Senior vice president, external affairs and general counsel at Hormel Foods, Colleen Batcheler (LAW ‘98) has been chosen to deliver her alma mater’s graduation address. This year’s law school commencement will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center on Saturday, May 17, with a reception to follow at the law school.
Batcheler previously served as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for Hertz, one of the largest global vehicle rental companies, overseeing legal, compliance and government affairs. Prior to her tenure at Hertz, she was executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Conagra Brands, Inc., one of North America’s leading branded food companies. She spent 16 years overseeing legal and governmental affairs for the food company. Before joining Conagra, Batcheler held legal roles with Albertson’s, Inc. and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Batcheler began her legal career with global law firm Jones Day.
She earned her J.D. from Case Western Reserve School of Law in 1998, and a B.A. in political science from the State University of New York College at Fredonia. She serves as an independent director of Hyster-Yale, Inc. and is a member of that board’s Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees. Batcheler also serves as a Trustee of Case Western Reserve University.
“We are excited to welcome Colleen back to campus, and we look forward to hearing her words of wisdom for this year’s graduating class,” remarked Dean Paul Rose. “I first met her over twenty years ago while we were working on a deal as young associates and I’m excited to hear her remarks on May 17.”
The ceremony will also be webcast.