Eileen Heitzler Honored as Public Finance Woman Trailblazer by The Bond Buyer


December.03.2015

​Orrick congratulates our board member Eileen Heitzler on being recognized in The Bond Buyer’s fifth annual report on Trailblazing Women in Public Finance, published in partnership with Northeast Women in Public Finance (NEWPF).

Members of NEWPF nominate women public finance professionals for selection based on their dedication and professional achievement and for their efforts to increase the opportunities for women in the field. This year’s report recognized 12 women from the public and private sectors, including representatives from leading financial institutions, law firms and city governments.

A fellow in the American College of Bond Counsel, Eileen has more than 30 years of experience serving as counsel on public finance transactions, with a focus on financings for museums and cultural institutions, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, affordable housing, governmental purposes and public power projects. She has also helped to structure and develop social impact financing programs. She was named one of The American Lawyer’s Dealmakers of the Year for her work on the Museum of Modern Art expansion financing through the Trust for Cultural Resources.

In a Q&A published as part of the report, Eileen discusses the aspects of her work that she enjoys most. “It’s intellectually challenging. There are complex strategic and legal issues to work through in every transaction,” she says, adding, “I also love being able to walk around and see the projects that my clients and I have been involved with, whether they are cultural institutions, universities, hospitals or government projects. My office at Orrick overlooks the Museum of Modern Art. I’ve worked on MoMA financings since I was a second-year associate. I’ve been very lucky to watch the Museum develop and am proud that I have had a part in it.”
Eileen also reflects on changes she has observed over the course of her career. “In the legal community, Orrick and other firms are taking more steps to invest in women. There are more women role models. Also, there’s a growing awareness about the “Power of Three”—the theory that you need at least three, whether it’s three women or any underrepresented group, within a leadership team to make an impact. I have certainly seen the power of that as a member of our board.”