Executive Moves: Britcher Leone, Cooper Levenson, etc.

Executive Moves is an occasional feature on ROI-NJ.com describing some of the important personnel changes in the New Jersey business community. Reports are based on news releases, edited for content, clarity and style.

Britcher Leone LLC

Britcher Leone LLC has announced that Tyrone Sergio has joined the firm as a member and Stephen “Skippy” Weinstein has joined as of counsel. They previously were with the firm of Stephen S. Weinstein P.C., in Morristown.

In addition, Glen Rock-based Britcher Leone, which specializes in personal injury and medical malpractice law, has opened a new office at 100 E. Hanover Road in Morristown. Sergio will head up Britcher Leone’s new Morristown office.

Sergio brings a strong background in personal injury and medical malpractice law to Britcher Leone, where he will focus his practice on a wide range of personal injury matters. For over 45 years, “Skippy” Weinstein has devoted his practice to medical malpractice and personal injury matters, as well as handling all aspects of criminal litigation.

Jennivere L. Kenlon, Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla P.C.

Jennivere L. Kenlon, a commercial real estate attorney with a nationwide practice, has joined Red Bank-based Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla P.C., as a shareholder.

Kenlon handles the full life cycle of complex commercial real estate and development transactions. Her practice encompasses all aspects of the purchase, sale, development, financing, management and leasing of commercial, office, retail, mixed-use, hotel, medical/research, industrial and warehouse properties. Kenlon also brings substantial experience in structuring joint ventures often used in connection with real estate matters.

“Jennivere has a broad background in shepherding clients through complex real estate and finance-related matters. Her significant experience is a tremendous asset to our firm, and we are excited to add Jennivere to our team,” said Michael J. Bruno, co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate, Redevelopment and Planned Real Estate Department.

Michael Mitrovic, Cooper Levenson

Cooper Levenson is pleased to announce that attorney Michael Mitrovic has joined the firm as of counsel to the Insurance Defense Litigation Practice Group.

“Mike is an accomplished attorney and a recognized insurance industry executive. He has held positions of the highest level in global insurance companies, and his significant knowledge in the areas of claims management, as well as transactional liability and tax liability underwriting, will make him a great addition to the Cooper Levenson team,” said Kenneth J. Calemmo, chief operating officer.

Mitrovic served as president of global claims for Ironshore Inc. A recognized insurance industry executive, his career spans nearly 40 years with extensive experience in every aspect of the insurance industry. Mitrovic was responsible for launching the company’s U.S. operations and oversaw the development of specialty product lines and requisite regulatory approvals. Cooper Levenson has offices in Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, among others nationwide.

Nicole C. Tracy, Laddey Clark & Ryan LLP

Nicole C. Tracy, an experienced litigator, has joined Laddey Clark & Ryan LLP as a member of the Sparta-based firm’s Commercial Litigation and Employment Practice Groups. She focuses her practice in commercial litigation matters involving breach of contract, restrictive covenants, shareholder disputes and oppression, trade secret protection, and insurance coverage disputes.

Tracy also handles employment matters involving employment contracts, compensation agreements, noncompetition agreements and restrictive covenants, nondisclosure agreements, whistle-blowing, employment discrimination and harassment and wrongful termination.

Prior to joining Laddey, Clark & Ryan, Tracy was an attorney with Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas LLP in New Brunswick for over six years. There, she focused her practice on commercial litigation, employment litigation, and estate litigation.

Levin Management Corp.

Commercial real estate services firm Levin Management Corporation has announced the addition of four new employees across multiple departments. The appointments underscore a period of sustained momentum for the North Plainfield-based organization, bolstered by strong demand for comprehensive third-party services.

The recent additions include Cheryl Nightingale-Bennett, a facility and property management professional who brings more than 15 years of operations and managerial experience to her new role as an LMC property manager. Gary Green also has come on board as a property manager, with a property management career spanning more than two decades – including oversight of special projects and lease negotiations.

