Gary Chadick, former General Counsel at global avionics and communications company Rockwell Collins, Inc., and Ariana Sarabia, former Chief Counsel at global construction firm Gilbane Federal, join as partners; Todd Canni, Counsel in McKenna’s Washington DC office and former Director, U.S. Air Force Suspension and Debarment Operations, relocates to Los Angeles.
Canni Todd
In a significant expansion of its California presence in the highly regarded Government Contracts practice, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP announced the addition of three experienced attorneys. This influx of talent—consisting of Gary Chadick and Ariana Sarabia as partners, alongside the relocation of Todd Canni from Washington, DC—aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities in government ethics, compliance, and corporate governance.
Joining McKenna as partners are Gary Chadick and Ariana Sarabia. Todd Canni, who served as Counsel in McKenna’s DC office, will now operate out of Los Angeles. This strategic move positions the firm to better serve its regional and national clients across a diverse range of industries.
Mr. Chadick brings nearly 13 years of experience as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Rockwell Collins. In his previous role, he not only led the Office of the General Counsel, providing global ethics and compliance advice, but was also pivotal in developing the company’s anti-bribery and export/import compliance policies. Chadick’s expertise in corporate governance practices and compliance makes him well-suited for his new role at McKenna, where he will take the lead in the firm’s West Coast General Counsel practice.
Ariana Sarabia comes from Gilbane Federal, where she was instrumental as Chief Counsel, Corporate Ethics & Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary. Her focus on maintaining high ethical standards and compliance practices across Gilbane’s extensive construction projects—spanning both public and private sectors—services an enviable portfolio that includes U.S. military bases and critical installations. Sarabia’s previous roles in the construction industry and her background in engineering enhance her ability to provide strategic legal counsel.
Todd Canni enhances the firm’s capabilities with his specialized government contracts practice, which covers daily counsel and performance disputes. His extensive experience in developing ethics and compliance programs, alongside his background in the U.S. Air Force as Director of Suspension and Debarment Operations, provides clients invaluable insights into procurement-fraud investigations and related litigations. Canni’s leadership as co-chair of the ABA’s Debarment & Suspension Committee further illustrates his prominence in this field.
Chadick Gary
At McKenna, the trio will engage closely with companies nationwide on various compliance, regulatory, and governance issues. The firm’s Government Contracts group, which comprises over 70 attorneys, holds a national Tier One ranking by Chambers USA, reflecting its preeminence in the field. Their collaborative efforts will involve serving a diverse array of clients, offering high-level strategic counseling in response to the increasingly complex demands of government contracting.
McKenna’s lawyers are also active participants in leadership roles within major industry organizations, including the National Defense Industry Association and Coalition for Government Procurement. Their rigorous involvement in these spheres enhances the firm’s reputation and outreach within the contractor community. With more than 700 contractor disputes litigated over the past two decades, including over 100 False Claims Act cases, McKenna’s track record speaks volumes about its capabilities.
“Our strength in providing strategic counseling to top-tier government contractors is a hallmark of our firm,” remarks Michael Rizzo, McKenna’s California Executive Partner. He recognizes the Western U.S. as a bustling hub for contractor activity, noting the emergence of a new wave of entrepreneurial firms driving innovation alongside established players in technology and security sectors. The addition of these three seasoned professionals fortifies McKenna’s stature in this dynamic market.
Mr. Chadick shared his perspective on the current challenges facing businesses dependent on government contracts. As federal budgets tighten and competition heightens, he sees the need for enhanced compliance measures to mitigate risk. “This is a pivotal moment for government contractors,” he states enthusiastically, emphasizing how McKenna’s longstanding pedigree in government contract law positions the firm well to support clients in navigating complex legal landscapes.
Sarabia Ariana
As McKenna extends its reach and capabilities, the firm continues to be a pivotal player in the legal landscape for government contractors. With its rich history dating back to 1873, and a robust Government Contracts practice that has evolved over six decades, McKenna is well-positioned to thrive amidst the growing challenges and opportunities in this specialized field.
“The addition of Gary, Ariana, and Todd significantly enhance our capabilities at a critical time,” added McKenna Chairman Jeffrey Haidet. Their exceptional experience and skill set will undoubtedly augment the firm’s ability to serve both commercial and government-oriented clients in the Western United States.
