Executive Team
Laurie Ziffrin, Chief Executive Officer
Laurie brings to LegalMatch more than eighteen years of operational, fiscal and corporate leadership experience. Most recently, Laurie headed customer service, training and quality assurance groups at Wal-Mart's online division. There she implemented several new product and service development initiatives that helped significantly enhance the customer experience. Previously, Laurie served in several senior management positions, including Director of Operations for Prenax, a subscription management company; Senior Director of Operations for Brigade Solutions, a leader in technology support and financial services; and Senior Director of Client Services for Positive Communications, a nationwide provider of wireless messaging products and services.
Laurie holds a B.A. in Administration and Public Relations from the University of Kansas and an M.A. in Marketing and Corporate Communication from Webster University in Kansas City.
Anna Ostrovsky, Chief Operating Officer
Anna comes to LegalMatch from PricewaterhouseCoopers, the world's leading professional services organization. There she held several roles, including senior advisor to high technology companies doing business overseas. Before joining PricewaterhouseCoopers, Anna served as both marketing and business development manager for two import/export companies. Additionally, Anna managed her own consulting practice.
Anna has a B.S. in Economics and a J.D., both from the University of California at Berkeley.
Neal Carmichael, Vice President of Sales and Membership
Joining LegalMatch in September of 2006, Neal Carmichael has over 25 years in management, the last 15 years in executive management within the technology sector. Prior to heading up the LegalMatch team, he was Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of NTouch Communications, an Internet telecommunication company that specialized in business phone systems marketed through IT resellers across the US.
Before NTouch, Neal spent four years at All Covered, an IT outsourcing provider for small to medium sized businesses, where as VP of Consulting services he was responsible for the 200 plus IT consultants and the sales organization. Before joining All Covered, he was Area Vice President for CompuCom, the nation's largest corporate IT equipment integrator for Fortune 500 companies, where he managed sales and operations. He held the same position with Entex Information Systems prior to Entex's acquistion by Compucom.
Eric Briese, Chief Financial Officer
As a Certified Public Accountant for more than twenty years, Eric has consulted businesses in a wide range of industries from technology to manufacturing.
Prior to joining LegalMatch, he served as partner and administrator for his accounting firm of McLoughlin, Briese & Co., LLP in San Francisco and Marin County, providing compliance and planning services in accounting, taxes, financial forecasting, budgeting and management counseling. Eric is certified in both California and Iowa, and he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Additionally, Eric is a Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), which enables him to consult on computer network implementations and administration, as well as the related internal controls and security issues. He also has extensive experience in managing computer hardware and software applications, in particular finance, accounting and business management systems.
Eric holds a B.S. in Industrial Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Iowa State University.
Matt Griffith, General Manager
Matt brings to LegalMatch a solid and extensive background with almost a decade of experience in the legal industry and operations. Prior to joining LegalMatch, he was with a leading criminal defense, intellectual property and civil litigation law firm in San Jose, California. In Matt's previous position as LegalMatch Director of Operations, he was instrumental in introducing and implementing numerous processes that continue to benefit both consumers and member attorneys.
Matt holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Jose State University.