Tunnell named managing partner at Bricker & Eckler

COLUMBUS … Bricker & Eckler LLP is pleased to announce the election of Kurtis A. Tunnell to the position of Managing Partner. Tunnell succeeds Richard C. Simpson, who served in the same position from 2000 to 2010.

“Kurt’s experience in collaborating with clients on critical governmental and policy issues – combined with his previous work managing and working with lawyers at other governmental agencies, as legal counsel to former Ohio Governor George Voinovich – set him apart and positions him well to lead our firm,” Simpson said. “Kurt thinks and acts strategically and then sets forth an organizational commitment to achieve shared goals,” Simpson added. 

“Kurt has a relentless focus on how the talents of the firm will both serve our clients and make a difference in the communities where we live,” said Jerry Allen, Chair of Bricker & Eckler’s Nonprofit Organizations Industry Group and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Allen continued, “In the model of past firm leaders, Kurt brings individuals and teams together to see the vision, and then connects the human talent to drive unmatched client service and organizational excellence. He strongly believes our firm must invest in our communities, and that will mean continuing our commitment to diversity, and our rich history of financial and pro bono generosity.”

Tunnell originally joined Bricker & Eckler in 1987, and he has served as Administrative Partner since 2008. From 1991-1994, he served as Chief Legal Counsel to then Governor George Voinovich. In that capacity, he provided counsel on legal and policy matters to the Governor, chief of staff, and other members of the governor's office and cabinet agencies. Tunnell returned to Bricker & Eckler to serve as Chair of the Government Relations practice group, he then led the firm’s Manufacturing & Logistics and Insurance & Financial Services practice groups. He has been a driving force behind Bricker’s evolution into growing practice areas, including the firm’s leadership on advanced energy and green business projects.

Kurt serves as general counsel to the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association, legislative counsel to the Association of Ohio Life Insurance Companies and represents a wide variety of other business and trade organizations in legislative and regulatory matters.

“I am humbled by the privilege to lead Bricker into this new decade,” Tunnell noted. “I intend to expand services to our current clients, and engage with other businesses and organizations in our markets to determine how our attorneys can provide value to them in this challenging economic climate. Our practice groups have developed strategic business plans that provide a laser-like focus on how we can uniquely advance our clients’ interests.”

Tunnell intends to further enhance the firm’s client service offerings, complemented by the development of best-in-class metrics to measure how the law firm delivers its high-value services. He will also guide the continued growth of the firm’s offices in Cleveland and West Chester, Ohio.

Kurt received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Hastings College in Nebraska, his Master’s Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and his law degree in 1987 from The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law. He is married, has three children and resides in Hilliard, Ohio.

While continuing to provide excellent legal services to his clients, Simpson will focus on identifying opportunities to significantly expand the firm’s Public Finance practice across Ohio. Prior to serving as the firm’s managing partner, Simpson was the chair of the firm's Bond Department. “We have big plans for Rich to assist the Public Finance practice group in extensively expanding its footprint in Ohio as well as utilizing his valuable business contacts to expand the firm’s client base,” commented Tunnell. 

“In addition to Rich’s service as Managing Partner during the past ten years, the firm will always be indebted to Rich for the leadership he provided in restoring Columbus’ Old, Old Post Office Building, and making it Bricker & Eckler’s home since 1986,“ Tunnell added.

ABOUT BRICKER & ECKLER:
Bricker & Eckler is one of Ohio’s leading law firms. Located in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati-Dayton, the firm represents a wide variety of clients, including businesses and corporations, health care entities, public owners, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, school districts, municipalities, banks, insurers, advanced energy organizations and more. For more information, visit www.bricker.com.