Bass, Berry & Sims Announces Key Leadership Promotions to Start the New Year
Washington, D.C. / Nashville, Tenn., (January 15, 2026) – Bass, Berry & Sims is pleased to announce changes in several key leadership roles, effective January 1, 2026. Thaddeus R. McBride has been named Office Managing Partner in Washington, D.C., Michael A. Stewart and Lindsey Brown Fetzer have joined the firm’s Executive Committee, and Jeffrey I. Davis has become the new Entry Level Hiring Partner. In addition to these leadership changes, the firm recently promoted eight new members and three new counsel, detailed here.
“We are excited that 2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year in our firm’s journey of growth as we introduce our new leadership and promotions and plan for significant growth in the coming years,” said Todd Rolapp, managing partner of Bass, Berry & Sims. “Our role as trusted legal counsel for clients across the country depends on excellent leadership to elevate all of us, and we are fortunate to have these attorneys stepping into their new roles as we continue to extend our national reach and influence over the next few years.”
D.C. Office Managing Partner – Thad McBride
McBride has been appointed to serve as the managing partner of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. McBride succeeds Todd R. Overman, who previously served in the role since June 2022.
“I am excited to serve as managing partner for our growing office here in D.C. and work to continue that growth with such a fine group of well-respected attorneys,” McBride said. “Todd Overman has put tremendous effort into strengthening the office and elevating the firm’s presence in D.C. I look forward to building on Todd’s efforts.”
In addition to managing the firm’s D.C. office, McBride leads the firm’s Chambers’-ranked international trade group, which counsels clients on compliance with U.S. export regulations (ITAR and EAR), economic sanctions and embargoes (OFAC), import controls (CBP), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), matters in front of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and other international trade issues. Learn more about McBride’s practice here.
Executive Committee – Mike Stewart and Lindsey Fetzer
Stewart and Fetzer become the newest members of the firm’s seven-member Executive Committee, which includes attorneys from the firm’s Memphis, Nashville and Washington, D.C. locations. Members of the Executive Committee are charged with overseeing strategic priorities of the firm, including client service, inclusion and engagement, growth, and pro bono initiatives. Stewart and Fetzer succeed Paul G. Jennings and Michael C. Gibson on the revolving committee following their service since 2023.
“Mike and Lindsey are exceptional individuals who have a deep dedication to our firm’s and clients’ success,” Rolapp said. “Their leadership and vision on our Executive Committee will be integral in this next era at Bass, Berry & Sims as we continue to meet our clients how and where they need us.”
Stewart is a nationally recognized commercial real estate attorney who advises developers, investors, and owners on projects across the country. His practice is diverse, covering a wide range of deal sizes and property types, reflecting his comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate industry. Stewart efficiently structures, negotiates, and closes real estate transactions involving multifamily, industrial, retail, office, and healthcare properties, including acquisitions, development, financing, joint ventures, and sale-leasebacks. Actively engaged in the commercial real estate community, Stewart dedicates his time to advancing the industry and serving his clients through meaningful involvement in professional organizations. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Nashville Downtown Partnership and has previously held leadership roles with NAIOP, ULI, the Middle Tennessee CCIM Chapter, and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Read about Stewart’s practice here.
Fetzer serves as chair of the firm’s multi-disciplinary Managed Care practice, representing value-based care entities in government enforcement, operational, litigation, and compliance matters. Her advocacy and defense in False Claims Act (FCA) matters is informed by a pragmatic, risk-based approach that balances legal exposure with operational realities. Fetzer has led dozens of high stakes matters involving Medicare Advantage risk adjustment, alleged kickback schemes, sales and marketing practices, and quality reporting metrics. Her work frequently addresses emerging issues and risk related to use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), most recently in connection with prior authorization, utilization management, and clinical decision support tools. Fetzer also represents clients in connection with government and internal investigations and litigation involving alleged violations of the FCA, Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), Foreign Corrupt Practice Act (FCPA), and other criminal and civil regulations. She has represented clients in domestic and foreign matters involving the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other primary enforcement agencies. Learn more about Fetzer’s practice here.
Entry Level Hiring Partner – Jeff Davis
Davis has assumed the role of Entry Level Hiring Partner, succeeding Lauren M. Gaffney who served in the position since 2023. In this role, Davis leads law student and first-year associate recruiting across the firm’s footprint, including coordinating efforts between the Executive Committee, inclusion and engagement leadership, and the firm’s law school partnership programs to identify top talent around the country for the firm’s broad range of practice areas. Additionally, he leads the firm’s Pride Affinity Group, which raises awareness and visibility of the firm’s commitment to all forms of inclusion.
“Entry level hiring will be key to growing our firm’s national reach and expanding our capacity to meet client needs for decades to come,” Davis said. “We have always placed an emphasis on growing the next generation of attorneys through our various internal business development programs and mentorship opportunities, and I am excited for this opportunity to play a role in the future of our firm’s exceptional talent pipeline.”
In his legal practice, Davis advises healthcare organizations on various Medicare and Medicaid billing and reimbursement issues, including the federal 340B drug pricing program. He also offers strategic insights to clients on public policy matters under consideration by Congress and various federal agencies. Davis spent over seven years as vice president and legislative and policy counsel for 340B Health, an association of more than 1,600 hospitals and health systems participating in the 340B program. Read more about Davis’ practice here.
About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Bass, Berry & Sims is an independent, nationally recognized law firm dedicated to helping clients go confidently through complex legal challenges. We deliver high-caliber counsel and exceptional service to leading middle market companies across industry sectors, with particular focus in the healthcare and private equity industries. For over a century, our team has partnered with clients across the country on sophisticated transactions, significant litigation and investigations, and international regulatory matters. We collaborate seamlessly with deep experience across practice areas, industries, and geographies to provide innovative, business-focused solutions that create measurable value. For more information, visit www.bassberry.com.