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1. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which is also where I now have my office at MacElree Harvey. It’s great to serve the community I’ve always called home.

2. What did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I dreamed of being a police officer or an FBI agent — my dad was with the FBI. Later, I considered becoming a lawyer or even an archaeologist. I earned my bachelor’s degree in archaeology and anthropology from Catholic University.

3. What inspired you to pursue a legal career?
Law was always in the background for me. My dad, step-grandfather, and uncle were all lawyers. I realized I didn’t want to be a college professor, so I went to law school to explore the path, and I’m glad I did.

4. Who has had the greatest influence on your career?
My dad, the late Ronald C. Nagle. He was a senior judge for the Chester County Court of Common Pleas and Of Counsel at MacElree Harvey. His example shaped much of my professional path.

5. How long have you been with MacElree Harvey?
This month marks 20 years at the firm.

6. What drew you to land use and zoning law?
It really started with an interest in real estate. My mom was a realtor, and I’ve always liked the idea of building something tangible. That interest, combined with my background in archaeology and mentorship from other attorneys, naturally led me here.

7. How has your role evolved over the years?
I started as an Associate, and at the time, there were just two of us in the Land Use Department. We’ve since grown to six attorneys. I became a shareholder in 2014, joined the Executive Committee, and have led the Land Use department for many years now.

8. What do you enjoy most about working at MacElree Harvey?
The people. Our team is collaborative, invested, and always discussing new developments in the law. It’s an energizing environment where we’re all pushing toward the same goal: excellent results for our clients.

9. Can you share a recent accomplishment you’re proud of?
Expanding the depth and capability of our team has been huge. We now represent both local and national developers. One highlight was helping bring a new hotel to West Chester. We’ve also supported a wide range of residential, industrial, and commercial projects across the region.

10. Is there a project that stands out as especially meaningful?
There are many, It’s tough to pick just one. Some of the most rewarding work involves helping revitalize spaces in the community. 

11. What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts with dropping my third grader off at St. Agnes, followed by a workout or a walk/run with my wife. Then I’m in the office five days a week, juggling meetings, calls, and emails. It’s a full schedule, but I enjoy the pace.

12. How do you stay current with zoning regulations and policy changes?
When it’s your entire focus, staying current is part of the job. We’re always researching case law, and we meet monthly as a department to review new developments. I also regularly connect with other land use attorneys to share insights.

13. What’s a skill that’s helped you succeed in your practice?
Persistence, energy, and an unwavering focus on client goals. I’ve always believed in working hard and staying determined, especially when navigating complex projects.

14. What’s one thing you wish more clients understood before starting a zoning or development project?
The more informed and determined the client, the better. Having a clear, realistic vision and understanding of their project helps us move more efficiently toward success.

15. What’s something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m pretty open, so there aren’t many secrets! But some might be surprised to know I’m a big fan of Revolutionary War history.

Brian L. Nagle, a seasoned attorney specializing in land use and zoning law, brings a wealth of experience to his clients. Based in Pennsylvania, he leads the Land Use and Zoning group at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., where he represents a diverse clientele, including developers, entrepreneurs, and institutions . Beyond his legal practice, Brian is actively involved in the community, serving on various boards and committees. For those interested in learning more about his work or seeking legal guidance in land use matters, you can find additional information on his online bio.

West Chester, PA | May 25, 2025 — MacElree Harvey is proud to announce that 14 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 editions of Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars, prestigious designations awarded by Thomson Reuters. These honors reflect outstanding professional achievement and peer recognition, with no more than five percent of attorneys in each state selected for Super Lawyers and 2.5 percent for Rising Stars.

Notably, many of this year’s honorees have been recognized for more than a decade, with several earning Super Lawyers distinction for 15 years or more. This level of sustained recognition reflects the depth of experience and long-standing leadership within the firm, as well as our commitment to delivering trusted legal services across a broad range of practice areas.

2025 Super Lawyers®

• Robert A. Burke – Litigation – Trusts and Estates
  Recognized from 2015–2025 (11 years)
• Harry J. DiDonato – Business & Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law
  Recognized in 2008 and 2012–2025 (15 years)
  Top 100: Pennsylvania Super Lawyers: 2024; Top 100: Philadelphia Super Lawyers: 2024
• J. Charles Gerbron, Jr. – Land Use & Zoning Law, Real Estate Law
  Recognized from 2022–2025; previously a Rising Star from 2013–2020 (12 years)
• Peter E. Kratsa – Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Family Law
  Recognized from 2021–2025 (5 years)
• Brian L. Nagle – Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law
  Recognized from 2013–2025 (13 years)
• Lance J. Nelson – Family Law
  Recognized from 2010–2012 and 2014–2025 (15 years)
• Timothy F. Rayne – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  Recognized from 2009–2025 (17 years)
  Top 100: Pennsylvania Super Lawyers: 2012, 2014–2025; Top 100: Philadelphia Super Lawyers: 2012, 2014–2025