Joining LMC as a senior lease administrator in the firm’s accounting department is Joan Rakita, who has 12 years of industry experience overseeing the day-to-day operations of retail and office properties. Additionally, Lisa Nycz, an administrative professional with 20 years of experience, is providing full-time support to the leasing department in her new role.

MBI-GluckShaw

MBI-GluckShaw announced recently that Danielle Alexander has been promoted to partner of the firm. Alexander is a 28-year veteran of the firm, serving most recently as director of legislative & regulatory affairs.

“Since the inception of this firm, Danielle Alexander has been there,” said Raul “Rudy” Garcia, president, MBI-GluckShaw. “She was a crucial part in building this firm from the start into the firm we have today. Over the years Danielle has taken on more and more responsibility, never saying no, always ready to step up and do whatever was in the best interest of our clients and this firm.”

In addition, MBI GluckShaw announced that Lisa Ginther has been promoted to partner of the firm. Ginther is a 15-year veteran of the firm and proven public affairs professional with expertise in legislative affairs, public outreach/involvement and association management.

“On the heels of naming Michele Jaker and Danielle Alexander partners of the firm … it is my pleasure to name Lisa Ginther as MBI-GluckShaw’s newest partner,” Garcia said. “Over the last 15 years, Lisa’s commitment to this firm and, more importantly, our clients, has been unwavering. Lisa has been able to balance multiple aspects of the firms practice and has managed to excel in each.”

Alexon Polanco, Lakeland Bank

Thomas J. Shara, CEO and president of Lakeland Bank, is pleased to announce the following appointment:

Alexon Polanco has been hired as mortgage loan originator for the Oak Ridge-based bank, located in Hackensack.

With 10 years of banking experience, Polanco was most recently a small business specialist, assistant vice president for TD Bank in Montville, where he has held a number of positions since 2009.

Sills Cummis & Gross

Sills Cummis & Gross is pleased to announce that Jason L. Sobel and William R. Tellado were promoted to members of the firm; and Cecilia I. Lassiter was promoted to of counsel, effective Oct. 1.

Sobel focuses his practice on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including complex acquisitions, sales, financing, leasing and development projects. He also handles day-to-day business law and contract related matters. Tellado focuses his practice on commercial litigation matters, and Lassiter focuses her practice on land use and public finance matters.

Rishi Dave, Vonage

Holmdel-based Vonage, a business cloud communications leader, announced it has appointed Rishi Dave as chief marketing officer. Dave will report to Vonage CEO Alan Masarek.

Responsible for leading Vonage’s global marketing strategy, Dave will support the company’s role as a global leader in business cloud communications and help lead Vonage through its next phase of growth. As Vonage’s suite of products and services grow, Dave will focus on maximizing awareness of these capabilities and the company’s ability to provide businesses with communications software that improves collaboration and productivity among employees, while creating more meaningful engagement with customers to drive better business outcomes.

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Mary K.E. Maples, University Hospital

University Hospital CEO and President John Kastanis recently announced the hiring of Mary K. E. Maples as the Newark hospital’s chief legal officer.

Maples is the most recent new hire Kastanis has brought on as he continues to reshape his senior leadership team. Maples will serve as chief legal officer, joining recent leadership hires Chief Operating Officer Eve Borzon, Chief Experience Officer Joan Dauhajre, Chief Administrative Officer Annette Hastings and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lawrence Ramunno.

“We are delighted to welcome Mary to our management team,” said Kastanis. “Having served in senior roles in both federal and state government, Mary’s leadership, knowledge and experience will be valuable assets to our entire organization. We are lucky to have her as a guiding force as we continue to set a course for the future.”

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Raul Mercado, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst commanders recently selected Raul Mercado, director of the New Jersey Institute of Technology Procurement Technical Assistance Center, to participate in its Honorary Commanders program. Mercado was formally inducted into the program at the Joint Base Honorary Commanders’ Induction Ceremony in late September.

The Honorary Commanders Program facilitates communication between the MDL and surrounding communities by showcasing joint base capabilities, future leaders and the caliber of men and women serving at the base. Honorary Commanders are selected based on their record of service to the local community and tradition of excellence in their profession.

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