Dawson is presently Vice President, Associate General Counsel, to the Litigation Department at AIG where he is responsible for parent related litigation cases, a range of eDiscovery matters, and antitrust compliance issues. Before assuming that position he was Senior Litigation Counsel with Tyco International and was responsible for a large toxic tort and insurance recovery docket. Prior to that Dawson served for eight years as Assistant General Counsel at Altria Corporate Services where, among other things, he managed Altria’s defense in the multi-billion-dollar RICO lawsuit by the Department of Justice against the major U.S. cigarette companies. At Scott Paper, he managed the company’s defense in breast implant class action litigation and navigated its related insurance issues. His litigation training began at the Pepper Hamilton firm where he gained first chair trial experience and worked primarily on insurance and antitrust cases. Because of this extensive litigation background, Dawson keeps current on a range of related issues, especially the evolving law of eDiscovery. In that regard, he is a member of the Educational Advisory Board to ALM’s LegalWeek. Dawson is also a frequent speaker on eDiscovery issues.

Dawson is on the Board of the PLI and the Arthur Miller Foundation. He also serves on the Committee on Finance & Administration for the New York Annual conference of the United Methodist Church

Dawson received an A.B degree from Duke University and his J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

James Edwell has over 20 years of experience in business development in the legal services sector, 17 of them with DiscoverReady/Consilio. James is a former paralegal providing eDiscovery and trial support to partners at major law firms in Pittsburgh and Lakeland, FL. James began his legal career managing complex litigation for Westinghouse Electric Corporation. James also worked as a project manager, IT Manager, and Client Relationship Manager for a small eDiscovery in Pittsburgh prior to his career at DiscoverReady/Consilio. James has been married for 39 years and has three children and three grandchildren. Finally, James graduated summa cum laude from Point Park University in Pittsburgh.

James has held several roles at Consilio. James was formerly one of Consilio’s leading sales reps, managing important client relationships. He transitioned from full-time sales to Specialty Manager, managing a team of multi-dimensional sales professionals while also developing client relationships in the eastern section of the US. In 2022, James became the Manager of the Northeast Sales region and held that job until accepting his current position. As the VP of D&I Partnerships and Communities, James will work with the D&I officer to identify, define, and establish key diversity and inclusion (D&I) partnerships for Consilio. His collaboration with our clients and the development of strategic partnerships will further establish Consilio as a D&I leader in our industry.

James is also the Senior Pastor of New Life Family Worship Center in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Bishop of the 42nd Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International, Inc.

Zelda Owens, an invaluable leader and visionary, seamlessly merges executive expertise with an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. She boasts a successful background encompassing pioneering sales roles in leading legal services and eDiscovery companies, spanning technology, outsourcing, and recruitment.

Currently, Zelda is CEO of Owens Williams & Associates, currently serving both as an executive career coach as well as a sought-after headhunter for global corporations and law firms. Her extensive experience and leadership have solidified her status as an indispensable resource, profoundly shaping policies and advancing the interests of underrepresented groups in corporate leadership.

Co-founding Blacks United in Legal & Technology, Inc. (BUILT), she also holds influential board positions at organizations such as The Chapin School.

Her visionary dedication is evident through her roles as Chair of The Masters Conference, National Board Member as well as NYC Chapter Director for Women in eDiscovery, and Vice Chair of Harlem Commonwealth Counsel, all of which she passionately advocates for equitable access and opportunities.

Zelda is a sought-after speaker and coach for organizations such as the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), New York State Bar Associate, New York City Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, Corporate Counsel Men of Color, the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and others.

Zelda's career strategies have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Black Enterprise, Essence, and Corporate Counsel Magazine. She was awarded the “40 Under Forty” business award by the international business publication “The Network Journal.”

Zelda attended Barnard College, is a wife and mother of 3 adult daughters, and is both a third-generation pitmaster and an urban farmer in Brooklyn, NY.

Val is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in eDiscovery and project management, boasting a career marked by excellence. Currently, he serves as the Vice President and Head of eDiscovery at Goldman Sachs, where he oversees the global coordination of discovery processes. His responsibilities include ensuring the preservation, collection, and production of critical information for regulatory investigations, litigation, and internal inquiries. Val's commitment to operational excellence is evident in his strategic alignment of business services for quality, cost efficiency, and risk management, which includes monitoring project budgets and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions.

Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Val held the role of Vice President and Subject Matter Expert in Digital Forensics & eDiscovery for a Corporate and Institutional Bank. In this capacity, he efficiently managed discovery processes across North and Latin America, excelling in the preservation and collection of electronically stored data. Val's approach was characterized by collaboration and expertise, leading to cost-effective eDiscovery services and successful outcomes.

Val has a strong connection to Penn State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology/Exercise and Sport Science. He actively contributes to his alma mater, where he once served as an Alumni Advisory Board Member for the Penn State Paul Robeson Cultural Center, demonstrating his commitment to fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity within the Penn State community. Currently, Val generously supports the Penn State Educational Equity department, underlining his dedication to promoting educational equity and excellence.

Val's career has witnessed impressive progression from his role as a Senior Consultant to a Managing Consultant, serving as a primary point of contact for Fortune 500 companies and AM100 law firms. This journey has culminated in his current position as Head of eDiscovery at Goldman Sachs, where his expertise shines in advising clients on electronic data management and excelling in project execution for major litigations and regulatory investigations. Val's leadership in handling complex productions underscores his mastery of the eDiscovery industry, establishing him as a highly sought-after professional recognized for delivering exceptional results.