Gerald L. Walden Jr.
The Fresh Market Inc. | Greensboro
“If I have to pick one favorite movie genre, it would be comic-book action movies. . . . I was a huge comic book collector for many years.”
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Vita: 42; born in Hampton, Va.; bachelor’s from N.C. A&T State University, MBA from Elon University and law degree from North Carolina Central University; engaged to be married.
Why corporate counsel: As a former mechanical engineer at Ford Motor Co. and Siemens AG, I enjoyed working in a corporate environment. Therefore, when I decided to attend law school, I knew that I wanted to be a corporate in-house counsel upon graduation. My current focus on employment law evolved as my employer grew in size. Always willing to try something new, I agreed to take on greater responsibility in that area and, to my surprise, learned that it was a great fit for my interests and personality.
What he’d be if not a lawyer: Working in some capacity that would allow me to teach and mentor minority youth. However, had I been blessed with any singing or acting ability, I would have tried my luck as a singer or actor.
Favorite place: Anywhere I can enjoy a good meal and some laughs with close family and friends. I also love to dance, so if that place has music, I’m all in.
Hero: Emily Turner, my maternal aunt who passed away in 2006. She was a phenomenal woman and beloved educator for over 30 years. She influenced my life in so many ways, particularly by encouraging me to use my personal, academic and professional experiences to mentor others.
Netflix obsession: As a comic book fan for almost 30 years, I enjoy the various Marvel Comics series (e.g. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage).
Passions: My family, education and mentoring others.
Don’t ask him to: Do anything with a car other than drive it or put gas in it. My father can practically build a car from scratch, but none of those skills were passed on to me.
2017 Corporate Counsel winners:
Gerald L. Walden Jr., The Fresh Market Inc., Greensboro; Yoel Balter, Liberty Healthcare Group, ; Ginger Daly, Polypore International LP, Charlotte; James R. Forrest, Forrest Firm PC, Durham; Chris Gaenzle, INC Research Holdings Inc., Raleigh; Paul Griffin, The Select Group, Raleigh; William B. Gwyn Jr., Manning, Fulton & Skinner PA, Raleigh; Ken Hammer, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Raleigh; Christopher E. Hannum, Culp Elliott & Carpenter PLLC, Charlotte; Barry P. Harris IV, First Citizens BancShares, Raleigh; Gregory T. Higgins, Volvo Trucks, Greensboro; David B. Keim, SAS Institute Inc., Cary; Jean Michel, ReverbNation, Durham; Anna S. Mills, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP, Charlotte; Timothy Moore, Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Winston-Salem; Gregory J. Murphy, Nucor Corp., Charlotte; Martha Sacrinty, Lincoln Financial Group, Greensboro; Andrew Spainhour, Replacements Ltd., Greensboro; Jennifer B. Venable, Capitol Broadcasting Co., Raleigh; Michael Wilson, Northwood Ravin LLC, Charlotte