DENVER (May 3, 2024) – Sherman & Howard has appointed new leadership to the firm’s Executive Committee (EC), practice groups, and executive team. These appointments are aligned with the strategic direction of the firm.

Three new members join the EC. They are Lyle Wallace, who previously served as the Business & Real Estate Practice Group Leader and is recognized for his work in mergers and acquisitions; Parker Schenken, who is a public finance and municipal attorney, a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers, and recognized for his work in public finance in Colorado and New Mexico; and Lee Fanyo, who is recognized for his work in mergers and acquisitions and natural resources law.

Wallace, Schenken, and Fanyo join current Executive Committee members Kathleen Johnson, a member of the Tax & Probate Practice Group; Greg Falls, a member of the Litigation Practice Group who manages the firm’s Phoenix office; and Stefan Stein, a member of the Litigation Practice Group who is the firm’s CEO.

The firm is grateful for the contributions of the previous members of the EC: David Lucas, Peter Koclanes, and Greg Densen, each of whom provided strong leadership during their tenure on the EC.

William “Bill” Peffer has been elected to serve as the Practice Group Leader for the Business & Real Estate practice group replacing Lyle Wallace. Peffer is an experienced corporate and transactional attorney and former Pro Bono Coordinator. His passion for pro bono work exemplifies the firm’s commitment to serving our communities.

Assuming responsibility as co-leaders of the Litigation Practice Group are Tamir Goldstein and Brooke Colaizzi. Previously, Goldstein oversaw the Construction group and is recognized for his work in the area. Colaizzi, who was the Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader, now co-leads the Litigation Practice Group with Goldstein and will continue to oversee the labor and employment attorneys, who have joined the Litigation Practice Group. Colaizzi is recognized for her work in labor & employment law.

Mary Sue Greenleaf has been appointed to lead the firm’s Construction group, replacing Goldstein. Greenleaf, a litigation attorney, is recognized for her work with general contractors, subcontractors, and property owners on construction issues. She also serves on the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force and is chair of the Women’s Initiative.

Additionally, the firm appointed Chief Marketing & Business Development Executive Jenny Davenport to Chief Operating Officer and Andy de Gortari as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A highly experienced marketing and business development executive with nearly 20 years in the legal industry, Davenport will look to streamline the firm’s processes across five administrative groups and create efficiencies while still overseeing the execution of the firm’s strategic plans. de Gortari assumes the role of CFO from William Horton. de Gortari brings more than 25 years of experience in financial management and operations at various companies, including nearly 20 years at Molson Coors, where he served in a variety of positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Controller of the International Growth Division. de Gortari leads the firm’s finance and accounting teams and oversees the firm’s transactional recordkeeping, budgeting and forecasting, reporting and analytics, and compliance functions, including the implementation of new financial tools and systems.

“I’m eager for our new leadership to bring fresh and creative perspectives to the firm,” said Member & Chief Executive Officer Stefan Stein. “We are consistently looking for opportunities to improve our service. The infusion of new energy to our leadership reinforces our commitment to the strategic growth of Denver’s oldest law firm and our efforts to help shape the futures of our clients, communities, and firm.”

Previously announced additions to the firm include former Colorado Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, who leads the firm’s Government & Political Law group, and Shawn Cheadle, a former general counsel of various divisions within Lockheed Martin Space, who co-leads the firm’s Aerospace industry group.

About Sherman & Howard

Sherman & Howard L.L.C. is a full-service law firm with offices in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Our attorneys provide high-quality legal and business solutions to a broad range of clients, including private, public, and government entities. We have extensive experience in aerospace and government contracting, infrastructure and construction, financial services, natural resources, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, consumer products and retail, and nonprofit entities. For more information, visit shermanhoward.com.