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Travis Zimpfer
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ZimpferT@umsystem.edu

St. Louis-based attorney has proven leadership record, experience in leading legal teams for complex organizations and private practice

Columbia, Mo.— The ��ҹӰԺ Board of Curators announced today that Mark Menghini, previously the executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Aegion, has been appointed as general counsel for the ��ҹӰԺ System. Menghini reports directly to the board; his appointment is effective April 4.

“Mark comes to us with impeccable credentials and a broad spectrum of experience,” said Darryl M. Chatman, chair of the Board of Curators. “Not only is his legal knowledge and methods of preparation impressive, he has an excellent track record of leadership. Individuals who have worked with him consistently describe him as a team leader, taking input whenever possible, and staying cool under pressure.”

In addition to his work for Aegion, a multinational construction firm in St. Louis with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, Menghini was an officer, executive committee member and board of directors leader for Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, a St. Louis law firm with more than 170 attorneys offering a broad array of practice areas to clients. Menghini is a member of both the Missouri and Illinois bar associations. He is replacing Steve Owens, who stepped down from his position earlier this year.

“Mark has the experience of leading a law firm as well as serving as a general counsel within a very complex international corporation,” said Robin R. Wenneker, curator and chair of the search committee for the general counsel. “He understands large organizations and has worked with leaders to drive change and achieve efficiencies. As a complex organization ourselves, we know the viewpoint and skills he brings will help us grow and evolve the UM System, one of the state’s best resources. We are delighted to have him join the ��ҹӰԺ System.”

Menghini has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and received his juris doctorate from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. He also serves on the board of directors for Hope Happens for Neurological Disorders, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting research that seeks new treatments and cures for neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“I’m honored by the Board of Curators’ vote of confidence to take over the general counsel position and will work hard to earn that trust,” Menghini said. “I’m excited for the challenge of building on the foundation of success that Steve Owens left behind.  With the help of the deep and talented legal team that Steve assembled, my goal is for the Office of General Counsel to provide first class service to every element of the ��ҹӰԺ System.” 

The Office of the General Counsel is responsible for providing all legal representation for the entire UM System, including the Board of Curators, all four universities and the health care system. Those responsibilities are carried out through the efforts of a staff of in-house attorneys and legal assistants, in addition to assistance from outside law firms and attorneys when supplementary legal expertise is necessary.

“I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the search committee in finding an exceptional leader who will help the university continue serving the state,” UM President Mun Choi said. “I’ll look forward to working with Mark as we continue to embark on new ways and ideas to achieve excellence throughout the university system.”

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