The business of Kiernan Trebach is directed by a five-person Executive Committee. Currently serving on the Executive Committee are Alan Block, Heather Deane, Michael Smith, Felicity McGrath, and Chris Jefford. Heather Deane is the Firm’s Managing Partner and is responsible for overall leadership, strategy and policy in coordination with the Executive Committee. In addition, Kevin McCarthy, CPA, CLM, the firm’s Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, manages the day-to-day administrative and finance operations of the firm. Michael Chefitz serves as the firm’s General Counsel.
General Counsel
Professional Staff
Brooke Fern is the Director of Client Services at Kiernan Trebach, overseeing the firm’s business development and marketing initiatives. She brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and business development, including 15 years in healthcare consulting, with a focus on strategic planning, client relationship management, and business growth.
A graduate of Randolph College, Brooke combines her extensive professional experience with a collaborative approach to support attorneys in building and maintaining strong client relationships. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three daughters, her husband, and their dog, Wilson.
Paula Scholl brings over 15 years of executive HR leadership to Kiernan Trebach, with a proven track record of driving organizational excellence and cultural transformation. A "servant leader" at heart, she specializes in aligning HR strategy with business objectives to enhance both company performance and employee success.
Throughout her career, Paula has led HR functions within prominent law firms and federal government contractors, gaining deep expertise in talent acquisition, performance management, and leadership coaching. Her background is uniquely bolstered by a formal legal education and extensive experience managing professional development programs in high-stakes environments.
Paula holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development from the University of Mary Washington, as well as a Paralegal Degree. She is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), a Certified Coach Practitioner, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Dennis Wakeman is the firm’s Information Systems Director, resident in the Washington, D.C. office. Dennis is responsible for all of the firm’s information technology systems and support. Dennis earned his Bachelors of Science degrees in Economics and Business Administration at Bridgewater College. Dennis also earned his Masters in Business Administration from James Madison University.
Outside of work, Dennis enjoys spending time with family and friends, spending time on the family farm and attending small college football games in the fall.
Beth Lavilla is the company’s Accounting Director and responsible for the day to day operations of the Accounting Department. She has been with the firm for over 27 years. She oversees a majority of the accounting personnel and reports to the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. Beth earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting and Business Administration at Polytechnic University of The Philippines.
Helen Searles is the firm’s Human Resources Senior Advisor. Since joining the team in 2008, she has worked with the management team and employees across all offices to develop and implement quality employee programs for employees. With more than 40 years of HR and Office Operations experience in the Banking, Advertising and Legal industries, Helen is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment, and motivating employees to reach their goals.
Outside of work, you will find Helen with family and friends, at the beach and watching sports.
Casey McCarthy serves as Controller at Kiernan Trebach, where he oversees the firm’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning. With a strong foundation in both corporate finance and public accounting, Casey brings a data-driven and process-oriented approach to managing the firm’s financial performance.
Prior to joining Kiernan Trebach, Casey held finance leadership roles at Supernus Pharmaceuticals, where he streamlined key accounting processes and improved the efficiency of monthly reporting cycles. Earlier in his career, Casey worked in KPMG’s Deal Advisory & Strategy practice, conducting financial and operational due diligence for clients across various industries. His experience includes budgeting and forecasting, cost accounting, and financial analysis and modeling.
Casey is a Certified Public Accountant and holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Outside of work, he is an Eagle Scout and enjoys playing pickleball, tennis, and golf.
Sandra Zavala has been with the firm’s Washington, D.C. office for 11 years. Sandra is the Collections Specialist, she mainly focuses on the accounts receivables for all the firm offices and assists with billing.
Outside of work and school, Sandra enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Steven Santiago joins Kiernan Trebach as Talent Acquisition Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in building high-performing teams and scaling organizations through strategic recruitment. With a focus on modernizing the hiring process, Steven specializes in developing enterprise-wide policies that attract top-tier talent while maintaining a positive candidate experience.
Throughout his career, Steven has successfully led recruitment functions for diverse organizations, including global energy firms and state-level government offices. He is an expert in leveraging data-driven solutions and recruitment technology to streamline hiring, improve employer branding, and build robust talent pipelines. Notably, he has a proven track record of managing complex staffing needs across technical, administrative, and professional fields.
Beyond tactical recruitment, Steven is a dedicated mentor and leader who has previously served as a DEI Diversity Chair, championing inclusive hiring models. He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from York College of Pennsylvania and has completed professional certifications in SHRM Essentials of HR Management and ISO 9001.
