FOCUS St. Louis, the region’s premier leadership organization, has selected Spencer Fane Partner Thomas Hayde to be part of its Leadership St. Louis (LSL) program. Thomas is one of 67 individuals from the private, public and nonprofit sectors selected for the 42nd LSL class. He joins a prestigious group of more than 2,000 leaders who have graduated from the LSL program since its inception in 1976.
LSL is a highly respected program for emerging and established leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the St. Louis region. Thomas will participate in the 18-day, 9-month curriculum that explores such issues as economic development, education, poverty and social services, racism, arts and culture, and the criminal justice system. As part of the class, he will visit key sites in the bi-state region, engage in face-to-face dialogue with regional decision makers and gain a deeper understanding of leadership approaches that produce results.
As a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US), Thomas aids clients in developing comprehensive strategies to address information practices and data breach risks, avoid potential claims and liabilities, respond to information security incidents, and ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements. He is also a litigator, and has successfully represented individuals and both large and small companies in product liability and toxic tort defense, complex insurance coverage suits, fiduciary litigation, construction disputes and intra-corporate disputes.