Cozen O’Connor Member Suzanne Mayes was recognized as one of the “2010 Most Powerful & Influential Women in Pennsylvania” by the National Diversity Council at their inaugural Diversity and Leadership Conference in Philadelphia. Renowned scholar Dr. Cornel West served as the keynote speaker at the conference luncheon.

Recipients of the award were chosen for their leadership excellence and records of accomplishments; level of impact on their organization in terms of revenues, profitability, and/or direction; and commitment to community well-being and to the highest ethical standards.

Mayes is co-chair of the Public and Project Finance practice group at Cozen O’Connor. She focuses her practice on municipal and project finance law, including economic development, transportation, government, education and single, multi-family and senior housing. She serves as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel and borrower’s counsel for a variety of clients, and also acts as special counsel in matters involving the implementation and financing of major capital projects and debt refinancing for public, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She is a founding board member of Ladies First, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and networking opportunities for female public finance professionals in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Mayes also serves on the boards of directors of Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Manor College, and the Forum of Executive Women, and on the advisory board for BLOCS.

The mission of the National Diversity Council (NDC) is to be both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity and inclusion. The NDC serves as the umbrella organization to support statewide and regional affiliates, which foster an understanding of diversity and inclusion as a dynamic strategy for business success and community well-being through various initiatives.