Fredrikson Announces New Leadership Team Led by New President, Melodie R. Rose

Fredrikson, one of the largest and fastest growing law firms in the region, announces a new president and leadership team, ushering in a next era of innovative leadership and vision for the firm.

"We are pleased to announce our new President, Melodie Rose," said Immediate Past President John Koneck. “The demonstrated dedication of Melodie to our firm, our clients and our profession, her sharp business and financial acumen, combined with her years of leadership experience in our firm, will undoubtedly drive Fredrikson’s continued growth and success."  

As the firm’s first female president, Melodie R. Rose brings a wealth of experience in firm leadership and a strong track record of client advocacy. With a successful legal career spanning 33 years at Fredrikson, she has earned a reputation for strategic thinking and leading through an evolving workplace and a dynamic business market. Rose’s firm leadership experience includes currently serving on the firm’s Board of Directors, as the chair of the firm’s Business Division, and on the firm’s elected Compensation Committee. She also co-chairs Fredrikson’s Public Companies and Corporate Governance Groups. 

“I am honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve as president,” said Melodie Rose. “I look forward to building on the strong legacy of John Koneck, to continuing Fredrikson’s dedication to clients, lawyers and staff by embracing innovative technologies and service models, and reinforcing a strong commitment to the communities where we live and work. I firmly believe that staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving legal landscape is key to delivering exceptional results to the firm’s diverse workforce and clientele.”

Former Fredrikson president, John M. Koneck, is stepping down after serving 19 years as president, 29 years as a member of the board and 25 years as a member of the firm’s executive committee. Koneck will focus on his real estate practice as well as pro bono and community service work. Koneck has led the firm through tremendous growth during his presidency, growing the firm from 170 lawyers to a firm of almost 400 lawyers with continued growth on the horizon.

Executive Committee Election, Fredrikson Board of Directors and Chief Administrative Team

Fredrikson has built a reputation for an unwavering commitment to driving exceptional business results for its clients, along with premier legal expertise, community engagement and a professional obligation to pro bono and social justice matters. The firm’s strong leadership team are key architects behind our growth and dedication to a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Along with the election of the President are Fredrikson’s newly appointed Executive Vice Presidents, Kevin Goodno and Jamie Snelson, comprising a group of skilled leaders committed to excellence and growth. Collectively bringing decades of experience, this Executive Committee working closely with the firm’s new Chief Operating Officer, Ann Rainhart, is dedicated to further enhancing the firm's reputation as an industry leader known for its exceptional legal services across a wide range of practice and industry areas.

Fredrikson shareholders recently elected Loan T. Huynh to the firm’s board of directors and re-elected Leigh-Erin Irons and Steven J. Quam to new terms. Huynh's appointment is the first lawyer of color elected to the board. Elected and re-elected members join shareholders Christina K. Brusven, Joseph J. Cassioppi, Kevin P. Goodno, Sean P. Kearney, Melodie R. Rose and James H. Snelson who are currently serving board terms. Kearney and Quam will serve as Chairs of the Board of Directors. Todd Wind will serve as Treasurer and Lousene Hoppe will continue to serve as firm General Counsel. Rainhart leads a strong C-Suite of leaders; Rachael Sullivan – Chief Human Resources Officer, Morshed Alam – Chief Financial Officer, Brent Eichten – Chief Information Officer, Norah Olson Bluvshtein – Chief Practice Management Officer, and Julie Snow-Samanant – Chief Marketing Officer.

“I am enthused to be leading the firm with this exceptional executive team, which is poised to continue to set the bar for excellence and innovation in the legal industry,” said Chief Operating Officer Ann Rainhart. “The last few years have been both challenging and rewarding in the legal industry, and as we set the stage for the next generation of leadership, we will continue to strive to be the place where clients, attorneys and staff can thrive, grow and achieve great results together.”

Fredrikson Board of Directors and Executive Committee:

Melodie R. Rose, President
Kevin P. Goodno, Executive Vice President
James H. Snelson, Executive Vice President

Fredrikson Board of Directors:

Christina K. Brusven
Joseph J. Cassioppi
Kevin P. Goodno
Loan T. Huynh, Secretary
Leigh-Erin Irons
Sean P. Kearney, Chair
Steven J. Quam, Chair
Melodie R. Rose
James H. Snelson

Fredrikson Operations Team under the leadership of Ann Rainhart, Chief Operating Officer:

Morshed Alam, Chief Financial Officer
Brent Eichten, Chief Information Officer
Norah Olson Bluvshtein, Chief Practice Management Officer
Julie Snow-Samanant, Chief Marketing Officer
Rachael Sullivan, Chief Human Resources Officer

Fredrikson & Byron is a leading Midwest law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally and globally. With a reputation as the firm “where law and business meet,” our attorneys bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to work with clients and operate as business advisors and strategic partners as well as legal counselors. The firm’s 375+ attorneys are based in Minneapolis, with offices in Ames, Bismarck, Des Moines, Fargo, Madison, Mankato, St. Paul, Saltillo, Mexico, and Shanghai, China. Learn more at fredlaw.com, LinkedIn or @FredriksonLaw.