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36 Hartford Business Journal • August 5, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 UNDER FORTY 2019 E dward B. Spinella is a partner at Murtha Cullina LLP. He is a member of the firm's business and finance department and chairs the firm's tax-exempt organizations prac- tice group. He is also a member of the privately owned business, education and health care practice groups. Spinella serves as general counsel to a diverse array of tax-exempt organiza- tions including startup public charities, social-service providers, other health- care organizations, private foundations, social clubs and trade associations. Recently, he has counseled clients in connection with cutting-edge projects such as the creation of integrated af- filiated systems containing tax-exempt and for-profit organizations. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I am very proud to have emerged as one of the 'go-to' nonprofit attor- neys in the state. I am regularly asked to help tax-exempt organizations explore new revenue-generating ac- tivities and strategic collaborations. I have been constantly assisting clients with incubating social entrepreneur- ship ventures as well as exploring mergers. I am also proud that I was named partner at my former firm at the age of 33 and was named chair of my cur- rent firm's tax-exempt organization practice group at age 35. How are you involved in the community? I regularly present free educational seminars to nonprofit personnel and ad- visors and I make time to share insights with tax-exempt organizations and their advisors, irrespective of whether they are formally clients. I also serve on two nonprofit boards. What do you like to do outside of work? I love the outdoors. When I'm not fishing, I enjoy going on outdoor excursions with my wife and daughter, including a recent visit to a modern- ized dairy farm in Litchfield County that quite possibly makes the best ice cream I've ever tasted. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • I am one of Connecticut's go-to nonprofit attorneys. • I was named partner at my former firm at age 33 and was named chair of my current firm's tax-exempt organization practice group at 35. • I chair a profitable and expanding practice group founded on empa- thy and passion for the nonprofit sector. • I organize and moderate Murtha's "First Friday" meetings, which allow attorneys throughout our of- fices to discuss developments and share insights. FUN FACT I am a huge proponent of 'the levity effect' — responsible levity promotes better workplace morale, increased production and better client service. Edward B. Spinella Partner, Murtha Cullina LLP Age: 36 No. of years with current company: 2 Town where I live: Glastonbury Town where I work: Hartford College: Holy Cross Highest degree: Law degree Who is your favorite superhero? Batman Is this your marketing strategy? Let us sweat the details. Social media | Email newsletters | Content marketing Ad buys | Consulting & Coaching | Website design www.halldavismarketing.com | 860-407-4767