C-Suite COO

Chris is an accomplished operations executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth, systemization, and profitability across professional services, franchise organizations, and financial technology sectors. He brings a rare combination of strategic thinking and tactical execution, having led complex business transformations and high-growth initiatives at both startup and enterprise levels. Before joining HTM, Chris managed enterprise-level project portfolios, software integrations, and client enablement programs for one of the world’s largest supply chain finance platforms—where he supported 17 investment-grade clients and monitored over $90 billion in global trade volume. His work in this capacity spanned cross-functional collaboration, KPI alignment, and automation of mission-critical financial systems. In total, Chris has overseen the launch of 35+ business units, managed P&Ls exceeding $25 million, and helped drive double-digit EBITDA growth across multiple industries. He’s especially skilled at helping business owners break out of operational bottlenecks by installing scalable systems and empowering their teams through process clarity. At HTM, Chris serves as a fractional COO, helping solo and small law firm owners master the 7 foundational business systems: marketing, sales, production, people, physical plant, financial controls, and the owner’s role. He coaches firm leaders to shift from reactive doers to proactive CEOs—backed by KPIs, clear workflows, and team accountability. Outside of advising law firms, Chris enjoys offshore fishing, barbecuing for friends and family, and cheering on the Florida Gators. Whether he’s navigating complex business systems or open waters, he brings the same energy and precision to everything he does.

Lori has held a variety of positions including Owner, COO, and Vice President of Operations, and has previously been in executive positions within the music, accounting, insurance, and consulting industries. She has been responsible for strategically streamlining and scaling operations, building high performing teams, creative problem solving, and delivering excellent client service. Lori is most proud of resurrecting the operations of a 50-year-old legacy brand in the music industry, in addition to successfully launching a new location of an accounting firm from scratch. Lori has 25 years of operations and finance experience and has earned an MBA from Washington University in St Louis. In her spare time, Lori enjoys reading, baking, hiking, and Pilates. She also enjoys traveling to visit family and friends in the Midwest and spending time in her favorite International city, Paris.

David has held a variety of positions including Chief Operating Officer, Sr. Financial Management Analyst, and public health advocate. He was previously with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Sr. Financial Management Analyst and Program Manager, where he was responsible for managing complex budgets, leading strategic financial planning efforts, and ensuring fiscal accountability across high-impact federal programs. David has also served as Chief Operating Officer at Hiclass Management, where he oversees business operations, client engagement, and organizational strategy—supporting mental health professionals with customized management solutions. David is most proud of his leadership in expanding access to financial and operational resources for small and minority-owned firms, as well as his continued advocacy for people living with HIV. He holds a Master of Business Administration and brings over a decade of experience in financial management, operations, and public sector consulting. In their spare time, David enjoys binge watching television and streaming services as well as providing Vocal Training and Musical Direction for choirs and singers nationwide.

Frank Caliva helps law firm owners take control of their business, their time, and their money. He draws on years of experience as a COO and CAO in the private sector (financial services), the not-for-profit sector (regional economic development/business leadership), and the government sector (a mid-size city). Frank has a degree in economics and began his career as a consultant for high-growth community banks. In his most recent position as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Syracuse, Frank led a portfolio that included Strategy, Technology, Finance, Budget, and Human Resources. During his tenure the city undertook updates and investments in administrative infrastructure for the first time in four decades. Frank is most proud of the results-oriented culture his team at City Hall established on behalf of taxpayers. In his spare time, Frank is a volunteer mediator for small claims and family disputes. He enjoys photography, live and recorded music, antiquing, and spending time in the Adirondacks with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Chuck has extensive experience as an operations leader and c-suite advisor in both the Legal Services and Financial Services industries.

He has held a variety of leadership positions including Chief Operating Officer for a large personal-injury law firm where he was responsible for operational execution in Marketing, Sales, Case Management from intake to settlement, Financial Controls, Information Technology, and Human Resources.

Previously, Chuck was a managing consultant for both Big-4 and boutique advisory firms where he advised C-suite clients in the Financial Services industry on executing transformational changes across people, process, and technology.

Originally from Boston, MA, Chuck has lived in several states through New England and the Midwest. He now resides in Charlotte, NC.

Nigel has held a variety of positions including Strategic Business Process Manager and Senior Sales Manager and was previously with Equifax as Global Operational Excellence Manager, where they were responsible for standing up, running and scaling global operations, KPI/OKR design and performance, quality and process engineering, continuous improvement, reporting, among others. Nigel is most proud of building the Center of Excellence that transformed the way the company serviced the internal and external clients within the B2C division. He also holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, Agile Practitioner and Scrum Master.

In his spare time, Nigel enjoys spending time with his family, adventure, developing new skills and water sports, which he used to practice more back when he lived in Costa Rica, where he is originally from.

Please join us in welcoming Nigel to How to Manage a Small Law Firm and wishing them success in this new opportunity.