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2025 Rising Stars

• Patrick J. Boyer – Family Law
  Recognized from 2021–2025 (5 years)
• Matthew C. Cooper – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  Recognized from 2023–2025 (3 years)
• Caroline G. Donato – Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  Recognized from 2018–2025 (8 years)
• Brian J. Forgue – Business Litigation
  Recognized from 2018–2025 (8 years)
• Patrick J. Gallo, Jr. – General & Civil Litigation
  Recognized from 2015–2025 (11 years)
• Robert M. Tucker, Jr. – Land Use & Zoning
  Recognized from 2019–2025 (7 years)

About MacElree Harvey, Ltd.:
MacElree Harvey is a full-service law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing clients with reliable representation across various practice areas, including business and corporate law, criminal defense, family law, litigation, personal injury, real estate and land use, and trusts and estates. We believe in Initiative in Practice® and delivering results for every client, every day.

For more information, visit www.macelree.com.

WEST CHESTER, PA | May 18, 2025 – MacElree Harvey is proud to announce its recognition as a 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer. This esteemed honor is based on employee feedback collected through a third-party survey conducted by Energage, LLC, highlighting the firm’s commitment to fostering a supportive and high-performing work environment.

In the 2025 rankings, MacElree Harvey secured the 61st position among small companies in the Philadelphia region.  

The Philadelphia Inquirer featured MacElree Harvey in its Top Workplaces 2025 campaign with an article titled “MacElree Harvey: Built on Excellence. Driven by People.”   The article emphasizes the firm’s dedication to a culture that blends high performance with high engagement, stating: 

“At MacElree Harvey, our strength comes from our people — smart, driven professionals who care deeply about doing meaningful work and supporting one another.”

CEO Michelle Foster elaborated on the firm’s culture, saying:

“At MacElree Harvey, culture drives performance. The culture we have built is intentional. It’s how we lead, how we grow, and how we deliver for our clients. We are thoughtful about who we hire, how we work together, and how we invest in one another.”

The Top Workplaces award evaluates organizations based on key culture drivers such as alignment, execution, and connection. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, this year’s winners represent organizations that excel in putting their people first.

To read the full article from The Philadelphia Inquirer, visit: MacElree Harvey: Built on Excellence. Driven by People.

In honor of Women’s History Month, MacElree Harvey had the privilege of speaking with Angie Plocinik, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Creative Benefits, a proud women-owned company with offices in Newtown Square and Kingston, Pennsylvania. They specialize in designing and managing comprehensive employee benefits programs, aiming to align benefits programs with each client’s strategic goals while ensuring regulatory compliance and effective communication.

Join us as we explore Angie’s journey, her experiences at a women-owned company, and the advice she has for future female leaders in the industry:

1. What does working for a woman-owned business mean to you?

“Being that Creative Benefits is a woman-owned, there is an underlying compassion in the foundation of our work that we think is a great benefit to our clients and their employees.  As women, we add a different perspective of understanding and dedication when working with our clients in the health and wellness space.”

2. How does this company support and uplift women in the workplace?

“Our team of 75 employees happens to be predominately women.  I think our business culture and the roles we fill must naturally attract women. Maybe it’s because of the way we do business – I don’t know! I just know that our team is supportive of each other both professionally and personally.”

3. How has working at Creative Benefits influenced your professional growth or career path?

“I’ve never had a barrier to advance, to being able to excel or further my career in any way I want to. Creative Benefits has always given me any opportunity that I am able to handle, that I want, and/or that I create. I don’t feel like that happens everywhere.”

4. What challenges do you think women still face in business, and how does this company address them?

“Internally, I don’t feel like I have any barriers to being able to grow, advance or improve myself. I know that I am fortunate, as many women in other companies are not always given the same opportunities or support. There’s still a ways to go for women to be on an equal playing field, but I hope we continue to empower the women who work with us, because that’s how we can affect change.”

5. What are some achievements of this company that you are particularly proud of?

“We’ve grown to be nominated as one of the top brokerage firms in the Philadelphia area. We’ve also been named as one of the Top Workplaces in the Philadelphia Business Journal for four years running. I’m proud to be part of that.” I have also witnessed the growth within our company over the past 20 years and it has been amazing. 

6. Have you had any female mentors or role models within the company? How have they impacted you?

“Ruth Graham was our founder and president and unfortunately she passed away a few years ago.  Ruth was a huge, prominent figure at Creative Benefits. She really helped me grow – always challenging how I could push myself harder, and dig deeper, to find the right answer. We still hear her voice when we’re in challenging situations.

