Executive Change: Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson Makes Key Leadership Appointments

AUSTIN, Texas – The Management Committee of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP announced today the appointment of Rick Haass as the firm’s new Chief Operating Officer. Haass will succeed Greg DeWinne, who is retiring after 30 years of dedicated service to the firm and its clients in various leadership roles.

DeWinne has served as COO since 2005. Haass’ appointment is effective April 1, 2016. Haass, who joined the firm in 1990, currently serves as Chief Technology Officer. “He’s been on our team for more than a quarter of a century and from day one he has distinguished himself as an innovative and thoughtful leader,” said Management Committee Chairman Clif Douglass. “His ability to hire and promote good people, build trust among his colleagues, and offer unique solutions to challenging issues will serve him well when he takes over as COO.”

“As the firm celebrates its 40th year of service to our clients, it is humbling to take on this new challenge,” Haass said. “My job is to do everything I can to support our attorneys and staff as they work on behalf of the communities, school districts, and states that we have been entrusted to serve.”

The firm has also hired longtime consultant Joe Householder to serve in the newly created role of Director of Public Affairs. In that position, Joe will oversee all of the firm’s external communications. “Joe has been a consultant for the firm since 2005 and is part of the family,” said Douglass. “He offers sound advice and helps all of us effectively communicate the firm’s value to our clients, their constituents, the media and other stakeholders. We’re excited that he’ll now be with us full time.” Householder joins the firm from Purple Strategies, a Washington, DC-based boutique strategy firm, where he has advised numerous clients on public affairs matters. He has previously served as a Communications Director in the United States Senate, a senior political campaign strategist, and a broadcast journalist working in Alabama, Florida and Texas.

About Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP

Linebarger Goggan is a national law firm whose practice is dedicated to the collection of delinquent accounts receivable for governmental entities. After over 40 years, our firm is proud to represent nearly 2,300 state and local governments throughout the country. The revenue recovered by Linebarger Goggan helps support essential public services. To learn more about our law firm, please visit us at www.lgbs.com.