TAMPA, Fla. (February 26, 2026) – As a result of significant growth and in an effort to respond to ever-changing market forces, Holland & Knight is reorganizing the Firm's Business Section into three new sections (business units), effective March 1, as well as announcing additional leadership changes.
José Sirven, who has led the Firm's Business Section since 2020, will continue to serve the Firm in various capacities as Business Section Leader – Emeritus. Mr. Sirven will also serve as chair of the Cuba Strategic Advisory Team, a major Firm initiative in light of the rapidly changing circumstances on the island.
"Under Joe's leadership, the Firm's Business Section experienced tremendous growth, expanded into new areas of law and enhanced its reputation for top-notch client service in the legal industry," said Bob Grammig, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Holland & Knight. "His stewardship and vision have paved the way for this reorganization and our continued success."
The three new sections include Corporate, M&A and Securities; Financial Services; and Wealth & Tax.
David Barkus has been selected as the section leader of the Corporate, M&A and Securities Section, and Tom McAleavey will serve as the deputy section leader.
Cindy Brazell has been named the section leader of the Financial Services Section, and Matthew Fontane will serve as deputy section leader.
David Scott Sloan will be the section leader of the Wealth & Tax Section, with Christopher Boyett serving as deputy section leader.
The other sections of the Firm – Government, Healthcare, Litigation and Real Estate – will remain under their current leadership.
In other leadership changes:
George Mencio, previously co-Leader of the Firm's Corporate, M&A and Securities practice group for many years along with Mr. Barkus, will now serve as the Firm's Chief International Officer. In addition to his prominence as a deal maker and a renowned international arbitration lawyer, Mr. Mencio has handled the Firm's international initiatives for decades. He will now oversee all of the Firm's international efforts, including its close relationships with leading independent, international law firms, its participation in international bar activities, as well as its opportunities for international growth and development. In particular, Mr. Mencio's extensive experience in Latin America and the Caribbean positions the Firm to assist clients on strategic initiatives related to Cuba, Venezuela and Guyana, Suriname and the Greater Caribbean.
Kelly-Ann Cartwright, who will remain chair of the Firm's Directors' Committee, will also serve as chair of its Guyana, Suriname and Greater Caribbean Strategic Advisory Team, reflecting the Firm's enhanced emphasis on this increasingly vibrant region.
Eric Wechselblatt, who has served as deputy section leader of the Business Section since 2016, will now serve as the Client Continuity Partner in charge of developing succession planning programs for the Firm's attorneys in order to enhance its long-term client relationships.
Diane McDermott, who will remain the executive partner of the Firm's Boston Office, will assume a position on the Executive Committee (joining Jennifer Hernandez (chair pro tem), John Brownlee, Matt Burnstein, Suzanne Gilbert and Ms. Brazell).
Missy Turra, previously the practice group leader for Real Estate – Southeast, has taken on the role as Professional Growth and Development Partner, succeeding Deborah Barnard, who had served in this role since January 2011. Shannon Armstrong and Loren Weil will join Ms. Turra as members of the Firm's Professional Development Committee.
"We appreciate Deb's dedicated service to Holland & Knight and are grateful to all of our leaders for taking on their new roles," Mr. Grammig said. "Their dedication to excellence, client engagement, collaboration and knack for delivering cutting-edge solutions have truly distinguished them in the legal industry. We are confident that their leadership will be instrumental in steering the future of our Firm and enhancing the array of services we offer to our valued clients."