Fran is global business growth strategist and law firm partner with over 30 years of experience leading change and tackling complex business, financial, and legal issues for Fortune 100/S&P 500 corporations and international financial institutions. Currently serving as Counsel at Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., one of the nation's largest health care, life sciences, and employment law firms, where she developed corporate strategy for 18 US locations and 65+ international affiliations as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Labor and Employment Steering Committee. Holds an LL.M. in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, is a member of the US Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology's Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium and the American Society of Actuaries, and is certified as an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Most recently Fran has successfully completed studies at MIT Sloan School of Management-CSAIL on the execution of business strategies for the successful integration of AI systems within organizations. She is a contributing author on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity for The American Lawyer Magazine/The New York Law Journal.
Distinguished for leading the Japanese client initiative that resulted in retention of the largest number of Japanese corporate clients of any US corporate law firm, while advising the Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations), Japan Society, and Japanese Chamber of Commerce on US corporate localization and employment law compliance. Successfully defended global financial securities firms and their Directors and Officers in litigation before securities regulatory exchanges, and provided comprehensive legal oversight for M&A due diligence, business realignment, and expansion initiatives across financial services, fashion, and technology sectors. Designed and maintained complex strategic initiatives for corporate boards in global human resources programs, executive compensation compliance, and corporate growth and compliance metrics worldwide. Led business executives in negotiating sensitive service contracts and lectured internationally in Japan, China, Brazil, France, England, and throughout the US on corporate diversity and regulatory compliance.
Recognized thought leader and sought-after advisor to high-profile executives in media, securities, fashion, and retail industries, with extensive board service including The Japan Society, New York City Parks Department Mounted Auxiliary, The Grace Institute and Corporate Counsel Women of Color. Co-founded EBG's Women's Initiative, creating the first US law firm program for female business executive networking, and led female attorney recruitment efforts resulting in more than 50% female participation in the firm's professional ranks. Previously served as Maryknoll Sisters delegate to the United Nations, training religious community members across 25 countries on corporate organization and personnel management. Fran is an award-winning equestrian and competitive rower with medals in US and World Championship events, and published co-author, along with Michele Obama, Maya Angelou and the late actress Olympia Dukakis, of "The Goddess Shift – Women Leading for a Change.”