker Co-Chairs Tom Froehle and Andrew Kassner in a joint statement. “Lesley’s leadership and experience will be instrumental as Faegre Drinker continues to focus on intentionally building our talent pipeline, as well as attracting and investing in attorneys, consultants and operations professionals who excel in serving clients’ evolving needs.”
“Lesley is an important addition to our leadership team, particularly as we bring on colleagues who share Faegre Drinker’s dedication, drive and values, especially in today’s competitive talent market,” said Koehl. “We are thrilled to have Lesley join the firm’s C-suite to help shape business strategy and promote a diverse workforce.”
“I was drawn to Faegre Drinker’s shared commitment to teamwork, collaboration and service to others,” said Ficarri. “I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to develop innovative talent and culture solutions that support the firm’s efforts to engage and empower current and future employees.”
Ficarri earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and business from the University of Pittsburgh and her master’s degree in human resources management from La Roche University.
In addition to Ficarri, Faegre Drinker’s operations leadership team has been bolstered by two recent promotions. John Stanley has been named the firm’s chief administrative officer after a nearly 15-year career with the firm in various operations management roles. Michelle Terry has been appointed operations chief of staff. Both operations veterans at the firm, Stanley and Terry play key roles in Faegre Drinker’s operations strategy and transformation initiatives.
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