Also, Macee Keelan, who has taken over our company, is following in Ruth’s footsteps and keeping our culture the way we want it. And Bernadette O’Neill has been a terrific mentor for me as well; my learning from her personally and professionally is so profound that I can’t even put it into words.”

7. What advice would you give to women looking to succeed in your industry?

“I would say our industry is still predominantly male-dominated, but that is changing. As a woman, being able to look at employee benefits and understand the real need for that personal touch can help differentiate you. The biggest thing?  Do what you say you’re going to do always deliver on your promises and work to not just meet expectations but exceed them.  Gaining trust is the most important thing with a client. If they don’t trust you, you have nothing.”

8. Why do you think it’s important to highlight women-owned businesses during Women’s History Month?

“Because it shows the impact women can have in business. Women bring different qualities to the table, and having those different thinkers at every stage of business is crucial. The more we highlight and empower women, the more change we can create.”

9. How do you see the role of women in business evolving in the future?

“I hope to see more women in leadership roles—higher-level leadership roles. There’s always a need for balance in business. Women and men complement each other in the workplace. It’s important that we continue to create space for different voices at the table.”

MacElree Harvey is proud to recognize and support women-owned businesses like Creative Benefits, which are driving positive change and fostering female leadership in the industry. By fostering an environment where women can thrive, companies like Creative Benefits set a powerful example of what’s possible when inclusivity, mentorship, and professional growth are prioritized. As we honor Women’s History Month, we recognize the impact of women in business and the importance of championing their contributions—today and in the future.

To learn more about Creative Benefits, visit creativebenefitsinc.com. 

As we observe International Women’s Day, we recognize the leadership of MacElree Harvey CEO Michelle Foster, whose influence extends well beyond strategy and operations.

Through insights from her colleagues and Michelle’s own philosophy, we celebrate the qualities that make Michelle an exemplary CEO.

A Leadership Philosophy Built on Empowerment

Michelle Foster believes that fostering a culture of integrity begins with personal accountability. 

“By emphasizing personal accountability, we build a culture of integrity and proactive problem-solving. A negative mindset—marked by denial, excuses, and blame—can only hold us back. But when we take responsibility for our actions, we foster growth, resilience, and innovation.” – Michelle Foster, Philadelphia Business Journal, “Most Admired CEOs 2024” 

Her leadership is built around trust, collaboration, and collective responsibility, empowering individuals across the firm to contribute meaningfully. 

“Michelle exemplifies her expectations. Her own performance and work ethic set the bar for others to reach. ‘Do as I do, not just as I say.’ This, coupled with her caring nature, makes the workplace feel welcoming and supportive for everyone.” – Colleague at MacElree Harvey 

A Proven Track Record of Success

Michelle joined MacElree Harvey in 2004, progressing steadily from Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer to CEO in 2015. Her financial acumen guided the firm through significant economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, when her strategies led to increased revenues despite broader economic downturns. Her strategic leadership has led to over a 45% increase in profit per partner and gross revenue within five years. 

As a woman leading a law firm in a highly competitive market, Michelle has had to navigate unique challenges while continuously driving the firm’s success. She has broken barriers in an industry where women remain underrepresented in executive leadership roles, proving strong strategic leadership.

“To maintain a competitive edge, I prioritize aligning our firm’s culture and compensation structure with efficiency and revenue growth. Our ongoing success is driven by a team of talented, highly motivated, and loyal employees. Their personal initiative, extensive industry expertise, and commitment to delivering first-class service are vital in strengthening our client relationships.” – Michelle Foster, Philadelphia Business Journal 

The Power of Mentorship

“When there is an opportunity to do for others as others have done for me (and continue to do), I embrace it. True mentorship is organic, especially when there is a motivated, driven, and interested mentee. It reinforces my commitment to always operating at peak potential and taking my own advice in challenging circumstances.” – Michelle Foster, Philadelphia Business Journal 

“Michelle always encourages growth, provides opportunities for self-improvement, and pushes you to step outside your comfort zone. She leads by example, demonstrating hard work, integrity, and dedication—qualities that inspire us to do the same.” – Colleague at MacElree Harvey 

“She leads with heart, recognizing potential in others even before they see it in themselves.” – Colleague at MacElree Harvey 

Prioritizing People 

“Michelle recognizes the effort made by her team and gives constant and constructive feedback. She is a genuinely caring leader, making everyone feel appreciated and motivated.” 

“With intelligence, grace, and unwavering determination, Michelle navigates challenges effortlessly, lifting those around her with kindness and strength. Her leadership is not just about results—it’s about people.” – Colleague at MacElree Harvey 

Michelle Foster’s leadership, marked by strategic growth and genuine care, continues to set an exemplary standard within the legal industry and beyond. She inspires others to pursue excellence, accountability, and mutual support.