Media Contact:
National Bar Association – Commercial Law Section
info@nbacls.com
Honoring the Life of NBA-CLS Member
RHONDA SMITH FERGUSON
April 19, 2022 – It is with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Rhonda Smith Ferguson, the Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Secretary of The Allstate Corporation and Allstate Insurance Company.
Rhonda was a long-standing, devoted, and cherished NBA-CLS member.
Rhonda graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Rhonda began her career as a Litigation Associate with Thompson Hine LLP and quickly moved up to become partner at Am Law 100 Baker Hostetler LLP. As her legal savvy expanded, she took on the role of Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary with Ferro Corp.
In 2006, she joined FirstEnergy, an electric utility in her native state of Ohio, where she served as the Vice President, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Ethics Officer. At FirstEnergy, she expertly led teams responsible for corporate, real estate, and compliance initiatives. A decade later in 2016, Rhonda once again increased her responsibilities as the Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary role at Union Pacific Railroad.
In September 2020, Rhonda joined Allstate where she led Allstate’s 1,900-person legal team and guided the company’s business strategy, ensured compliance, and fostered an innovative and inclusive legal environment. Rhonda was extremely valued by her team for her savvy, positive spirit, and commitment. Throughout her life, Rhonda made it a priority to regularly give back to the community, sitting on several boards that served Chicago’s residents. Rhonda was a member of the RAND Institute for Civil Justice Board of Advisors, was on the board of Girls Inc., and was recently named as an Independent Director for Constellation Energy’s Board of Directors.
Rhonda was a member of The Economic Club of Chicago, The Chicago Network, The Chicago Club, and the Executive Leadership Council (ELC). She recently spoke at a Warrensville Heights City School District alumni event, helping guide future generations. She was a trailblazer and force in her field.
The NBA CLS will create a legacy scholarship to honor the incredible achievements Rhonda made and the legacy she leaves behind.
And while her legal expertise and business savvy will be missed, it is Rhonda’s personal connection and care for others that will be missed the most. We offer our sincerest condolences to her husband, family, and loved ones.
– The National Bar Association Commercial Law Section
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