Carolyn McPhillips
President
Carolyn McPhillips joined MFDF in July 2005 and played a pivotal role in developing and expanding MFDF's resources for fund independent directors. In June 2020, Carolyn became President of MFDF. In Carolyn's previous MFDF roles as Senior Counsel
and Counsel, she was instrumental in developing and enhancing MFDF's resources to assist independent directors in improving fund oversight. Immediately prior to joining the MFDF team, she lived in Naples, Italy. She was an associate in the Financial
Services Group of Dechert LLP from 2000 to 2003.
David B. Smith, Jr.
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
David Smith
is the Executive Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs at MFDF. He joined the MFDF team in November 2005. Previously, David served with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as Associate Director (Public Utility and Investment Company
Regulation) from 2001 to 2005. Prior to that he served as Assistant General Counsel for Investment Management, Office of the General Counsel, Senior Counsel, and staff attorney with the same Office.
Dianne M. Descoteaux
Senior Counsel
Dianne M. Descoteaux joined MFDF as Senior Counsel in October 2023. She has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney in the investment management industry and in private law practice advising clients on legal and compliance issues arising under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Prior to joining MFDF, Dianne was Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association. Before IAA, Dianne served as General Counsel at Cipperman Compliance Services, LLC, now a part of ACA Group, and worked as in-house counsel at SEI Investments. She has also practiced law in the Investment Management Practice Groups of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Morrison & Foerster LLP and Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young LLP. Dianne is a McKenna Scholar and Honors graduate of Claremont McKenna College and earned her law degree at Duke University School of Law.
Sara Vargo
Counsel
Sara Vargo joined MFDF in October
2021. Prior to joining the MFDF team, she was the Director of Government Relations and International Affairs at the Managed Funds Association. Earlier in her career she worked as a regulatory analyst at FINRA in the Office of Fraud Detection and
Market Intelligence, and on Capitol Hill as a subcommittee legal clerk for the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. She is a magna cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University, and earned a Juris Doctor from the University
of Toledo.
Young Hee Kim
Chief of Staff
Young Hee Kim
is the Chief of Staff at MFDF where she oversees the development and execution of strategic programs and projects that enhance member-focused educational and professional resources. With over a decade of experience at MFDF, Young has played a
pivotal role in shaping the organization’s operations and strategic direction. Before her tenure at MFDF, Young gained valuable experience in the federal government and nonprofit sectors. With an extensive background in public affairs, research
analysis, and strategic operations, Young’s unique skill set helps to drive MFDF’s mission forward.
Leslie Beckbridge
Operations & Member Services Manager
Leslie Beckbridge is the Operations & Member Services Manager at MFDF, a role that supports smooth functioning of MFDF’s systems and programs. Having initially joined MFDF as Membership Associate in March 2015, Leslie has developed expertise in fund board recruitment through her management of the Director Candidate Database. Prior to joining MFDF, Leslie gained skills in communications, database management, customer service, and recruiting that add to MFDF’s responsiveness to member directors and other key stakeholders.