Nada Ismail is a seasoned legal executive and business advisor with over 25 years of distinguished experience in corporate law, corporate governance, compliance, and legal operations. Renowned for her emotional intelligence and practical, business-oriented solutions, Nada has become the go-to in-house counsel for high-stakes regulatory and corporate matters. Her career has been marked by transformative leadership and a commitment to fostering ethical practices, earning her recognition as a trusted advisor to executive teams and a pioneer in the field of compliance.

Nada’s professional journey began as a commercial litigator with an Am Law 100 firm, where she developed a deep appreciation for risk management. This experience paved the way for notable roles at NuStar Energy L.P. and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where she honed her ability to align legal objectives with business goals and proactively avoid litigation. As Executive Director, Managing Counsel, at NuStar, a publicly traded energy company, she advised C-Suite executives on enterprise risk management, transactional, litigation, compliance, and regulatory matters. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives that strengthened NuStar’s legal and compliance enterprise systems and programs —particularly in federal grants, anti-corruption, and OFAC regulations—earning the prestigious NuStar Bright Star and Star Performer Awards. She also successfully recovered over $100 million for the company in various legal disputes and bad debt recoveries.

Nada’s expertise is founded upon her honed leadership skills. She has led cross-functional teams, mentored professionals, and fostered collaboration across organizational levels. Her dedication to ethical leadership and diversity has shaped her team-building approach, ensuring her teams are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed.

In addition to her corporate roles, Nada has contributed significantly to nonprofit and community organizations. As President of the Board of Trustees for Ransomed Life, Inc., she champions children’s welfare and supports initiatives that address critical societal issues. Her volunteer efforts with Charming Pets Rescue and Texas Wolfdog Project & Shelter demonstrate her passion for animal welfare and humanitarian work.

Nada’s academic foundation is as robust as her professional career. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, and she is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Rice University. Alongside her legal expertise, she has training in finance, accounting, marketing, leadership, operations, and data analytics, which further amplifies her ability to provide comprehensive, strategic counsel. A Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) and Leadership Professional in Ethics & Compliance (LPEC), Nada also holds certification as a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) and is actively pursuing additional credentials in privacy and corporate governance.

Nada’s international exposure spans engagements in Canada, Mexico, England, the Netherlands, and the Southern Caribbean. This global perspective enables her to navigate diverse regulatory frameworks and cultural nuances, enhancing her value as an advisor in multinational contexts.

Nada’s personal values mirror her professional ethos. She is enthusiastic about fostering integrity, and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. Often regarded as the primary resource for in-house business and legal guidance, she excels at forging connections, fostering strong relationships, and articulating complex legal and compliance matters with both clarity and empathy.

“Well-executed compliance initiatives are proactive, strategic, and highly valuable. By connecting with people, building relationships, and having open conversations, I convey the importance of compliance programs and gain buy-in at all organizational levels.”

Nada Ismail embodies the qualities of a visionary leader: character, knowledge, strategic acumen, and communication excellence. Her enduring contributions to the fields of law and compliance—combined with her unwavering dedication to integrity and empowerment—make her a formidable force in the legal and business worlds.

Position: Member
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Location: San Antonio, Texas