Williams Parker Elects Three to Partnership

Williams Parker is pleased to announce attorneys Christa L. Folkers, Tommy E. Gregory, and Susan Barrett Hecker have been elected partners of the firm, effective immediately.

“It is my sincere honor and privilege to welcome Christa, Tommy and Sue as new partners of the firm,” said Michael J. Wilson, president of Williams Parker. “Each has demonstrated leadership and excellence over the years and we look forward to their continued contributions to our clients and the community.”

A board certified real estate specialist, Ms. Folkers has been practicing law for 17 years, primarily with Williams Parker. Ms. Folkers works on all aspects of real estate development and transactional matters, with particular emphasis on commercial and residential real estate development. She earned her J.D., Cum Laude, from Stetson University College of Law and her B.S.Acc., with honors, from the University of Florida. She has steadily developed business in the Lakewood Ranch area and will maintain a presence in both Lakewood Ranch and the firm’s downtown Sarasota location. Ms. Folkers holds an AV Preeminent rating, the highest ranking by Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr. Gregory is a litigation attorney with more than twenty years of experience leading legal teams and advising clients, commanders, and senior leaders in high-profile, high-pressure situations. He specializes in enforcement of contract rights and payment claims, commercial civil litigation, and complex, multi-party litigation. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy with Military Distinction, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Gregory served on active duty in the United States Air Force for 20 years, including 14 years as an Air Force attorney (“JAG”). He was assigned to 6 different states and 4 different countries during his career and deployed multiple times in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, where he advised aircrews during real-time strikes of terrorist targets. He earned a J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law. In addition to assisting clients, Mr. Gregory was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018 and currently represents District 73, covering portions of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Ms. Hecker is a trusts and estates attorney. She focuses on helping families develop personalized, tax-efficient estate plans using current estate planning methodologies. Ms. Hecker has developed a niche practice representing foreign clients with respect to their U.S. estate and gift tax planning. She handles estate administrations, including administrations for foreign clients with U.S. interests. Ms. Hecker joined the firm in 1993 immediately after receiving her LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida. She holds a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law and a B.A., with honors, from Florida State University. Ms. Hecker holds an AV Preeminent rating, the highest ranking by Martindale-Hubbell.