BIOGRAPHY

Attorney, public-interest advocate, author and strategic advisor, Christine advises businesses and non-profits on commercial contracts, board governance, strategic opportunities and other corporate matters.

Organizations she works with include BlueNalu, Kadem Sustainable Impact Corporation, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Lantern Publishing and Media, NADAP (a social services organization supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable people), Institute for Animal Happiness, the Humane Society of the United States, Coronado Floral Association, Animal Protection and Rescue League and Save the Trees Coronado.

Previously Christine served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of ICSC, the largest global trade association for the retail real estate industry.

Key matters included:

• Oversight of all legal and governance issues for 70,000 member trade association and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries (including a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity and for-profit entities);

• Development and execution of strategies for drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements, IP, HR matters, corporate governance, risk management, M&A, and day to day operations to facilitate and improve business objectives while minimizing risks; and

• Support for government relations activities, including lobbying legislative positions and leading an industry amicus coalition in landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, South Dakota v. Wayfair (2018).

Prior to ICSC Christine was an attorney at renowned Wall Street firm, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, where she represented global corporations, financial institutions, investors, and non-profits in litigation, internal investigations and other corporate matters.

Key matters included:

• Developing advocacy presentation to U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding a client’s regulatory compliance under U.S. banking regulations in $1.9 billion case;

• Assessing risk and exposure concerning potential and completed business transactions and practices (e.g., OFAC and anti-money laundering compliance; Securities Investor Protection Corporation submissions and potential liabilities under U.S. bankruptcy law in relation to investments in Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC); and

• Leading defense team in $400 million real estate development litigation.

Christine is a former Chair of the Animal Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association.

Key matters included:

• Developing legislative positions and analyzing proposed legislation regarding a wide range of federal, state, and local laws and regulations impacting animal welfare and environmental protection;

• Lobbying proposed legislation with lawmakers and providing testimony at legislative hearings;

• Developing and implementing training and educational programs for attorneys, other professionals, and the public; and

• Managing 40+ committee members and leading collaboration efforts with other NYC Bar committees to create joint programs and reports.

Christine has previously served on the boards of various public interest organizations and is a recipient of the Pro Bono Publico Award by the Legal Aid Society in recognition of her work for under-privileged children, families and non-profits.

In addition to her corporate experience, Christine is a mother of two and a children’s book author. Her debut book, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight (forthcoming Spring 2025, Lantern Publishing & Media), is an inspiring picture book based on a true story chronicling the adventures of Flaco the owl as he escapes from a zoo to follow his dreams of flying free and enjoying freedom in the wilds of NYC.

Christine received her J.D. from NYU Law and her B.A. from Smith College and is a graduate of Emma Willard School. Christine’s work has been featured in the New York Times and various media. A native New Yorker, Christine lives in Southern California with her husband and two daughters.