Ballard Spahr's Emilie Ninan Wins Prestigious Award for Trailblazing Women in Public Finance

Emilie R. Ninan, Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s national Finance Department, has been named the private sector winner of the 2022 Freda Johnson Award for Trailblazing Women in Public Finance, presented by The Bond Buyer and Northeast Women in Public Finance (NEWPF). The award will be presented at The Bond Buyer's Deal of the Year Awards Gala in New York City on Dec. 6.

Named for the trailblazing NEWPF founding board member, the prestigious annual Freda Johnson Award recognizes two women—one in the public sector and one in the private sector—who exemplify Ms. Johnson’s qualities as a trailblazer, leader, innovator, and mentor. Annual winners are among the most influential women in the industry, whose extraordinary accomplishments are helping redefine the public finance landscape. This year’s public sector winner is Deborah Goldberg, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

As noted by The Bond Buyer, Ms. Johnson described this year's winners as “powerhouses in their respective careers,” adding that mentorship is important to both recipients.

“Leadership, thoughtfulness, and professionalism are hallmarks of everything Emilie undertakes at Ballard Spahr and across the finance industry,” firm Chair Mark Stewart said. “Emilie is a mentor and role model, and works tirelessly to support her Ballard Spahr colleagues, her clients, and the profession. We are proud to see her honored and fortunate to have her as our partner.”

Ms. Ninan’s legal practice has driven economic development through the financing of facilities for educational institutions, utility systems, manufacturing, affordable housing, and health care. She was the first woman to serve as Chair of Ballard Spahr’s nationally recognized Public Finance practice, the position she held prior to becoming Co-Chair of the Finance Department. She currently oversees the strategic direction of a Department comprised of more than 120 Finance attorneys in firm offices across the country. The Freda Johnson Award is the latest in a series of accolades recognizing Ms. Ninan for her accomplishments as a lawyer and leader, as well as her deep commitment to advancing the professional development of female attorneys and attorneys of color through mentoring, networking, and organizational leadership.

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