UB Greensfelder LLP (UBG) is pleased to announce that Gretchen E. Materna has joined the firm as Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer (CMBDO). Based in the Chicago office, she will serve on the firm’s administrative leadership team and oversee firmwide marketing, business development, client development, communications, and branding strategy.

Materna brings more than 25 years of legal marketing experience, most recently serving as Director of Marketing and Business Development at Perkins Coie, where she led a high-performing marketing and business development team and helped guide strategic initiatives. She was a member of the firm’s marketing leadership team and played a key role in aligning marketing operations with firmwide growth priorities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gretchen to UB Greensfelder,” said Co-Managing Partner Kevin T. McLaughlin. “Her experience leading sophisticated marketing and business development teams at an Am Law 50-ranked firm will be instrumental as we execute on our strategic plan to sharpen our client targeting and strengthen our industry presence.”

As CMBDO, Materna will focus on enhancing UBG’s market position as a mid-market, Midwest-based firm with national practices. She will oversee firmwide marketing and business development strategy, support strategic client targeting, and collaborate with practice and industry leaders to advance the firm’s growth priorities.

“UBG is at an exciting post‑merger inflection point, with a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future,” Materna said. “I look forward to partnering with firm leadership and our attorneys to elevate our go‑to‑market approach, deepen client relationships, and equip UBG attorneys and business teams with the tools they need to drive continued growth.”

Materna’s arrival follows the firm’s continued investment in its executive leadership team. Last year, UBG expanded its C-suite with the additions of Jacob Morvay as Chief Financial Officer and Kelley L. Putnam as Chief Human Resources Officer, strengthening the firm’s financial, operational, and talent infrastructure. The firm also recently welcomed Jennifer A. Patterson as Director of Risk Management/Assistant General Counsel.

“Gretchen’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to building a strong, integrated leadership team to support the firm’s growth,” said Chief Operating Officer Heather L. Henry. “As we continue to invest in our executive platform, her expertise will help ensure our marketing and business development efforts are aligned, scalable, and responsive to the needs of our attorneys and clients.”

Co-Managing Partner Scott P. Kadish added, “As we continue refining our practice management model and expanding key industry groups, Gretchen’s strategic approach and deep industry experience will play an important role in helping position the firm for continued growth.”

About UB Greensfelder
UB Greensfelder LLP (UBG) is an Am Law 200 law firm dedicated to exceeding client expectations and delivering superior, customized legal solutions. The firm’s attorneys advise regional, national, and global businesses on a wide range of sophisticated legal matters across more than 25 specialized practice and industry groups. Renowned for its best-in-class client service and litigation excellence, UBG was named “2025 Ohio and Missouri Firm of the Year” by Benchmark Litigation and consistently earns top-tier accolades from Chambers and Partners. Established in 2024 through the merger of Ulmer & Berne LLP and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., UB Greensfelder has quickly emerged as a super-regional powerhouse firm in the Midwest and in top-tier business centers. For more information, please visit www.ubglaw.com. Our Business Begins With You^®.