DENVER—The Holland & Hart Foundation is pleased to announce that it has elected Barbara Thurgood and Michael Wadley as its new Co-Presidents, effective Sept. 16, 2021. Barbara and Michael are accomplished champions for making positive change within their local communities. They each bring leadership experience and a passion for creating volunteering opportunities for the lawyers, staff, families, and friends of the Foundation.
“Our board, officers, and advisory committee are thrilled to introduce Barbara and Michael as our new co-president team,” said Chris Balch, Foundation board member and Holland & Hart LLP firm Chair. “They are both strong, proven leaders of their local office committees who are well-positioned to guide the Foundation in exploring new ways to engage members of the firm and continue the mission of supporting our communities.”
Barbara has been a vital member of the Foundation since joining the firm in 2005, and brings a wealth of knowledge of the Foundation’s history. She is a Legal Assistant in the firm’s Salt Lake City office and has been serving as the Foundation's Salt Lake City Office Committee Chair since 2008. Barbara has developed deep connections with organizations in the greater-Salt Lake community and has successfully managed volunteer projects over the years with Utah Food Bank, United Way of Salt Lake, Utah Foster Care, and many other non-profit organizations supporting individuals and families in the community.
“I am honored and excited to serve as co-president of the Holland & Hart Foundation,” said Barbara Thurgood. “Together, Michael and I will leverage our individual strengths and experiences to continue encouraging participation across the firm. Members of the firm enjoy helping others and it really shows with their commitment to our Foundation projects that help people in need in our communities.”
Michael is an attorney in the firm’s Las Vegas office, focusing his practice on construction and project development litigation. An active volunteer in the Foundation since 2010, Michael is serving as the Foundation's Las Vegas Office Committee Co-Chair and he is a member of several legal associations and other community organizations. He has excellent community connections in the greater-Las Vegas area, and has been integral in continuing the Foundation’s long-term support of The Shade Tree of Las Vegas, Three Square Food Bank, Shoes That Fit program in Las Vegas, and many other non-profit organizations that work to make a difference and change the lives of individuals who need it most.
“I've enjoyed being part of the Foundation since I joined Holland & Hart, and am honored to serve as co-president with Barbara,” said Michael Wadley. “I am looking forward to supporting the offices and Foundation members across the firm, finding new and creative ways the Foundation can create positive, lasting impacts by giving back to our communities.”
Launched in 1998 by Holland & Hart partner Sam Guyton and his wife, Jean, the Holland & Hart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with three primary goals: 1) Create opportunities for individual and group volunteerism at Holland & Hart; 2) Foster a greater sense of community among the attorneys and staff of Holland & Hart; 3) Support the local and broader communities in which Holland & Hart practices professionally. Learn more about the Foundation at www.hollandhartfoundation.org.