“Job” Class Notes

Josh Richards (Col ’09, Grad ’10 CM) has been promoted to Corporate Director, ESG at Transwestern, an integrated commercial real estate services, development and investment management firm. In this role, Richards is responsible for expanding engagement across the various companies to identify, track and communicate ESG goals and key performance indicators; advocating for responsible, proactive programming that advances the brand and mission of Transwestern and its clients; evaluating partnerships and opportunities to deliver resources at the leading edge of industry; and reporting progress against the firm’s commitments to all stakeholders.

Richards joined Transwestern in 2017 as Director of Sustainability for Asset Services. During his tenure, he advanced Transwestern’s energy and sustainability platform through extensive benchmarking and compliance of the firm’s managed assets, educating internal and external audiences on the value and implementation of ESG and increasing transparency through integrated communications and reporting.

Additionally, Richards reinforced the firm’s commitment to culture by leading the Transwestern Experience, a unique approach to customer service. He is also actively involved in the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, leading the national Awareness and Belonging Committee which provides resources and strategies to create a more open and inclusive work environment.

Nicole Darden Ford (Com ’07) has joined Rockwell Automation as vice president and chief information security officer. Darden Ford joins Rockwell from Carrier, where she was global vice president and chief information security Officer, overseeing global information security, compliance and product cybersecurity through the company’s spin-off from parent company United Technologies Corporation. Prior to Carrier, she was global vice president and chief information security officer for Baxter International, where she had global responsibility for information security, information governance and IT quality compliance. Darden Ford began her career in the U.S. military and federal government, including for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, handling security, network engineering, and telecommunications.

Darden Ford is also passionate about building and growing teams, fostering culture, and focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. She currently serves on the boards of IT-ISAC, South Florida Tech Hub and the Lola Mercedes Parker Foundation. She will remain located in Jupiter, FL.

Alyson Steele (Arch ’94), Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and LEED Accredited Professional, has been elected president and chief executive officer of Quinn Evans, a nationally recognized architecture, planning, interior design, landscape architecture and historic preservation firm. Steele will oversee more than 200 professionals in six offices. She is widely known for her work in museum design and the revitalization of cultural institutions and landmarks across the nation. Her work emphasizes the long-term, sustainable stewardship of cultural resources. Steele’s clients include the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. During her tenure as executive, Quinn Evans has grown rapidly while increasing minority representation among its staff as well as company ownership by women.

Erica Kraus (Col ’06) is one of 24 attorneys promoted to partner at law firm Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP. Resident in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, Kraus is a member of the firm’s corporate practice group and healthcare team. Erica represents healthcare entities in regulatory compliance matters, and her practice focuses on navigating regulatory demands and resolving compliance challenges to allow clients to achieve their business and operational goals. She provides clients with counseling on operations, new ventures and strategic transactions; support in developing compliance programs and protocols and managing internal investigations; assistance in responding to government investigations; and representation in False Claims Act litigation. She also has extensive experience with value-based care arrangements, as well as with the unique regulatory requirements and flexibilities applicable to value-based care. Kraus leverages her background in health policy to help clients maximize opportunities in the changing healthcare landscape. In addition to receiving her B.A. from UVA, she received her J.D. from Harvard Law School and her A.M. in Health Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Kevin Ryan (Law ’96) in October marked one year as CFO at digital-first homeownership company Better. Helping grow Better has been one of the most exciting challenges of his life and he is excited to be a part of the team as Better seeks to transform the real estate industry, and make homeownership easier and cheaper for everyone.

Gayla Kraetsch Hartsough (Educ ’78, Grad ’78 CM) just completed her year as Executive Director for the first-ever independent redistricting commission for the most populous county in the United States, which comprises 10 million people. The role of the Los Angeles County Citizens Redistricting Commission (LA County CRC) was to establish the boundary lines for the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors following the federal decennial census. As an independent commission, the LA County CRC’s approved map is the final map and cannot be redrawn by the Board of Supervisors.

Hartsough and her team confronted many challenges in setting up a new independent commission, compounded by census data delays, the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in hybrid and virtual meetings, and increased public awareness of the importance of the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. For example, between November 1, 2021, and December 12, 2021, more than 3,200 individuals attended or watched on YouTube the 14 meetings and public hearings held. 4,200 members of the public made oral presentations or submitted written comments during that same period. The LA County CRC’s approach can serve as a model for other local and state jurisdictions in the coming years.

Hartsough will now refocus her energies on her firm, KH Consulting Group, which she established 35 years ago.

For more information on the LA County CRC, go to:

Website: https://redistricting.lacounty.gov/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/LACountyRedistricting/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedistrictingLACounty

Yvener J. Petit (Com ’09) joined Live Nation as a Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations this fall. In his role, he partners with key stakeholders across the Concerts, Ticketmaster, and Media and Sponsorship divisions to outline and implement key company strategies. In addition, Yvener has recently been elected to serve as an Executive Committee and Board Member of Communities In Schools of Los Angeles—a non-profit that focuses on providing one-on-one case management for nearly 1,000 at-risk Los Angeles Unified School District students, helping them stay in school and achieve in life.

Ann McMillan (Col ’81) has been named president of Caplin & Drysdale, a law firm with offices in New York and Washington, D.C providing a full range of tax, tax controversy, and related legal services to companies, organizations, and individuals throughout the United States and around the world.

Ms. McMillan is a member of the firm’s bankruptcy group and long-time member of the board of directors. 

Ms. McMillan joined Caplin & Drysdale in 1991 after serving as corporate counsel for a California corporation. She works with Caplin & Drysdale’s bankruptcy group representing claimants’ committees in mass tort bankruptcies. Ms. McMillan also advises approximately 30 trust advisory committees for the trusts that are formed at the conclusion of the bankruptcies. Additionally, she counsels both for-profit and nonprofit entities on corporate governance issues and contractual matters.