Gary Sasso spoke with the Tampa Bay Business Journal about Richard Choi's election as the firm's next CEO. Choi will succeed Sasso on January 1, 2028.
"Richard emerged as somebody everybody felt excited about," Sasso said. "Richard is the full package. He's very smart. Has been a brilliant lawyer. He's been very successful in developing a robust practice, and he's a real people person. He's got high emotional intelligence, and he's been a great leader in the firm."
Sasso has served as president and CEO since 2006 and has become one of Tampa Bay's most prominent legal and civic leaders.
"We have a fabulous, collaborative culture at Carlton Fields that drives our ability to help our clients achieve exceptional results," Choi said. "Gary's stewardship through events such as the global financial crisis and the pandemic exemplified the firm's resilience and commitment to clients."
Choi said he plans to build on that foundation while helping guide the firm through a rapidly changing legal and business environment. He joined Carlton Fields in 2014 and has served on the firm's board of directors.
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