Thomas E. Grace

Thomas E. Grace

Senior Counsel

Followers of Thomas E. Grace697 followers
location of Thomas E. GraceDallas, Texas, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Board Candidate

  • Education

    • Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

      1988 - 1990
      Executive MBA
    • The John Marshall Law School

      1976 - 1979
      Doctor of Law - JD With Honors

      Activities and Societies: Executive Lead Articles Editor, John Marshall Law Review

    • Illinois State University

      1972 - 1976
      Bachelor of Arts - BA Political Science and Government

      Activities and Societies: Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity

  • Experience

    • Montgomery Ward

      Mar 1979 - Mar 1986
      Senior Counsel

      Provided legal and operational advice and counsel on international trade (import/export), EEO, wage & hour and OSHA issues. Drafted and negotiated contracts for an array of business functions, including transportation, construction, procurement, and IT development. Lobbied Congress and Federal agencies on a wide range of issues.

    • AT&T

      Mar 1986 - Dec 2020
      VP - Associate General Counsel

      Internal board-level consolidation of multiple subsidiaries (200+) to streamline corporate structure and improve corporate governance. Served as a Director for multiple internal subsidiaries.(2007-2020) Provided strategic advice and counsel to Network Organization (2016-2020) regarding design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and restoration of AT&T’s global network, to Chief Business Marketing Officer (2007-2016) for business product portfolio and marketing initiatives, and to other Senior Executives for high-profile strategic initiatives. Managed US and international regulatory environment, and negotiated acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Built and led high-performance teams. Strategic relationship executive for Bank of Montreal and HEB (Texas grocery chain). Teamed with business executives: On approval of mergers/divestitures and the resulting integration/dis-integration planning and execution. On business product simplification initiative that resulted in significant cost savings, simplified portfolio, and improved customer satisfaction.(1986-2007) Organized and led cross-functional teams addressing significant corporate issues, including designing appropriate business structures to facilitate new product launches. Drafted and negotiated real estate, construction, procurement, intellectual property acquisition/licensing, and consulting agreements. Show less

    • Lawrence Hall

      Jan 1995 - Oct 2000
      Board Member (Chair - Strategic Planning Committee)

      I helped the executive team determine their strategic direction and objectives, resulting in more focused operations.

    • OPERA San Antonio

      Jan 2005 - Nov 2008
      Board Member (VP - Governance)

      When I joined, they were cancelling performances and near bankruptcy. Brought in needed board talent, implemented programs to increase donations and attendance, and instituted financial controls to improve their financial health. When I left, they had assets beyond current obligations.

    • San Antonio Youth Literacy

      Jan 2006 - Nov 2008
      Board Member
    • Apomaya, Inc. dba Lokker

      Mar 2021 - now
      Legal Consultant

      Early-stage Silicon Valley startup developing software to identify and control disclosure of customer personal information. Responsible for all legal activities, including IP protection, contracting, marketing and regulatory management. Business executive teaming to identify, evaluate, prosecute patents and trademarks. Creation, simplification and balancing contracts, increasing customer satisfaction. Business executive teaming creating maximum market targeting web content. Ensure compliance with US and International privacy regimes. Show less

    • AGL & Associates

      Sept 2021 - now
      Member Board Of Directors

      Chair of Governance and Strategy Committees for executive consulting firm established in 2002. Responsibilities include governance, strategy development, legal, and operations & business performance oversight. Leading initiative for commercialization of intellectual property. Areas of expertise include regulatory compliance, diversity recruitment and retention, and networking.

    • Gigapower

      Apr 2022 - now
      General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary

      Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary of the Board of Managers, and head of HR for Gigapower, a privately held firm (a joint venture between AT&T and BlackRock) that is building fiber optic networks across the United States and selling a wholesale broadband transmission service over those networks to ISPs, who in turn provide internet access service to residential and small business customers in the markets that Gigapower serves. Responsible for all legal affairs of Gigapower, including transactions, regulatory compliance, corporate structure, litigation, and ongoing legal and business advice and counsel to the leadership of Gigapower. Responsible for the establishment and enforcement of Gigapower's compliance program.Responsible for supporting Gigapower's Board of Managers, including maintaining all books and records of the firm and recommending structural changes to the firm to advance business goals. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Admitted to Texas Bar

      State Bar of Texas
      Nov 2009
    • Admitted to Illinois Bar

      ARDC: Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois
      Nov 1979
  • Volunteer Experience

    • VP - Governance

      Issued by OPERA San Antonio on Apr 2005
      OPERA San AntonioAssociated with Thomas E. Grace
    • Member Board Of Directors

      Issued by San Antonio Youth Literacy on May 2006
      San Antonio Youth LiteracyAssociated with Thomas E. Grace
    • Board of Directors (Chair - Strategic Planning Committee

      Issued by Lawrence Hall on Feb 1995
      Lawrence HallAssociated with Thomas E. Grace
    • Junior Board Member

      Issued by Chicago Lung Association on Dec 1982
      Chicago Lung AssociationAssociated with Thomas E. Grace
    • Junior Board Mamber

      Issued by Lawrence Hall on Dec 1982
      Lawrence HallAssociated with Thomas E. Grace